Medical Actions

Question 1

Alterative

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Analgesic, Anodyne

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Antacid

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Antihelminthic, Parasiticide

Answer 4

Expels worms and parasites from the system.

Examples: Aloe, Garlic, (The white rind of) Pomegranate, Chaparral, Rue, Wormwood, Thyme Oil, Thuja, and Tansy.

Question 5

Antiasthmatic

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Antibiotic

Answer 6

Kills germs, but most work by direct stimulation with the immune system.

Examples: Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Golden Seal, and Thyme.

Question 7

Anticatarrhal

Answer 7

Eliminates and prevents excess mucus build up in the system.

Examples: Cayenne, Ginger, Sage, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Garlic, Mullein, Yarrow, and Yerba Santa.

Question 8

Anti-Lithic, Lithotriptic

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Antiseptic, Anti-microbial

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Anti-Spasmodic

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Astringent

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Bitter

Answer 12

Act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system through a reflex via the taste buds.

Examples: Centaury, Gentian, Golden Seal, Horehound, and Wormwood.

Question 13

Carminative

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Galactogogue

Answer 14

Increase the secretion of mother’s milk.

Examples: Fennel, Fenugreek, Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, and Raspberry.

Question 15

Demulcent

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Diaphoretic

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Diuretic

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Emmenagogue

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Emollient

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Expectorant

Answer 20

Herbs that help expel or expect excess mucus from the system.

Examples: Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Lobelia, Yerba Santa, Coltsfoot, and Grindelea.

Question 21

Hepatic

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Hemostatic

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Laxative

Answer 23

Promote bowel movement.
Laxatives are less drastic than purgatives.

Examples: Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Flaxseed, and Rhubarb Root.

Question 24

Lithotripic

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Nervine

Answer 25

Herbs that calm, strengthen and tone the nervous system.

Examples: Catnip, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Lady’s slipper, Oat Straw, Peppermint, Valerian, and Wild Lettuce.

Question 26

Pectoral

Answer 26

Have a general healing and strengthening effect on the respiratory system.

Examples: Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Mullen, and Licorice.

Question 27

Rubefacient

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Sedative

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Sialagogue

Answer 29

Stimulate the secretion of saliva and thus aid in the digestion.

Examples: Echinacea, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Gentian, and Ginger.

Question 30

Stimulant

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

Styptic

Answer 31

Reduce or stop external bleeding by their astringent and/or coagulating effects.

Examples: Yarrow, Shepherd’s Purse, and Cobwebs.

Question 32

Tonic

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Vulnerary

Answer 33

Herbs that promote wound healing.

Examples: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Golden Seal, Chickweed, Calendula, Plantain, and St. John’s Wort.