Herbal Actions to Know

Question 1

Adaptogen

Answer 1

action concept unique to herbal therapeutics, inscreases resistance and endurance to adverse influences such as stress, anxiety

Question 2

Alterative

Answer 2

Helps body assimilate nutrients, eliminate waste, restore proper function

Question 3

Anodyne, analgesic

Answer 3

Relieves pain when adminstered orally or externally

Question 4

Antacid

Answer 4

neutralizes stomach acid

Question 5

Anticatarrhal

Answer 5

Counteracts build-up of excess mucus and inflammation in sinus/respiratory parts

Question 6

Anti-emetic

Answer 6

Relieves nausea/vomiting

Question 7

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 7

combats extensive inflammation

Question 8

anti-microbial

Answer 8

helps body immunes system destroy/resist proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms

Question 9

Anti-oxidant

Answer 9

protects the body against free radical damage (free radicals are highly reactive compounds that bind to and destroy other molecules)

Question 10

antiseptic

Answer 10

prevents or eliminates sepsis (infectious destructive condition of tissue)

Question 11

antispasmodic

Answer 11

prevents or eases spasms or cramping in the body

Question 12

aperient

Answer 12

a gentle stimulant to digestion, having a very mild laxative action

Question 13

aphrodisiac

Answer 13

increases sexual excitement and desire (libido)

Question 14

astringent

Answer 14

contracts, firms, and strengthens body tissues by precipitating proteins and can reduce excess secretions and discharge

Question 15

bitter

Answer 15

stimulates the normal secretion of digestive juices, benefiting digestion – helps counteract physical and sometimes emotional depression

Question 16

carminative

Answer 16

rich in aromatic volatile oils having sweet/spicy or fragrant aroma which can lend a pleasant flavor to other herbs, excite peristalsis (involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward) promote farting soothe stomach and support healthy digestion

Question 17

cholagogue

Answer 17

promotes discharge and flow of bile from the gallbladder (gogue = to flow)

Question 18

counter-irritant (revulsive)

Answer 18

induces local irritation of skin, relieves congestion

Question 19

demulcent

Answer 19

mucilaginous herbs that relax, soothe and protect tissue

Question 20

derivative

Answer 20

draws blood/fluids from one part of the body to relieve congestion in another