Abscess: a localized collection of pus and liquified tissue in a cavity.
Adaptogen: an agent that increases resistance to stress.
Adrenaline: a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that produces the "fight or flight" response.
Alkaloid: a highly active plant constituent containing nitrogen atoms.
Alterative: cleansing, stimulating efficient removal of waste products.
Amenorrhea: the absence or suppression of menstruation.
Analgesic: relieves pain.
Anaphrodisiac: reduces sexual desire.
Androgen: hormones which produce male characteristics.
Anesthetic: reduces pain and suppresses sensation.
Anodyne: reduces pain.
Anti-bacterial: stops or destroys the growth of bacteria.
Antibiotic: destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms.
Anti-catarrhal: eliminates mucus conditions.
Anti-depressant: relieves symptoms of depression.
Antidote: a substance that neutralizes the effects of a poison.
Anti-emetic: reduces nausea and prevents/reduces vomiting.
Anti-fungal: destroys or prevents the growth of fungi.
Anti-histamine: neutralizes the effects of histamine in an allergic reaction.
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation and its effects.
Anti-oxidant: an agent that prevents free radical or oxidative damage to cells.
Aperitive: herbs that stimulate the appetite.
Astringent: an agent that has a constricting effect.
Atherosclerosis: a process in which cholesterol and triglycerides are deposited on the walls of arteries, eventually leading to blockage.
Atonic: without tone.
Ayurvedic: a traditional system of Indian medicine that means "a science of life".
Bitter: stimulates secretions of digestive glands.
Blood cleanser: an agent that cleans the blood.
Blood purifier: an agent that cleans the blood as well as increasing its nutrient value.
Calmative: calms the nerves.
Carminative: relieves intestinal gas pain and distension.
Catarrh: inflamation of a mucous membrane, especially of the nose and throat, with a discharge.
Cathartic: a strong laxative which causes rapid elimination.
Cell proliferator: enhances the formation of new tissue.
Chronic: a disease showing little change or of slow progression.
Colic: spasmodic pain effecting smooth muscle, such as the intestines, urinary tract or gall bladder.
Colitis: inflammation of the colon.
Cyst: an abnormal lump or swelling filled with fluid or a semi-solid material.
Cystitis: inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder.
Debility: weakness of tonicity in functions or organs of the body.
Dementia: senility; loss of mental function.
Demulcent: soothes and softens damaged or inflamed surfaces.
Depurative: purifies or cleans the blood by promoting eliminative functions.
Dermatitis: inflammation of the skin evidenced by itching, redness and skin lesions.
Diaphoretic: causes perspiration and increases elimination through the skin.
Digestive: aids digestion.
Diuretic: increases the secretion and flow of urine.
Dropsy: generalized edema in cellular tissue.
Dysmenorrhea: painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspepsia: painful indigestion, usually symptomatic of other disorders.
Dyspnea: difficulty in breathing.
Edema: accumulation of fluid in tissues.
Emetic: an agent that causes vomiting.
Emmenagogue: an agent that facilitates and regularizes menstrual flow.
Emollient: softens and soothes inflamed tissue, protects the skin.
Enteritis: inflammation of the small intestine.
Estrogen: hormone which exerts female characteristics.
Expectorant: enhances the loosening and removal of phlegm from the respratory tract.
Fistula: an abnormal pathway between two internal organs or from an organ to the surface of the body>
Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Hematuria: blood in the urine.
Hemolytic: an agent which destroys red blood cells.
Hemostatic: herbs that stop bleeding.
Hepatic: herbs that that support and stimulate the liver, gall bladder and spleen.
Hyperglycemia: an abnormal concentration of sugar in the blood.
Hypertensive: used to increase blood pressure.
Hypotensive: used to decrease blood pressure.
Interferon: a strong immune-enhancing substance that is produced by the body's cells to fight off viral infection and cancer.
Jaundice: a condition caused by an increase of bilirubin in the body and characterized by a yellowing of the skin.
Lethargy: a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of energy.
Menorrhagia: excessive loss of blood during menstruation.
Nephritis: inflammation of the kidney.
Nervine: strengthens functional activity of the nervous system.
Neuralgia: pain along a nerve.
Oxytocic: an agent that stimulates contractions accelerating childbirth.
Parasiticide: an agent that kills parasites and worms.
Parturient: stimulates uterine contractions which induce and assist labor.
Prostaglandin: hormone-like substance that has a wide range of functions including acting as a chemical messenger and causing uterine contractions.
Pungent: sharp or penetrating to the taste.
Purgative: causes watery evacuation of intestinal contents.
Rubefacient: stimulates blood flow to the skin causing local redness.
Resolvent: reduces inflammation or swelling.
Saponins: active plant constiuents, producing a lather in water.
Scrofula: tuberculosis inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck in children.
Sialagogue: an agent that stimulates saliva production.
Soporific: inducing sleep.
Stomachic: strengthens stomach function.
Styptic: contracting a blood vessel; stopping a hemorrhage by astringent action.
Synergistic: the simultaneous action of two or more substances whose combined effect is greater than the sum of each working alone.
Systemic: relating to or affecting the whole body.
Taenifuge: an agent that expels worms.
Tannin: active plant constituents that combined with proteins; stringent.
Tonic: restoring, nourishing and supporting for the entire body.
Uremia: a toxic condition associated with the renal insufficiency produced by the retention nitrogenous substances in the blood.
Vasoconstrictor: an agent that narrows blood vessel openings thus restricting the flow of blood through them.
Vasodilator: an agent causing relaxation of blood vessels.
Vulnerary: assists in healing of wounds by protecting against infection and stimulating growth.