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Foundations in Herbalism > Herbal Actions (Medical Terminology) > Flashcards

Herbal Actions (Medical Terminology) Flashcards

1
Q

Adaptogenic

A

A tonic that helps to balance the body by supporting its ability to cope with physical, mental, and emotional stress.

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2
Q

Alterative

A

Supports the body in healthy cellular metabolism and its natural process of detoxification, cleansing, and elimination. (Aka Blood Cleanser)

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3
Q

Analgesic/Anodyne

A

Provides pain relief, either topical or internal

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4
Q

Anthelmintic

A

Helps expel parasitic worms from the body (Aka Vermifuge)

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5
Q

Anti-Anxiety

A

Helps lessen anxiety (Aka Anxiolytic)

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6
Q

Antibacterial

A

Inhibits the growth and production of bacterium

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7
Q

Anticatarrhal

A

Supports the body to dissolve, remove, or prevent the excess formation of mucous in the respiratory passages

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8
Q

Anti-Depressant

A

Lessens the frequency, occurrence, or intensity of depressive states

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9
Q

Anti-Fungal

A

Inhibits the excess growth and production of fungal infections

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10
Q

Anti-Histamine

A

Inhibits the physiological effects of histamine in the body, most often used to lessen the effects of allergic reaction

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11
Q

Anti-Inflammatory

A

Alleviates inflammation in the body

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12
Q

Anti-Microbial

A

Inhibits the growth and production of a broad spectrum of microbes including bacterium, fungi, viruses, and protozoans

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13
Q

Anti-Oxidant

A

Inhibits the production of free radicals in the body

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14
Q

Anti-Pyretic

A

Lowers or reduces a fever

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15
Q

Anti-Rheumatic

A

Relieves the pain and discomfort of musculoskeletal inflammation through a variety of actions

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16
Q

Anti-Spasmodic

A

Eases cramps and spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle tissue

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17
Q

Anti-Viral

A

Inhibits the growth and production of viruses

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18
Q

Aphrodesiac

A

Excites, nourishes, sustains, or elevates sexual or sensual desire

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19
Q

Astringent

A

Tightens or constricts bodily tissue, namely the mucous membranes and skin

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20
Q

Bitter

A

An herb known for its positive effect on digestive and liver function due to its bitter taste

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21
Q

Bronchodilator

A

Dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, thereby increasing airflow to the lungs

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22
Q

Cardiotonic

A

A tonic herb that has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels

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23
Q

Carminative

A

Aids the release, and reduces the production, of gas in the intestines

24
Q

Cathartic

A

Stimulates the movement of the bowels - MORE effective than a laxative

25
Q

Cholagogue

A

Stimulates the flow of bile from the liver - via the gall bladder. (Sometimes synonymous with Choleretic)

26
Q

Decongestant

A

Helps relieve nasal inflammation and congestion

27
Q

Demulcent

A

A mucilaginous (slimy) herb that soothes protects irritated mucous membranes

28
Q

Diaphoretic

A

Stimulates perspiration through peripheral vasodilation or stimulation of the sweat glands

29
Q

Diuretic

A

Increases the secretion and elimination of urine from the body

30
Q

Emetic

A

Induces vomiting

31
Q

Emmenagogue

A

Induces menses

32
Q

Emollient

A

Softens and sooths external tissue

33
Q

Expectorant

A

Aids in the removal of mucous - along with trapped debris and pathogens - from the lungs. Relaxing expectorants are used for dry, hot spasmodic coughing whereas stimulating expectorants are beneficial in removing thick, damp, productive coughs

34
Q

Galactagogue

A

Encourages the production and secretion of milk in humans

35
Q

Hemostatic

A

Helps reduce or stop bleeding

36
Q

Hepatic

A

Supports general liver function

37
Q

Hormone Balancer

A

Aids in balancing reproductive hormones

38
Q

Hypnotic

A

Inducing or sustaining deep sleep

39
Q

Hypoglycemic

A

Lowers blood sugar levels

40
Q

Hypotensive

A

Lowers blood pressure

41
Q

Immune Tonics

A

An herb that has been traditionally used over long periods of time to help bolster and support the immune system

42
Q

Immunomodulator

A

Regulates and balances the immune system

43
Q

Immunostimulant

A

An herb that is typically used in short-term infections to stimulate the immune system

44
Q

Laxative

A

Stimulates or facilitates peristalsis and fecal elimination

45
Q

Lymphagogue

A

Moves lymph fluid through the lymphatic system

46
Q

Nervine

A

An herb that has a positive effect on the nervous system

47
Q

Parturient

A

Provides support in childbirth

48
Q

Partus Preparator

A

Helps prepare a person’s body for labor

49
Q

Phytoestrogen

A

Compounds, produced by plants, with an ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites in the body, and subsequently illicit an estrogen-like effect

50
Q

Purgative

A

Stimulates the movement of the bowels

51
Q

Rubefacient

A

Enhances blood flor to an area when applied topically

52
Q

Sialagogue

A

Promotes saliva production

53
Q

Stimulants

A

Herbs that work to enliven the body’s physiological processes

54
Q

Styptic

A

An astringent herb that helps to reduce or stop external bleeding

55
Q

Vasodilator

A

Dilates the blood vessels

56
Q

Vermifuge

A

Expels parasitic worms from the body (Aka Anthelmintic)

57
Q

Vulnerary

A

Helps to heal tissue, both when applied topically or taken internally

Foundations in Herbalism (6 decks)

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