Question | Answer |
Adaptagen | Increase (adapt) bodily resistance and vitality |
Alterative | Blood purifier --- Gradually restore proper function to the body --- Alter metabolism to improve tissue's ability to deal with body functions --- EX: Allium sativum |
Anti-inflammatory | Combat inflammation -- EX: Aesculus hippocastanum; Crataegus monogyna |
Antirheumatic | EX: Artemisia absinthium; Tanacetum parthenium; Zingiber officinale |
Antispasmodic/Spasmolytic | Prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles --- EX: Mentha x piperita; Rosmarinus officinalis; Tanacetum parthenium; Thymus vulgaris; Zingiber officinale |
Astringent | Tightening of tissue --- EX: Aesculus hippocastanum; Inula helenium; Rosmarinus officinalis |
Cardiotonic | Beneficial actions on the heart and blood vessels --- EX: Aesculus hippocastanum; Allium sativum; Crataegus monogyna; Ginkgo biloba; Rosmarinus officinalis; Zingiber officinale |
Cardioactive | Have a beneficial affect on the heart and blood vessels --- Contain cardiac glycosides --- EX: Convallaria majalis |
Cholagogue/Choleretic | Stimulate the flow of bile from the liver --- EX: Berberis vulgaris; Rosmarinus officinalis |
Diuretic | Remove excess fluid by increasing kidney's rate of urine production --- EX: Convallaria majalis; Crataegus monogyna |
Expectorant | Accelerate the removal of bronchial secretions from the bronchi and trachea --- EX: Inula helenium; Thymus vulgaris |
Hepatic | Aid the work of the liver --- EX: Artemisia absinthium; Berberis vulgaris; Inula helenium; Silybum marianum |
Nervine | Strengthens the nervous system --- EX: Viburnum opulus |
Stimulant | Quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body --- EX: Allium sativum; Artemisia absinthium; Inula helenium; Mentha x piperita; Rosmarinus officinalis; Senna alexandrina; Zingiber officinale |
Antitussive | Relieves coughing |
Emmenagogue | An agent that induces or increases menstrual flow |
Rubefacient | Causing a reddening of the skin by drawing blood into an area |
Bitter 1 | Bitter principles aka Terpenoid lactones --- Act on bitter taste buds --- Act by vagal reflex to: Stimulate gastric acid; Stimulate biliary secretion; Improve tone of GI sphincters; Laxative |
Bitter 2 | Constituents: Iridoids; Monoterpenes; Sesquiterpenes; Alkaloids --- EX: Artemisia absinthium; Berberis vulgaris |
Carminative 1 | Eases discomfort caused by flatulence --- Action stems from volatile oils: These terpenes have a local anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect on the mucous lining and muscle coats of the alimentary canal |
Carminative 2 | EX: Allium sativum; Artemisia absinthium; Mentha x piperita; Thymus vulgaris; Zingiber officinale |
Demulcent | Rich in mucilage --- Soothe and protect inflamed internal tissue --- EX: Althaea officinalis |