Herbal Actions to Know Flashcards
Adaptogen
action concept unique to herbal therapeutics, inscreases resistance and endurance to adverse influences such as stress, anxiety
Alterative
Helps body assimilate nutrients, eliminate waste, restore proper function
Anodyne, analgesic
Relieves pain when adminstered orally or externally
Antacid
neutralizes stomach acid
Anticatarrhal
Counteracts build-up of excess mucus and inflammation in sinus/respiratory parts
Anti-emetic
Relieves nausea/vomiting
Anti-inflammatory
combats extensive inflammation
anti-microbial
helps body immunes system destroy/resist proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms
Anti-oxidant
protects the body against free radical damage (free radicals are highly reactive compounds that bind to and destroy other molecules)
antiseptic
prevents or eliminates sepsis (infectious destructive condition of tissue)
antispasmodic
prevents or eases spasms or cramping in the body
aperient
a gentle stimulant to digestion, having a very mild laxative action
aphrodisiac
increases sexual excitement and desire (libido)
astringent
contracts, firms, and strengthens body tissues by precipitating proteins and can reduce excess secretions and discharge
bitter
stimulates the normal secretion of digestive juices, benefiting digestion – helps counteract physical and sometimes emotional depression
carminative
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
cholagogue
promotes discharge and flow of bile from the gallbladder (gogue = to flow)
counter-irritant (revulsive)
induces local irritation of skin, relieves congestion
demulcent
mucilaginous herbs that relax, soothe and protect tissue
derivative
draws blood/fluids from one part of the body to relieve congestion in another
