Attaches to other substances
and either neutralizes or renders harmless.
2.
Abortifacient
Causes premature abortion of
the embryo. Examples are pennyroyal, aloe, sandalwood.
3.
Adaptogens
A plant property that increases
the resistance to stress. Examples are ginseng root, nettle leaf,
sarsaparilla, licorice root and ashwagandha
4.
Alkaloid
One of a varied family of alkaline,
nitrogen-containing substances, usually plant-derived, reacting
with acids to form salts. Normally intensely bitter, alkaloids form
a body of substances widely used in drug and herbal therapy. They
are usually biologically active and have a toxic potential. The
term is more pharmaceutical and medical than chemical since alkaloids
come from a variety of otherwise unrelated organic compounds. (Examples:
caffeine, morphine, berberine)
5.
Alterative
Modifies nutrition in order
to overcome morbid condition. Known as 'blood cleansers' in the
past, these herbs improve lymphatic circulation, boost immunity
and help clear chronic conditions, particularly of the skin.These
herbs help chronic conditions because they aid in the elimination
of metabolic toxins. Alteratives may be prescribed for sores, boils,
tumours and cancers. In addition they reduce fevers, detoxify the
liver, kill parasites and worms, help in the treatment of infectious,
contagious diseases and epidemics. Flu, acne, herpes, and venereal
diseases also respond to this type of herb. Examples are ginseng,
aloe, sandalwood, red clover, burdock, bayberry, black pepper,
cinnamon, myrrh, and safflower.
6.
Amoebicidal
These herbs treat illness caused
by amoeba e.g. amoebic dysentery.
7.
Analgesic or anodynes
These herbs reduce or eliminate
pain. Examples are camphor, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea,
lavender flower, feverfew herb, cabbage leaves, wintergreen leaf,
passionflower herb and flower.
8.
Anaphrodisiac
The opposite of an aphrodisiac.
These herbs decrease or delay sexual desires/feelings
9.
Anaesthetics
Induces anaesthesia or numbness.
Examples are ashok, calamus, gudmar, and jatamansi.
10.
Anthelmintic
Antiparasitic – these
herbs destroy and dispel worms, parasites, fungus and yeast. They
are also known as vermicides or vermifuges. Examples are Pau d'arco,
goldenseal, wormseed, wormwood, ajwan, cayenne, peppers, and pumpkin
seeds.
11.
Anodyne
These herbs are pain relievers.
Also known as analgesics. Examples are ashok, barberry, cedar, and
ginger.
12.
Antacid
These herbs combat nausea, stomach ache, and other
bilious symptoms that are caused by an excessive secretion of bile.
13.
Antibilious
Inhibits the growth of bacteria.Examples are turmeric
and echinacea.
14.
Antibiotic
Eliminates mucus conditions.
15.
Anticaterrhal
A drug that counters depression
16.
Antidepressant
A drug that counters depression
17.
Antidiabetic
Support diabetes, may also help
body to utilise insulin more effectively. Examples of herbs are
amalaki, blackberry, fenugreek, gudmar, senna, and shilajit.
18.
Antidiarrhoeal
Useful for helping stop diarrhoea. Examples are Blackberry,
comfrey, gentian, red raspberry, and yellow dock, black pepper, and
ginger.
19.
Antiemetic
Prevents and alleviates nausea and vomiting. Examples
are Cloves, coriander, ginger, and raspberry.
20.
Antiepileptic
Herbs that help to combat epileptic seizures.
21.
Anti-haemorrhagic
Prevents or alleviates haemorrhage
22.
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation
23.
Anti-lithic
Helps to prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys
and bladder
24.
Anti-oxidant
A plant property that prevents
free radical of oxidative tissue or cell damage.
25.
Anti-periodic
This medicine prevents the periodic
recurrence of attacks of a disease e.g. malaria. Examples are barberry,
chirayata, guduchi, kutaj, and vacha.
26.
Antiphlogistic
Herb that counteracts inflammation
27.
Antipyretic
Reduces fever, destroys fever
toxins and induces perspiration to increase the loss of heat. Similar
to febrifuge or refrigerant.Example are amalaki, black pepper, brihati,
nirgundi, safflower, sandalwood.
28.
Antirheumatic
Herb that relieves or cures
rheumatism
29.
Antiscorbutic
Effective in the prevention
or treatment of scurvy
30.
Antiseptic
A herb, drug or other substance
that prevents decay or putrefaction. A substance that inhibits the
growth and development of microorganisms without necessarily destroying
them. Examples are aloe, chitrak, gokshura, gudmar, sandalwood and
turmeric.
31.
Anti-spasmodic
Relieves or prevents involuntary
muscle spasm or cramp.Examples are chamomile, ashwagandha, basil,
calamus, guggul, licorice, myrrh, sage, gotu kola, jatamanshi, peppermint,
sandalwood, and spearmint.
32.
Anti-spasmodic
These herbs can act against
poisonous matter from animals
33.
Antitussive
Herbs that destroy pathogens
or disease producing organisms
34.
Anti-venomous
A mild or gentle laxative. Softens
stools without purging. Example: Rhubarb
35.
Aperient
Herbs that destroy pathogens
or disease producing organisms
36.
Aphrodisiac
A mild or gentle laxative. Softens
stools without purging. Example: Rhubarb
37.
Aphrodisiac
Restores or increases sexual
power and desire. There are two types: a) Tonics - These herbs tone
and develop the sexual organs. b) Stimulants - These are prescribed
to increase the functioning of the reproductive organs. Examples
are angelica, ahwagandha, asparagus, fenugreek, fo-ti, ginseng,
gokshura, hibiscus, kapikachu seeds, pippali, rose, saffron and
shatavari.The nutritive tonics such as aghwagandha, bala, fo-ti,
ghee, licorice, marshmallow, sesame seeds and shatavari increase
semen and breast milk.
38.
Appetiser
These herbs stimulate the appetite.
Examples are cardamom, coriander
39.
Aperient
These herbs produce a natural
movement of the bowel
40.
Aromatic
Herb with a pleasant, fragrant
scent and a strong taste. These may be used to help to disguise
the taste of other herbs in preparations. Examples are cardamom,
cinnamon, cloves, fennel, peppermint, and turmeric.
41.
Astringent
These cause a local contraction
of the skin, blood vessels, and other tissues and this stops the
discharge of blood, mucus, etc. Usually used locally as a topical
application. Examples are amalaki, arjuna, ashok, cinnamon, jasmine,
sandalwood, and yarrow.