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glossary
Botanicals: therapeutic actions
Botanicals

definition

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