Medical Actions Flashcards
Alterative
Blood Purifier
These are agents that gradually and favorably alter the condition of the blood. They aid the body in assimilating nutrients and eliminating metabolic waste products: Neutralizes acidic conditions in the body: Aids in protein assimilation. Generally extremely high in minerals and some vitamins.
Examples: Burdock Root, Dandelion Leaf and Root, Echinacea, Red Clover Golden Seal, Oregon Grape Root, Nettles, and Yellow Dock Root
Analgesic, Anodyne
Reduces pain
Used both internally and externally depending on the herb. May also be antispasmodics, relieving pain by reducing cramping in muscles. Most affect the nerves directly by reducing pain signals to the brain.
Examples: Skullcap, Valerian, Lobelia, Catnip, Chamomile, Cloves, Cramp Bark, and Passion Flower
Antacid
Neutralizes excess acid in the stomach and intestines.
Most also contain demulcent properties to soothe, protect and heal the stomach lining.
Examples: Irish Moss, Slippery Elm, Fennel Seed, Dandelion Leaf and Root, Most Seaweeds, and Pysllium Seeds
Antihelminthic, Parasiticide
Expels worms and parasites from the system.
Examples: Aloe, Garlic, (The white rind of) Pomegranate, Chaparral, Rue, Wormwood, Thyme Oil, Thuja, and Tansy.
Antiasthmatic
Relieves symptoms of asthma.
Dilates the bronchioles and breaks up mucus.
Examples: Coltsfoot, Mullein, Lobelia, Yerba Santa, Elecampane, Pleurisy Root, and Comfrey Leaf and Root.
Antibiotic
Kills germs, but most work by direct stimulation with the immune system.
Examples: Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Golden Seal, and Thyme.
Anticatarrhal
Eliminates and prevents excess mucus build up in the system.
Examples: Cayenne, Ginger, Sage, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Garlic, Mullein, Yarrow, and Yerba Santa.
Anti-Lithic, Lithotriptic
Prevent and eliminate urinary and biliary stones and gravel.
Examples: (Urinary Stones) Gravel Root, Parsley Root, Marshmallow Root, Dandelion Root, Cleavers, Buchu, Cornsilk, and Stone Root.
Examples: Biliary Stones (Gallbladder) Oregon Grape Root.
Antiseptic, Anti-microbial
Herbs that help prevent the growth of bacteria and resist Pathogenic micro-organisms.
Examples: Golden Seal, Chaparral Calendula, Myrrh, Sage, Garlic, and the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Pine, Clove, Juniper Berries, Thyme.
Anti-Spasmodic
Prevent or ease cramps in the body and muscle spasms.
Examples: Cramp Bark, Lobelia, Black Cohosh, Lady’s Slipper, Skullcap, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam, and Blue Cohosh.
Astringent
Constrict tissue by precipitating proteins and thus reduces discharge and secretions.
Most astringents contain tannins.
Examples: Bayberry Bark, Wild Oak Bark, Witch Hazel Bark, Princess Pine, Uva Ursi, Cranesbill, and Oak Gall.
Bitter
Act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system through a reflex via the taste buds.
Examples: Centaury, Gentian, Golden Seal, Horehound, and Wormwood.
Carminative
Aids the release of gas and griping on the bowels.
Are rich in volatile oils, stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive system and relax the stomach.
Examples: Angelica, Anise, Caraway, Cardamon, Calamus, Ginger, Dill, Cayenne, Chamomile, and Peppermint.
Galactogogue
Increase the secretion of mother’s milk.
Examples: Fennel, Fenugreek, Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, and Raspberry.
Demulcent
Soothing and healing to irritated and inflamed tissue. Rich in mucilage. Important herbs in most formulas.
Examples: Comfrey, Slippery Elm, Licorice, Irish Moss, Chickweed, Psyllium, Chia, Flax, Aloe Vera, Fennugreek, Mullein, and Oatmeal.
Diaphoretic
Induce sweating by stimulating the kidneys.
Diaphoretics must be taken hot; when given cool or cold they influence the kidneys in a different method – they act as diuretics.
Examples: Yarrow, Catnip, Elder, Ginger, Peppermint.
Diuretic
Herbs that increase the flow of urine.
Used to treat water retention, cystitis, overweight, edema, and types of skin infections.
Examples: Parsley, Uva Ursi, Cleavers, Buchu, Dandelion, Nettles, Horsetail, Cornsilk, and Yarrow.
Emmenagogue
Herbs that help promote menstruation flow and bring on the cycle.
This term is often used in a more generalized way to describe herbs used as tonics to the female system.
Examples: (Herbs that help promote menstruation) Pennyroyal, Rue, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Angelica.
Examples: (Herbs that are generalized tonics for female reproductive system) Blessed Thistle, False Unicorn Root, Motherwort, Mugwort, Raspberry, and Yarrow.
Emollient
Herbs that applied externally soften and soothe the skin. Similar to demulcents which are used internally, these soothing herbs are called emollients when used externally.
Examples: Flaxseed, Slippery Elm, Comfrey, and Chickweed.
Expectorant
Herbs that help expel or expect excess mucus from the system.
Examples: Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Lobelia, Yerba Santa, Coltsfoot, and Grindelea.
Hepatic
Herbs that aid the liver, help tone, strengthen and increase bile flow of the liver.
All contain active bitter principles.
Examples: Dandelion, Oregon Grape Root, Golden Seal, Wild Yam, and Yellow Dock.
Hemostatic
Help stop hemorrhaging and internal bleeding.
Includes astringents that affect the blood coagulation.
Examples: Cayenne, Yarrow, Shepherds Purse, Cranesbill, Golden Seal, and White Oak Bark.
Laxative
Promote bowel movement.
Laxatives are less drastic than purgatives.
Examples: Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Flaxseed, and Rhubarb Root.
Lithotripic
Herbs that help dissolve and eliminate urinary and biliary stones/gravel.
Examples: (Kidney Stones) Gravel Root, Parsley, Dandelion Root, and Nettle.
Examples: (Gallbladder) Oregon Grape Root, Wild Yam Root, and Cascara Sagrada.
Nervine
Herbs that calm, strengthen and tone the nervous system.
Examples: Catnip, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Lady’s slipper, Oat Straw, Peppermint, Valerian, and Wild Lettuce.
Pectoral
Have a general healing and strengthening effect on the respiratory system.
Examples: Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Mullen, and Licorice.
Rubefacient
When applied to the skin, these herbs stimulate the dilation of the capillaries and can cause local irritation. They thereby draw inflammation and congestion from deeper tissue. They also increase circulation and promote surface warmth.
Examples: Cayenne, Clove, Horseradish, Mustard, and Ginger.
Sedative
Reduce stress and nervous disorders throughout the body.
Are used as an aid for sleep and to induce calmnas.
Examples: Black Cohosh, Valerian, Passion Flower, Lady’s Slipper, Chamomile, and Skullcap.
Sialagogue
Stimulate the secretion of saliva and thus aid in the digestion.
Examples: Echinacea, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Gentian, and Ginger.
Stimulant
Increase the energy of the body by quickening and enlivening the physiological function of the body.
Examples: Cayenne, Ginger, Peppermint, Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, Sage, Rosemary, Astragalus, Prickly Ash, Mustard, and Horseradish.
Styptic
Reduce or stop external bleeding by their astringent and/or coagulating effects.
Examples: Yarrow, Shepherd’s Purse, and Cobwebs.
Tonic
Herbs that strengthen, nourish and enliven specific organs of the body.
Most tonics have general effects on the whole body and, depending on the tonic herb being used, specific effects on various organs.
Examples: Ginseng, Dong Qui, Nettle, Dandelion, and Raspberry Leaf.
Vulnerary
Herbs that promote wound healing.
Examples: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Golden Seal, Chickweed, Calendula, Plantain, and St. John’s Wort.
