-
Alterative: Their function is to restore the natural health of the body.
-
Anesthetic: This, if applied to the skin or injected into tissues (not a common practice), will cause insensibility to pain.
-
Analgesic: This is a pain killer, also known as an anodyne.
-
Anti-emetic: An anti-emetic will reduce nausea and help prevent vomiting (emesis).
-
Anti-inflammatory: This will reduce redness and inflammation.
-
Antiseptic: An antiseptic will cleanse and prevent unseen disease.
-
Astringent: This is a substance with a constricting or binding effect. I.E., it will check bleeding or other secretions and will reduce swelling and redness.
-
Carminative: These are remedies that will reduce stomach pains and flatulence.
-
Demulcent: Demulcent remedies are ones that form a protective coating, thereby soothing the tissue they are in contact with, for instance the stomach or the skin.
-
Diaphoretic: This will rid the body of excess fluids by promoting sweating.
-
Digestive: This will aid digestion after a meal.
-
Diuretic: A diuretic will promote urine production and thus rid the body of excess fluids.
-
Emetic: This will induce vomiting (emesis) which can be beneficial in cases of poisoning.
-
Emollient: These are preparations that will soothe, soften and protect the skin.
-
Expectorant: An expectorant will help produce and expel mucus from the lungs, thereby 'loosening' a cough.
-
Febrifuge: A febrifuge is a herb that will reduce fever.
-
Haemostatic: The function of these herbs is to stop bleeding.
-
Laxative (purgative): A laxative will loosen the bowels.
-
Narcotic: A narcotic generally acts as a painkiller as well as a sedative. Fellis is the classic example.
-
Nervine: These have a calming effect.
-
Rubifacent: This is usually a 'warm' herb such as cayenne, rubbed on parts of the body for an effect such as eased joints or improved circulation.
-
Sedative: A sedative is used to strongly quiet the nervous system, causing sleep in large doses. Some sedatives, such as fellis, can be addictive with prolonged use.
-
Stimulant: These are herbs that 'warm' the body and excite or increase its functions.
-
Tonic: These are remedies that help nourish, stimulate and strengthen the different functions of the body, for example, the circulation or the digestive system.
-
Vulnerary: These are herbs which promote cell growth and repair - useful for wounds, bruises, broken bones and the like. Comfrey is one of the best-known
vulnerary herbs.
