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Adaptogen
Herbs that normalize and restore body functions and increase the
body's nonspecific resistance to stress
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Alterative
Also known as blood purifiers. Herbs that gradually restore health
and vitality to the body
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Analgesic/Anodyne
Substance that relieves pain
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Antacid
Substances that neutralize excess acid in the stomach and intestinal
tract
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Anthelmintic
Herbs that expels or kills worms
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Antibiotic
Substance that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria, viruses or
amoebas
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Anticatarrhal
Substances that eliminate or counteract the formation of mucus
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Anti-inflammatory
Herbs that reduce inflammation
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Antilithic
Herbs that prevent or dissolve and discharge urinary and biliary
stones and gravel
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Antiphlogistic
Reduces localized inflammations, itching and swelling.
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Antipyretic
Cooling herbs used to reduce fevers
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Antiseptic
Substances that can be applied to the skin to prevent the growth of
bacteria
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Antispasmodic
Herbs that prevent or relax muscle spasms
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Aphrodisiac
Substances used to improve sexual potency and power
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Aromatic
A pleasant smelling and tasting herb that stimulates the
gastro-intestinal system, and improves the taste of medicines and
foods
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Astringent
Herb causing constriction of tissues
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Bitter
Stimulates gastric function
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Carminative
Promotes digestion, expels gas, and relieves gripping
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Herbs taken to promote the flow and discharge of bile into the small
intestine
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Demulcent
Soothing substances taken internally that protect and sooth the
digestive tract. They trigger reflex mechanisms that travel through
the spinal nerves effectively reducing inflammation and irritation
in the respiratory and urinary systems
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Diaphoretic
Substances that promote perspiration
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Diuretic
Substances that increases the flow of urine
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Emetic
Substances that induce vomiting and causing the stomach to empty
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Emmenagogue
Herbs that promote menstruation
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Emollients
Substances that sooth and soften the skin
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Expectorant
Herbs that help expel mucus from the lungs and throat.
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Stimulating expectorant
Herbs that stimulate the nerves and muscles of the respiratory
system to manifest a cough
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Relaxing expectorant
Herbs that reduce tension in lung tissue, often easing tightness,
allowing natural coughing and flow of mucus to occur, example
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Amphoteric expectorant
Herbs that stimulate or relax the respiratory systems, using the
body's choice which is necessary
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Febrifuge
Herbs that assist the body in reducing fevers
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Galactogogue
Substance that increase the secretion of milk
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Hemostatic
Herbs that are internal astringents that arrest internal
hemorrhaging
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Hepatic
Herbs that strengthen and tone the liver
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Hypnotic
Herbs that have a powerful relaxant and sedative action, and help
induce sleep
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Hypotensive
Herbs that reduce elevated blood pressure
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Laxative
Substances that stimulate bowel movement
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Lymphatic
Herbs that support the health and activity of the lymphatic system
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Nervine
Herbs that calm nervous tension and nourish the nerves
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Oxytocic
Substances that stimulate uterine contractions to assist and induce
labor
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Pectoral
Herbs that generally strengthen and heal the respiratory system
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Rubefacient
Substances that increase the flow of blood to the surface of the
skin and produce redness. They draw inflammation and congestions
from deeper areas
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Sedative
Herbs that quiet the nervous system
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Sialogogue
Herbs that promote the secretion and flow of saliva
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Stimulants
Herbs that increase the energy of the body, quicken circulation,
break up obstructions and congestion
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Styptic
Herbs that arrest or reduce external bleeding due to astringent
action on blood vessels
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Tonic
Herbs that stimulate nutrition by improving the assimilation of
essential nutrients by the organs, they improve systemic tone giving
increased vigor, energy and strength to the tissues of either
specific organs or to the whole body. Most tonics have an affinity
for a particular system. Nerve tonics. Heart tonics.
Stomach tonics. Liver tonics. Biliary tonics.
Sexual tonics
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Vasodilator
Herbs that expand blood vessels and allow increased circulation
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Vulnerary
Herbs that help the body to heal wounds by promoting cell growth and
repair