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
- (of a drug) acting to relieve pain.
Anti-emetic
/antɪɪˈmɛtɪk/
adjective
adjective: antiemetic
- Substance preventing vomiting.
noun
noun: antiemetic
- an anti-emetic drug.
Antispasmodic
-
Used to relieve the spasm of involuntary muscle.
-
an antispasmodic Herb or drug.
Anti-inflammatory
adjective
adjective: anti-inflammatory; adjective: antiinflammatory
Used to reduce inflammation.
Anticoagulant
-
having the effect of retarding or inhibiting the coagulation of the blood.
Astringent
as·trin·gent
(ə-strĭn′jənt)
adj.
A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues a
Bitter
/ˈbɪtə/
adjective
having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.
“raw berries have an intensely bitter flavour”
Carminative
-
relieving flatulence.
-
a herb that relieves flatulence.
Demulcent
/dɪˈmʌls(ə)nt/
MEDICINE
adjective
- (of a substance) relieving inflammation or irritation.
noun
- a substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
Diaphoretic
diaphoretic
/ˌdʌɪəfəˈrɛtɪk/
adjective
MEDICINE
- 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
-
a medicine which promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
Nervine
/ˈnəːvʌɪn,ˈnəːviːn/
adjective
- medicine used to calm the nerves.
noun
- 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”