{"id":6663,"date":"2021-01-20T23:51:29","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T23:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/?page_id=6663"},"modified":"2022-08-24T16:21:21","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T16:21:21","slug":"herbal-actions-and-properties","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/herbal-actions-and-properties\/","title":{"rendered":"Definitions of Herbal Actions and Properties"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Definition of Herbal Actions and Properties<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An alphabetical listing.\u00a0 Do me a favor and if you don’t see herbal actions and properties you’d like to know about, let me know and I’ll add them.\u00a0 As with everything on the website, this is a growing list.\u00a0 A work in progress.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Abortifacient<\/strong> \u2013 induces abortion, miscarriage, or premature removal of a fetus<\/p>

Adaptogen<\/strong> \u2013 there are several definitions of adaptogens.\u00a0 The first is the one I often use, that is that adaptogens help the whole system, mind, body, spirit and emotions to deal with uncompensated stress.\u00a0 The plants in this category usually have an affinity to one or more (usually more) systems of the body, working to restore balance, health and harmony to that system.\u00a0 Much of the time this is accomplished through the endocrine system.\u00a0 Where they work to modulate the physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress and increase resistance to physiological imbalances and disease by strengthening the immune system<\/p>

Adjuvant<\/strong> \u2013 aids the action of a medicinal agent<\/p>

Alterative<\/strong> \u2013 strengthens and nourishes the body, gently encourages the removal of metabolic wastes<\/p>

Amphoteric<\/strong> \u2013 normalizes function of an organ or body system<\/p>

Analeptic<\/strong> \u2013 has a restorative or stimulating effect on central nervous system<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Analgesic<\/strong> \u2013 relieves pain<\/p>

Anaphrodisiac<\/strong> \u2013 reduces sexual arousal<\/p>

Anesthetic<\/strong> \u2013 depresses nerve function inducing a temporary loss of sensation or consciousness.<\/p>

Anodyne<\/strong> – alleviates pain, an\u00a0analgesic<\/p>

Anthelmintic<\/strong> \u2013 Removes parasitic worms from the digestive system.<\/p>

Anti-anemic<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents or helps with anemia.\u00a0 Increases the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein) in the blood.<\/p>

Anti- androgenic<\/strong> \u2013 reduces the levels of \u201cfree\u201d testosterone in the blood.\u00a0<\/p>

Antibacterial<\/strong> \u2013 destroys or stops the growth of bacteria<\/p>

Antibiotic<\/strong>– a type of antimicrobial agent active against bacteria.<\/p>

Anti-bilious<\/strong> \u2013 herbs that work with the liver and gall bladder to remove excess bile.<\/p>

Anti-catarrh<\/strong> \u2013 reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat<\/p>

Antidepressant<\/strong> \u2013 acts to prevent or alleviate mental depression<\/p>

Anti-diarrhetic<\/strong> \u2013prevents or treats diarrhea<\/p>

Antiemetic<\/strong> \u2013 reduces nausea and can help to relieve or prevent vomiting.<\/p>

Antifungal<\/strong> \u2013 an anti-microbial agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungus<\/p>

Antihemorrhagic<\/strong> \u2013 reduces or controls hemorrhage or bleeding<\/p>

Anti-infectious<\/strong> \u2013 counteracts or prevents infection<\/p>

Anti-inflammatory<\/strong> \u2013 controls or reduces inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection<\/p>

Antilithic<\/strong> – Herbs that prevent the formation of or help remove stones or gravel in the urinary system<\/p>

Antimicrobial<\/strong> – helps destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms, destroys microbes.\u00a0 These kinds of herbs are often specific to one or more types of pathogens including fungus or mold, bacteria, virus, parasites and protozoa<\/p>

Antineoplastic<\/strong>– inhibiting and combating tumor development.<\/p>

Antioxidant<\/strong> \u2013 prevents or inhibits oxidation of cells.\u00a0 In other words, these substances can eliminate hydroxyl free radicals.\u00a0 Meaning that they keep cells healthier.<\/p>

Antipruritic<\/strong> \u2013 prevents or relieves itching<\/p>

Antirheumatic<\/strong> \u2013 protects against and relieves the symptoms of rheumatism.\u00a0 Eases pain and helps reduce inflammation of joints and muscles.<\/p>

Antipyretic<\/strong> \u2013 reduces fever (febrifuge)<\/p>

Antiseptic<\/strong> \u2013 prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.<\/p>

Antispasmodic<\/strong> \u2013 calms nervous and muscular spasms, cramps and convulsions<\/p>

Antitussive<\/strong> \u2013 controls or prevents cough<\/p>

Antiviral<\/strong> \u2013 opposes the action of a virus<\/p>

Anxiolytic<\/strong> \u2013 reduces anxiety<\/p>

Aperient<\/strong> \u2013 relieves constipation, mild laxative<\/p>

Aphrodisiac<\/strong> \u2013 increases sexual desire<\/p>

Aromatic<\/strong> \u2013 an herb containing a high amount of volatile oils.\u00a0 Aromatic plants have a fragrant odor and slightly stimulating properties.<\/p>

Astringent<\/strong> \u2013 Astringents contract tissue and can reduce secretions and discharges.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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B<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Bitter<\/strong> \u2013 bitter herbs are cooling.\u00a0 They act to stimulate the appetite and digestion.<\/p>

Bronchial<\/strong> \u2013improves respiration by relaxing spasms or constriction of the bronchi (the upper part of the lungs)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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C<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Cariostatic<\/strong> \u2013halts or inhibits the development or continued growth of cancer, carcinomas, or malignant tumors.<\/p>

Cardiac<\/strong> \u2013 act beneficially on the heart<\/p>

Cardiotonic<\/strong> \u2013 increases strength and tone of the heart<\/p>

Carminative<\/strong> — relieves stomach or intestinal gas and bloating<\/p>

Catarrhal<\/strong> \u2013 Pertains to the inflammation of mucous membranes of the head and throat<\/p>

Cathartic<\/strong> \u2013 produces bowel movements.\u00a0 Used to purge the bowels and stimulate glandular secretions.<\/p>

Cholagogue<\/strong> \u2013 increases flow of bile from gallbladder, thus aiding in digestion and constipation.\u00a0 They can also have a laxative effect.<\/p>

Counterirritant<\/strong> \u2013 produces an inflammatory response for healing purpose<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Demulcent<\/strong> \u2013 soothes and protects inflamed and irritated mucous membranes both internally and externally. \u00a0\u00a0Usually high in mucilage and have a slimy or slippery consistency.<\/p>

Diaphoretic<\/strong> \u2013 increases perspiration by increasing circulation to the skin<\/p>

Digestive<\/strong> \u2013 promotes or aids the digestion<\/p>

Diuretic<\/strong> \u2013 increases urine flow.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ecbolic<\/strong> \u2013 tends to increase contractions of uterus, facilitating childbirth<\/p>

Emetic<\/strong> \u2013 produces vomiting<\/p>

Emmenagogue<\/strong> \u2013 stimulates, regulates and induces menstruation<\/p>

Emollient<\/strong> \u2013 softens and soothes the skin<\/p>

Estrogenic<\/strong> \u2013 stimulates the production of estrogen<\/p>

Expectorant<\/strong> \u2013 Helps the body remove mucus from the respiratory system<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Febrifuge<\/strong> \u2013 reduces fever<\/p>

Galactagogue<\/strong> \u2013 promotes milk production<\/p>

Hemostatic<\/strong> \u2013 controls or stops the flow of blood<\/p>

Hepatic<\/strong>– strengthens and tones the liver and stimulate the flow of bile<\/p>

Hypertensive<\/strong> \u2013 raises blood pressure<\/p>

Hypoglycemia<\/strong> \u2013 lowers blood sugar<\/p>

Hypnotic<\/strong>– helps induce healthy sleep<\/p>

Hypotensive<\/strong>– reduces elevated blood pressure.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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L, M, N<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lactifuge<\/strong> \u2013 reduces milk production<\/p>

Laxative<\/strong> \u2013 loosens bowels encouraging bowl movement<\/p>

Lithotrophic<\/strong> \u2013 a substance that causes kidney or bladder stones to dissolve<\/p>

Lymphagogue<\/strong> – promotes or increases lymph production or lymph flow<\/p>

Mucilaginous<\/strong> \u2013 contain gelatinous constituents made up of polysaccharide-rich compounds.\u00a0 These herbs will often be demulcent and act to cool, soot and coat inflamed mucous membranes<\/p>

Narcotic<\/strong> \u2013 an herb or other substance that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions<\/p>

Nervine<\/strong> \u2013 strengthens and tones the nervous system, easing anxiety and stress<\/p>

Nootropic<\/strong> \u2013 Primarily effects the brain and nervous system improving cognitive function and mood.\u00a0 Nootropic substances help enhance emotional and mental wellbeing, promote cerebral circulation, stabilize mental state, improve memory and more.<\/p>

Nutritive<\/strong> \u2013 an herb containing a high amount of nutrients.\u00a0 Especially nourishing for the body and mind.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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P, R, S<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Parasiticide<\/strong> \u2013 kills and expels parasites in the digestive tract and on the skin.<\/p>

Pectoral<\/strong> – Herbs with a general strengthening and healing effect on the respiratory system<\/p>

Purgative<\/strong> \u2013 another word for laxative.\u00a0 Causes the evacuation of the bowels.<\/p>

Rasayana<\/strong> – A term used in Ayurvedic medicine to describe an herb that increases longevity by nourishing and rejuvenating the system.<\/p>

Refrigerant<\/strong> \u2013 cooling for the system, relieves thirst<\/p>

Relaxant<\/strong> \u2013 tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension<\/p>

Rubefacient<\/strong> \u2013 simulates circulation locally when applied to the skin.<\/p>

Sedative<\/strong> \u2013 Strongly quieting for the nervous system, exerts a soothing, tranquilizing effect on the body<\/p>

Sialagogue<\/strong> \u2013 increases the production and flow of saliva<\/p>

Stimulant<\/strong> \u2013 temporarily quickens or enliven the physiological function, increases organ function<\/p>

Stomachic<\/strong> \u2013 promotes digestion and strengthen the stomach<\/p>

Sudorific<\/strong> \u2013 increase perspiration<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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T, U, V<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Tonic<\/strong> \u2013 stimulates energy, increases strength and tone<\/p>

Trophorestorative<\/strong> \u2013 nourishes and restores balance to the body. Trophorestorative herbs typically have a strong affinity for an organ or organ system and correct deficiency and weakness not only through temporary stimulation but by deeply nourishing that organ or organ system.<\/p>

Vermifuge<\/strong> \u2013 expels worms from the intestines<\/p>

Vulnerary<\/strong> \u2013 aids in healing wounds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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References<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/<\/a><\/p>

https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/<\/a><\/p>

https:\/\/www.naturesalternatives.com\/herbs\/herb-actions.html<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Definition of Herbal Actions and Properties An alphabetical listing.\u00a0 Do me a favor and if you don’t see herbal actions and properties you’d like to know about, let me know and I’ll add them.\u00a0 As with everything on the website, this is a growing list.\u00a0 A work in progress. A Abortifacient \u2013 induces abortion, miscarriage, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8189,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6663"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6663"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11318,"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6663\/revisions\/11318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}