Definitions of Terms

Adaptogens

 (adrenal agents) are natural substances, including herbs, that help the body cope with both mental and physical stress. They can have a wide variety of effects, including supporting the healthy function of the adrenal glands.* The adrenal glands are small organs about the size of a walnut that sit on top of the kidneys.

Analgesic

analgesic

/ˌan(ə)lˈdʒiːzɪk,ˌan(ə)lˈdʒiːsɪk/

 

 

MEDICINE

adjective

  1. (of a drug) acting to relieve pain.

 

Anti-emetic

 

/antɪɪˈmɛtɪk/

adjective

adjective: antiemetic

  1. Substance preventing vomiting.

noun

noun: antiemetic

  1. an anti-emetic drug.
Antispasmodic
/ˌantɪspazˈmɒdɪk/
adjective
adjective: anti-spasmodic
  1.  Used to relieve the spasm of involuntary muscle.
noun
noun: anti-spasmodic
  1. an antispasmodic Herb or drug.
Anti-inflammatory

 

adjective

adjective: anti-inflammatory; adjective: antiinflammatory

 Used to reduce inflammation.

Anticoagulant
/ˌantɪkəʊˈaɡjʊl(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. having the effect of retarding or inhibiting the coagulation of the blood.
Astringent

as·trin·gent

  (ə-strĭn′jənt)

adj.

1. Medicine Tending to draw together or constrict tissues; styptic.
2. Sharp and penetrating; pungent or severe: astringent remarks.
n.

A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions. 

Bitter

 

/ˈbɪtə/

 

adjective

having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

“raw berries have an intensely bitter flavour”

Carminative
/ˈkɑːmɪnətɪv,kɑːˈmɪnətɪv/
adjective
  1.  relieving flatulence.
noun
  1. a herb that relieves flatulence.
Demulcent

/dɪˈmʌls(ə)nt/

MEDICINE

adjective

  1. (of a substance) relieving inflammation or irritation.

noun

  1. a substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
Diaphoretic

diaphoretic

/ˌdʌɪəfəˈrɛtɪk/

adjective

MEDICINE

  1. A substance inducing perspiration.
    • (of a person) sweating heavily.
Diuretic

di·u·ret·ic

  (dī′ə-rĕt′ĭk)

adj.

Tending to increase the discharge of urine.

n.

A substance or drug that tends to increase the discharge of urine.

Expectorant
/ɪkˈspɛkt(ə)r(ə)nt,ɛkˈspɛkt(ə)r(ə)nt/
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noun
  1. a medicine which promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
Nervine

/ˈnəːvʌɪn,ˈnəːviːn/

adjective

  1.  medicine used to calm the nerves.

noun

  1. a nervine medicine.
Rubefacient

A rubefacient is a substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation

Stimulant

/ˈstɪmjʊl(ə)nt/

noun
3. a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
“it is a stimulant that has a direct effect on the nervous system”

adjective
4. raising levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
“Caffeine has stimulant effects on the heart”

Tonic

/ˈtɒnɪk/

noun
5. 1.
a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigour or well-being.
5.2
adjective
8. 1.

giving a feeling of vigor or well-being; invigorating.
“a tonic body shampoo”