Herbal Terms Glossary

Term Definition Our Herbs
Anthelmintic Herbs that work against parasitic worms which may be present in the digestive system. Black Walnut, Eastern Redcedar
Anti‐bacterial Herbs with properties that can inhibit bacterial growth. Purple Deadnettle, Sassafras, Yarrow Tincture
Anti‐inflammatory These herbs help the body to combat inflammation American Black Elderberry, Goldenrod Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Purple Deadnettle, Yarrow Tincture
Anti‐pyretic/Refrigerant Relieves fever thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature. Boneset Seeds, Chickweed, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Yarrow Tincture
Anti‐spasmodic Relieves or prevents involuntary muscle spasm or cramps (see nervines) by strengthening nerves the nervous system. Greek Oregano Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Purple Passionflower Seeds, Woolly Mullein, Yarrow Tincture
Anti‐syphilitic/Antiluetic Herbs that improve or cure syphilis Narrow Leaf Plantain
Anti‐venomous Acts against poisonous matter from animals. Narrow Leaf Plantain
Anticatarrhal Herbs that help the body reduce excess mucous phlegm. Goldenrod Tincture
Antiparasitic An herb that helps eliminate parasites Black Walnut
Antiseptic Herbs that can prevent, resist counteract putrification. Black Walnut, Greek Oregano Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Yarrow Tincture
Anti–tussive An herb that relieves coughing. Woolly Mullein
Aromatic Herbs that have a strong often pleasant odor can stimulate the digestive juices. Yarrow Tincture
Astringent Astringents contract tissue can reduce secretions discharges. Black Walnut, Goldenrod Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Purple Deadnettle, Stinging Nettle Seeds, Sweetgum, Woolly Mullein, Yarrow Tincture
Bitter Herbs that taste bitter act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system. American Black Elderberry, Black Walnut, Boneset Seeds
Carminative An herb that is rich in volatile oils can expel gas from the stomach bowels. Bee Balm Tincture, Chickweed, Goldenrod Tincture, Greek Oregano Tincture, Yarrow Tincture
Cathartic Causes evacuation of the bowels. Boneset Seeds
Demulcent Herbs that are usually rich in mucilage can soothe protect damaged or inflamed tissue. Chickweed, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Woolly Mullein
Deobstruent Removes obstructions by opening the natural passages or pores of the body. Narrow Leaf Plantain
Detoxicant An herb that removes toxins from the body. American Black Elderberry
Diaphoretic These herbs will aid the skin in the elimination of toxins through perspiration. American Black Elderberry, Bee Balm Tincture, Boneset Seeds, Eastern Redcedar, Goldenrod Tincture, Greek Oregano Tincture, Purple Deadnettle, Yarrow Tincture
Digestive/Digestant Assists the stomach intestines in normal digestion. Yarrow Tincture
Discutient An herb that causes the dispersal of a tumor or any pathologic accumulation. Chickweed
Diuretic Herbs that increase the flow of urine help in the removal of toxins from the system. Bee Balm Tincture, Chickweed, Eastern Redcedar, Goldenrod Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Purple Deadnettle, Sassafras, Stinging Nettle Seeds, Woolly Mullein, Yarrow Tincture
Emetic Causes vomiting. Boneset Seeds
Emmenagogue Herbs that stimulate normalize the menstrual flow. Greek Oregano Tincture, Yarrow Tincture
Emollient An herb that is usually used externally to soften soothe the skin. Chickweed, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Woolly Mullein
Expectorant Promotes the thinning ejection of mucus or exudate from the lungs, bronchi, trachea; sometimes the meaning is extended to all remedies that quiet a cough. Chickweed, Greek Oregano Tincture, Narrow Leaf Plantain, Sweetgum, Woolly Mullein
Febrifuge Reduces body temperature fever (see also refrigerant). Bee Balm Tincture, Boneset Seeds, Virginia Mountain Mint Seeds
Hemostatic An herb that stops stops bleeding purifies blood. Bee Balm Tincture, Stinging Nettle Seeds, Yarrow Tincture
Insecticide An herb that can kill insects. Black Walnut, Eastern Redcedar, Shagbark Hickory Bark
Laxative Herbs that promote the evacuation of the bowels. American Black Elderberry, Black Walnut, Chickweed
Nervine Herbs that strengthen tone the nervous system, easing anxiety stress. Purple Passionflower Seeds
Parasiticide Herbs that can kill parasites in the digestive tract on the skin. Black Walnut, Narrow Leaf Plantain
Pectoral Healing to problems in the bronchio‐pulmonary area. Chickweed
Purgative A substance that promotes the vigorous evacuation of the bowels. Usually used to relieve severe constipation. Purple Deadnettle
Sedative Herb that allays excitement, induces relaxation, is conducive to sleep. Bee Balm Tincture, Eastern Redcedar, Purple Passionflower Seeds
Stimulant Herb that increases the activity or efficiency of a system or organ; acts more rapidly than a tonic. Bee Balm Tincture, Boneset Seeds, Eastern Redcedar, Greek Oregano Tincture, Virginia Mountain Mint Seeds, Yarrow Tincture
Stomachic Herbs that give strength tone to the stomach, stimulate digestion, improve the appetite. Chickweed, Yarrow Tincture
Tonic An herb that strengthens tones either specific organs or the whole body through nutritional stimulation. Boneset Seeds, Greek Oregano Tincture, Shagbark Hickory Bark, Stinging Nettle Seeds, Yarrow Tincture
Vermifuge An herb that expels intestinal worms or parasites. Same as anthelmintic. Black Walnut, Eastern Redcedar
Vulnerary An herb used in treating fresh cuts wounds, usually used as a poultice. Narrow Leaf Plantain, Woolly Mullein, Yarrow Tincture

Glossary Term Sources

Sources for Herb Actions