abortifacient = emmenogogue- induces abortion.
adaptogen- a remedy that improves adaptability. Useful for stressed
people.
allergy- a hypersensitivity to the environment. May manifest as
eczema, nettle rash, hay fever, asthma or food allergies.
alterative = blood purifier- alters the process of metabolism so
that the tissues can best deal with the functions of nutrition and elimination.
Alteratives improve elimination from the body, through the Liver, Kidney
and GIT pathways.
amenorrhea- the absence of menstruation.
anaesthetic- produces insensibility to external sensations.
analgesic- relieves or diminishes pain.
anemia- lowered levels of hemoglobin in the blood, which leads
to a reduction in the bloods capacity to carry oxygen to the tissues.
angina pectoris- pain and pressure in the chest.
anodyne = analgesic- relieves or soothes pain.
anorexia- loss of appetite.
anorexia nervosa- a loss of appetite due to nervous causes.
anthelmintic- expels parasitic worms from the intestines.
anti-cholesterolemic- prevents the build up of abdnormal cholesterol
levels in the blood.
antidermatosic- acts to prevent or cure skin complaints.
antidiarrhoeic- controls diarrhea.
antidropsical- prevents water retention- dropsy.
anti-ecchymotic- prevents bruising.
anti-glycosuric- reduces level of sugar in the urine, used to treat
diabetes.
anti-icteric- combats jaundice.
antileucorrhoeic- reduces vaginal discharge sometimes known as
"whites".
antineuralgic- relieves aches and pains.
anti-edematous- reduces swelling.
anti-infective- applied to the surface of the body withstand infections.
anti-inflammatory- reduces inflammation in the body.
antiphlogistic- reduces inflammation.
antiplethoric- acts against high blood pressure and circulatory
disturbances.
antipruritic- relieves itching.
antipyretic- prevents or reduces high temperatures.
antisaturnismic- an antidepressant.
antisclerotic- softens unnaturally hard skin.
antiscorbutic- prevents or cures scury by providing vitamin C.
antiseptic- destroys germs and microorganisms that produce disease.
Usually indicating local use with contact with the micro-organsisms.
antispasmodic- relieves or prevents involuntary muscular spasms,
or tension, especially in the visceral smooth muscle, the muscle of the
gut wall, bronchial tubes, bile and urinary ducts and blood vessels.
antitussive- relieves coughing.
anti-uricaemic- prevents build up of abnormal levels of uric acid
in the blood- gout.
aperient- a mild laxative, helping to promote a natural movement
of the bowels.
aperitif- encourages the appetitie.
aseptic- free from germs and microorganisms.
astringent- a medicine that reduces the flow of secrections and
discharges.
arteriosclerosis- fatty infiltration and later calicification of
the arteries.
arthritis- inflammation of a joint.
asthma- difficulty in breathing, which can occur in attacks.
astringent- the binding action herbs have on mucuous membranes.
The main constituent which has this effect is tannin. The exposed mucous
membrane is "tanned" like leather. The proteins on the surface are bound
into a protective layer, though which offending microbes cannot obtain nourishment.
balsamic- heals or soothes inflammation.
biliary deobsturent- promote the flow of bile.
bitters- a bitter principle acts on the mucous membranes of the
mouth and stomach to increase digestive function, releasing gastrin. Useful
for treating anorexia, dyspepsia, fever managment, food allergies, gall bladder
disease, liver disease hypoglycaemia and late onset diabetes.
blepharitis- inflammation of the eyelids.
braycardia- abnormally slow heartbeat.
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cardiokinetic- stengthens the heart.
cardiotonic- has a tonic effect on the heart.
carminative- relieves flatulence and colic.
catarrh- an excessive mucus secretion from membranes such as in
the respiratory system usually caused by inflammation.
cathartic- a remedy that produces a positive evacuation from the bowels.
caustic- corrosive or burning.
chilblains- a mild form of frost bite. It is an injury due to cold,
often to periferal tissue.
cholagogue, cholagogic- a medicine that increases the flow of bile.
choleretic- stimulates the secretion of bile.
cicatrizer- a medicament which accelerates the formation of scar
tissue.
collutory- a mouthwash or gargle.
collyrium- a lotion for eye disorders, an eyewash.
condenser, cooler- that part of the distilling apparatus where
the capor condenses.
cordial- tending to revive, cheer, invigorate.
coryzide- relieves the symptoms of the common cold.
cytostatic- slows down the gorwth process or tumors.
dechlorurant- removes excess salt from the system.
decoction- a preparation made by moiling a medicinal herb.
decongestant- relieves congestion.
density- the ratio of mass compared to volume.
depurative- eliminates toxins and purifies the system.
dermopathic- pertaining to the skin.
detergent- a cleansing agent.
diaphoretic- induces perspiration.
diuretic- promotes the flow of urine.
dyspepsia- The imprairment of the power of function of digestion,
usually applied to epigastric discomfort following meals.
ecchymosis, ecchymotic- causes bruising.
electuary- a preparation made from powdered medicinal herbs mixed
to a soft paste with honey or sugar.
elixir- a liquid preparation consisting of the extract of a potent
or unpleasant tasting meidicinal plant made palatable by adding aromatic
substances and honey or sugar.
embrocation- a preparation for external application to a diseased
part.
emetic- induces vomiting.
emmenagogue- restores menstrual flow.
emollient- softens the skin.
endermic- acting through the skin.
enfleurage- a method of extracting essential oils.
epispastic- having a blistering action.
erythema- inflammation of the skin in rose- colored patches.
essential oil- the result of the distillation of essence producing
plants.
eupeptic- a digestive aid.
euphoric- gives a general sense of well-being.
expectorant- clears out plegm from the chest by coughing.
febrifuge- reduces high temperature.
galactofuge- a medicine to reduce the flow of milk in nursing mothers
galactogogue- a medicine to increase the flow of milk in nursing
mothers.
haemolytic- breaks down the red blood copuscles to separate the
haemoglobin.
haemopoitic- promotes the formation of blood.
haemostatic- controls hemorrhages.
hepatoprotective- protects the liver.
herbalism- subject relating to the study of medicinal herbs.
hydrofuge- expels water- diuretic.
hypocholesterolic- excessive cholesterol in the blood.
hypnotic- a remedy to induce sleep.
hypoglycaemic- reduces the level of sugar in the blood.
hypotensive- reduces high blood pressure.
indigestion- non specific term for a variety of symptoms resulting from a failure of proper breakdown and absorption of food in the alimentary canal.
lassitude- weakness, exhaustion = weariness.
lavage- a cleansing of the stomach using emetics in large quantities
of water.
laxative- relaxes the bowels and has a gentle evacuant action.
lethargy- abnormal drowsiness or stupor, a condition of indifference.
lipid- a preparation with a fatty excipient as a base, greasy to the
tough and insoluble in water.
lithontriptic- eliminates small stones from the body.
metrisis- inflammation of the uterus.
metrorrhagia- a uterine hemorrhage.
mydriatic- dilates the pupil of the eyes.
narcotic- causes drowsiness.
nephritis- inflammation of the kindeys.
nervine- has a stimulant effect.
nootropic- facilitate learning or memory.
odontalgic- used for the treatment of toothache.
oleolite- a medicine with an oily base.
ophthalmic- relative to eye diseases.
orexigenic- stimulates appetite.
oxytocic- a medicinal drug used to hasten parturition or stimulate
uterine contractions.
paragoric- a soothing remedy for coughs.
parenchyma- a tissue of undifferentiated tissue.
pectoral- relieves repiratory problems.
phytotherapy- therpay be means of medicinal plants.
purulent- discharging pus.
refrigerant- to cool the body. A medicine or an application for
allaying fever.
resolvent- a preparation to soothe inflammatory conditions.
rhagades- chaps the skin.
rubifacient- draws blood into an area.
serous ulcer- ulcer secreting serum.
sialagogue- encouges salivary secretion.
soporific- induces sleep.
sternutatory- causes sneezing.
stomachic- aids the stomach action.
stomatic- a medicine for complaints of the mouth.
stupefacient- stupefying causing drowsiness.
synergic- the combine effect of certain substances that exceeds
the sum of their individual effects.
taenifuge- combats tapworms (taeniae).
tonic- a medicine to improve the general health of a person.
topical- or local, any lcoally-applied, external remedy.
toxifuge- dispels poisons.
tracoma- an infection of the yes or throat.
trigeminal- pertaining to trigeminal nerve (deals with chewing/face).
urocolitic- inflammation of the urinary ducts.
urogenital- pertaining to the urinary and genital organs.
vasoconstrictive- causes dilation of the blood vessels.
vasodilatory- causing relaxation of the blood vessels.
vermifuge- a medication to expel intestinal parasites.
vesicant- blistering agent.
vulnerary- a preparation for healing wounds.
(MEMP,CGMH).