Adaptogen
helps the body adapt to certain internal or external stressors
Alterative
gradually restore proper function to the body and increase health and vitality
Analgesic
reduces or relieves pain
Antihistamine
reduces histamine production, thus minimising allergy symptoms
Anti-inflammatory
helps reduce inflammatory response throughout the body
Antimicrobial
inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
Antioxidant
inhibits oxidation within the body and help remove oxidised agents from the body
Antiseptic
inhibits the growth of microorganism on living tissue
Antispasmodic
helps reduce spasm and cramping within the body
Antiviral
counters viral effects or infection
Anxiolytic
reductive effect on anxiety or panic
Astringent
tightens soft tissue and cells
Bitter
helps promote digestion by stimulating the production of digestive secretions (i.e. saliva in the mouth and bile in the liver)
Bronchodilator
dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, allowing more air to reach the lungs
Cardiotonic
supportive of the heart and circulatory system
Carminative
helps relieve and expel gas within the body
Cholagogue
promotes the flow of bile
Demulcent
soothing to irritated mucosal tissues, usually by forming a protective coating across them
Diaphoretic
induces sweating
Diuretic
increases the production of urine
Emmenagogue
stimulates blood flow in the pelvis and uterus, typically promoting menstrual flow
Expectorant
helps to expel mucous from the respiratory system
Galactagogue
promotes lactation
Hepatic
tones and strengthens the liver
Hepatoprotective
helps protect the liver
Hypotensive
aids in lowering blood pressure
Immunostimulant
stimulate the immune system
Laxative
helps loosen stools and stimulate bowel function
Lymphatic tonic
supports the function of the lymphatic systems
Mucilaginous
gelatinous constituent present in some plants; often used for their demulcent effect
Nervine
soothing and protective of the nervous system
Nootropic
helps enhance cognitive function and increase circulation to the brain
Nutritive
nourishing to the body
Sedative
helps induce sleepiness and relaxation
Stimulant
temporarily excites a process or organ
Styptic
contracts tissues or blood vessels; stops the flow of blood
Trophorestorative
a nutritive restorative to the body; it nourishes, tones and strengthens
Vasodilator
widens blood vessels, decreasing resistance of blood flow
Vulnerary
promotes the healing of wounds
Herbal She Wrote 