glossary of therapeutic actions
abortifacient: causes expulsion of fetus
alterative: cleanses and purifies the blood; restores absorptive and excretory functions
analgesic: relieves pain via oral ingestion
anodyne: relieves pain via external application
anthelmintic: destroys and dispels parasites
antiemetic: relieves nausea; prevents or lessens vomiting
anti-inflammatory: relieves inflammation and its effects
antiphlogistic: relieves inflammation
antispasmodic: relieves muscle spasms
aperient: mild laxative; gentle and non-irritating purgative causing slight increase in peristalsis
asthenia: lack or loss of strength; debility; any weakness, but especially one originating in muscular or cerebellar disease
asthenic: weak; pertaining to asthenia; body habitus characterized by a narrow, shallow thorax, long thoracic cavity, and a short abdominal cavity
astringent: contracts and firms tissues and organs; decreases secretions
bitter: an agent that increases tone and activity of gastric mucosa, improves the appetite, stimulates gastric juices
carminative: promotes proper intestinal function, relieves, indigestion, abdominal distension and flatulence
cathartic: strong laxative that causes rapid evacuation of the colon
cholagogue: promotes flow of bile from liver and gall bladder
counterirritant: external application to relieve more deep seated pain through hyperemia or local irritation
demulcent: soothes, protects and restores mucous membranes; relieves irritation of inflamed or abraded surfaces
diathesis: constitutional predisposition to certain disease conditions
diaphoretic: promotes perspiration via dilation of vessels in the skin
diuretic: promotes function of kidneys and bladder, increases urinary flow
emetic: induces vomiting
emmenogogue: promotes and normalizes menstrual periods
escharotic: a caustic or corrosive capable of producing a slough
expectorant: promotes and dispels mucous from lungs and bronchi
febrifuge: relieves fever
galactagogue: promotes lactation
hemostatic: stops the flow of blood
hypnotic: powerful relaxant and sedative that promotes drowsiness
laxative: promotes proper function of the colon
mydriasis: dilation of the pupil
narcotic: central nervous system depressant; relieves pain and promotes sleep
nervine: nourishes the central nervous system; sedative
neurocirculatory asthenia: a psychosomatic disorder characterized by mental and physical fatigue, dyspnea, giddiness, precordial pain and palpitation, especially on exertion
nutritive: nourishes the body or affects metabolic processes; increases weight through providing supplies for tissue building
oxytocic: accelerates or facilitates childbirth
parturient: stimulates uterine contractions that induce and assist labor
purgative: watery evacuation of the colon
rubefacient: reddens the skin by causing capillary dilation from external application
scrofula: a variety of tuberculous adenitis that is most frequently encountered. It is thought to be a secondary involvement of cervical lymph nodes as a result of a localized hematogenous spread from a pulmonary lesion. Most common in childhood.
sedative: calms or tranquilizes by lowering functional activity
sialagogue: promotes the flow of saliva
stomachic: promotes stomach function
styptic: external application stops blood flow by constricting blood vessels
sudorific: promotes perspiration; stronger effect than diaphoretic
tonic: stimulates nutrition, enhances/normalizes function
vermifuge: dispels intestinal worms
vermicide: kills intestinal worms
vesicant: causes blistering
vulnerary: aids in wound and skin healing
footnotes