Knowing these terms will be helpful if you are working with the healing properties of plants in herbal medicne or herbal magic. Wiccans and witches often use herbs in their healing remedies, tinctures, and ointments.
Adaptogen
Increases the body's ability to adapt to internal or external stress.
Alterative
Gradually alters or changes a condition.
Analgesic
Relieves pain and discomfort.
Anodyne
A medicine that relieves pain.
Antihelminic
Expels worms. Also called vermifuge.
Antibiotic
Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Antidote
Counteracts the action af another substance; usually refers to poisons.
Antipyretic
Reduces or prevents a fever.
Antiseptic
Destroys bacteria; usually applied externally.
Antispasmodic
Relieves or prevents muscle spasms or cramps.
Astringent
Causes dehydration and the tightening and shrinking of tissues. Used to stop bleeding and close pores.
Bitter Tonic
Has a bitter taste that stimulates the flow of gastric juices.
Calmative
Has a calming effect; usually not as strong as a sedative.
Carminative
Dispels or prevents gas.
Catarrh
Inflammation of the mucous membranes; especially those of the respiratory system. May be accompanied by gastric upsets or diarrhea.
Cathartic
Causes evacuation of the bowels.
Cholagogue
Promotes the flow of bile.
Demulcent
Oily or mucilaginous substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues.
Diaphoretic
Promotes sweating.
Diuretic
Also called "water pills;" promotes the flow of urine.
Emetic
Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue
Promotes menstruation.
Emolient
Softens and soothes the skin.
Expectorant
Expels phlegm by inducing coughing, sneezing, or spitting.
Febrifuge
Dissipates fever.
Flatulence
Gas in the stomach or bowels.
Hemostatic
Stops internal bleeding.
Hepatic
Affecting the liver.
Laxative
A gentle cathartic. A laxative may act by stimulating the motion of the bowel, moistening the colon, increasing bile secretion, or relieving cramps.
Nervine
calms nervousness, tension, and excitement.
Pectoral
Relieves ailments of the chest and lungs.
Physic
A medicinal preparation.
Purgative
A strong cathartic.
Rheumatism
Stiffness of joints and muscles.
Rubefacient
Increases blood circulation to the area to which it is applied.
Sedative
Reduces nervous tension; stronger than a calmative.
Sialogogue
Increases the flow of saliva.
Simple
A herb used solo in treatment of a medical condition.
Soporific
Induces sleep.
Stimulant
Increases or quickens actions of the body.
Styptic
Stops external bleeding; usually an astringent.
Sudorific
Promotes sweating.
Tonic
Strengthens or invigorates the systems.
Vermifuge
Destroys or expels worms.
Vesicant
Causes blisters.
Vulnerary
Used to treat wounds.