Glossary

Abortifacient- Causes abortion

Alterative-purifies blood, changes quality by improving immune system, and kidney and liver functioning.

Analgesic- Reduces pain without altering consciousness

Anti-inflammatory- Reduces inflammation

Antiseptic- Destroys or inhibits organisms which cause infection

Antispasmodic- Relieves muscle spasm or reduces muscle tone

Antitussive- Soothes and relieves coughing

Astringent- Tightens mucous membranes and skin, reduces secretions and bleeding from abrasions

Cardiotonic- Improves heart function

Carminative- Relieves digestive gas and indigestion

Decoction- Water-based preparations of berries, seeds, roots, or bark simmered in boiling water

Diaphoretic- Induces sweating

Diuretic- Stimulates urine flow

Emmenagogue- Stimulates menstrual flow

Estrogenic- Supports and maintains the female body with a similar action as estrogen

Febrifuge- reduces fever

Ginsenocide-increase energy, counters the effects of stress, and enhances intellectual and physical performance.

Hemostatic- Stops or reduces bleeding

Hormonal balancer- regulates hormone production

Infusion- Water-based preparation in which leaves, flowers or stems are
brewed like tea

Narcotic- Causes drowsiness or stupor and alleviates pain

Nervine- Relaxes and restores nerves and the nervous system

Oxytocic- Induces contractions of the uterus

Panaxan- Lower blood sugar

Photosensitive- Heightened sensitivity to the sun

Sedative- Reduces nervous excitement and physical activity

Stomachic- Eases stomach pain or increases stomach activity

Styptic- Stops bleeding when applied topically

Tincture- Plant medicine prepared by soaking herbs in alcohol and water

Tonic- Restorative or nourishing action on the physical system

Tonify- Restores and strengthens systems of the body

Topical- Application of herbs to the skin

Vasodilator- Relaxes and widens blood vessels