Analgesic: A pain reliever.

White Willow Bark, Salix alba

Antiseptic: An agent which inhibits microbial growth  and slows putrification. Its effects tend to be primarily external.

Anti-tussive: An herb that relieves or inhibits coughing.

Wild Cherry Bark, Prunus vulgaris

Aperient: A mild laxative/stool softener. These may work either through gently stimulating peristaltic action or by acting as a bulking agent.

Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus

Aromatic: Due to their high volatile oil content, aromatics are often recognized by their scent. They often act on the digestive and nervous systems.

Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Astringent: Often due to a high tannin content, these herbs tone and tighten tissues, both internally and externally.

Red Raspberry, Rubus ideaus

Bitters: These plants contain “bitter principles” which are the constituents that give them their flavor. They work to tone and strengthen the digestive system and to stimulate secretions in the stomach, liver and gallbladder. They are best taken 15 minutes prior to a meal.

Gentian, Gentiana lutea

Carminative: An herb which aids in dispelling wind from the digestive tract.

Ginger, Zingiber officinale

Cathartic: A powerful laxative which may cause griping and should therefore be used in conjunction with anti-griping herbs such as fennel. Because they work by directly stimulating peristalsis, their use may also cause dependence. They are best taken for short periods of time.

Senna, Cassia acutifolia

Cholagogue: An herb which increases the flow of bile.

Barberry, Berberis vulgaris

Demulcent: Often containing mucilage, these herbs work to soothe internal tissues, reduce inflammation and lessen irritation.

Marshmallow, Althea officinalis

Diaphoretic: An agent that increases sweating. They are often used to help reduce fevers and to assist the body in detoxification.

Elder Flower, Sambucus nigra

Diuretic: Increases the flow of urine.

Corn Silk, Zea mays

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Lobelia, Lobelia inflatata

Emmenagogue: These herbs promote the menses and are therefore contraindicated during pregnancy.

Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa

Emollient: Like demulcents, emollient herbs often contain large quantities of mucilage and are used to soothe and heal external tissues.

Comfrey, Symphytum officinal

Expectorant: Aids the body in releasing excess fluids and catarrh from the lungs.

Licorice, Glycyrhizza glabra

Febrifuge: Reduces body temperature thereby alleviating fevers.

Yarrow, Achillia millifolium

Galactagogue: These herbs help to promote lactation.

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare

Hepatic: Nourishes and balances the liver. Hepatics are also often utilized to assist in detoxification.

Schizandra, Schizandra chinensis

Hynotic: Induces sleep.

Hops, Humulus lupus

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure.

Lime Flower, Tilia europoea

Lymphatic: Supports the healthy functioning of the lymphatic system.

Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis

Nervine: Plants that are considered nervines reduce anxiety by nourishing and balancing the nervous system.

Skullcap, Scutellaria laterifolia

Parturient: Used for centuries by midwives, parturients help to prepare the body for labor and ease the birthing process.

Red Raspberry, Rubus ideaus

Prophylactic: Prevents or protects against illness.

Garlic, Allium sativum

Sialagogue: Promotes the production of saliva.

Echinacea, Echinacea spp.

Soporific: Induces sleep. This term is often used interchangeably with “hypnotic”.

Valerian, Valeriana officinalis

Stomachic: Supports the entire digestive system, including the stomach and liver.

Angelica, Angelica archangelica

Styptic: Stops bleeding, most often through astringent action.

Cayenne, Capsicum annum

Tonic: An agent which tones the tissues, both internally and externally. These often work over a period of time.

Panax, Panax ginseng

Vermifuge: Herbs which assist the body to expel parasites.

Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium