Terms - Therapeutic Actions

Question 1

Adaptogen? Ex?

Answer 1

generally strengthens the body systems (also called Tonic).

Ex: Asian ginseng, Siberian ginseng

Question 2

Analgesic?

Answer 2

Reduced or relieves pain

Question 3

Anodyne?

Answer 3

pain relieving, not as potent than anesthetic or narcotic.

Question 4

Antihelmintic?

Answer 4

expels or destroys intestinal worms (also called Vermifuge).

Question 5

Antipyretic?

Answer 5

reduces or prevents fever (also Febrifuge).

Question 6

Antispasmodic

Answer 6

relieves spasms or cramps.

Question 7

Aphrodisiac?

Answer 7

increases sexual desire or potency.

Question 8

Astringent? Ex?

Answer 8

contracts or shrinks tissues; used to decrease secretions or control bleeding.

• Witch hazel, horse chestnut

Question 9

Bitter tonic? Ex?

Answer 9

possesses an acrid, astringent or disagreeable taste that stimulates flow of saliva and gastric juices.

Ex: Gentian root

Question 10

Calmative?

Answer 10

Mild sedative or hypnotic properties

Question 11

Carminative? Ex?

Answer 11

stops the formation of intestinal gas and helps expel gas that has already formed.

Ex: Peppermint, chamomile

Question 12

Cathartic?

Answer 12

powerfully activates intestinal peristalsis, used to relieve severe constipation (also called Purgative, compare Laxative).

Question 13

Cholegogue? Ex?

Answer 13

stimulates secretion and release of bile (also called Choleretic).

Ex: Dandelion root

Question 14

Choleretic? Ex?

Answer 14

Same as Cholegogue

Question 15

Counterirritant

Answer 15

causes a distracting irritation intended to relieve another irritation.

Question 16

Demulcent? Ex?

Answer 16

soothes irritated tissue, especially mucous membranes.

Ex: Slippery elm, Aloe leaf

Question 17

Diaphoretic?

Answer 17

Promotes sweating

Question 18

Diuretic

Answer 18

promotes urine production and flow.

Question 19

Emetic?

Answer 19

Induces vomiting

Question 20

Emollient?

Answer 20

Softens or soothes skin

Question 21

Expectorant?

Answer 21

increases bronchial secretions and facilitates their expulsion through coughing, spitting or sneezing.

Question 22

Febrifuge?

Answer 22

Same as antipyretic

Question 23

Galactogogue

Answer 23

Increases secretion of milk

Question 24

Hepatic?

Answer 24

Affects the liver

Question 25

Laxative? Ex?

Answer 25

gently promotes bowel movements. Ex: Senna, cascara, psyllium

Question 26

Nervine?

Answer 26

calms nervousness, tension or excitement.

Question 27

Pectoral?

Answer 27

relieves ailments of the chest and lungs.

Question 28

Purgative

Answer 28

Same as cathartic

Question 29

Sedative? Ex?

Answer 29

reduces nervous tension; usually stronger than a calmative. Ex: Valerian

Question 30

Soporific?

Answer 30

Induces sleep

Question 31

Stimulant?

Answer 31

excites or quickens a process or activity of the body.

Question 32

Stomachic?

Answer 32

gives strength and tone to the stomach or stimulates the appetite by promoting digestive secretions.

Question 33

Tonic

Answer 33

Same as adaptogen

Question 34

Vermifuge?

Answer 34

Same as antihelmintic