Common terms in herbalism and beyond:

I have collected these terms from a variety of sites! I may list some citations for specific factoids, but otherwise most terms can be Googled :)

Abortifacient: causing abortion

Adaptogens: support and balance the endocrine system by supporting adrenal functions. They also increase cellular respiration. Surface immune stimulants will simulate the immune system by mainly stimulating macrophages, which are white blood cells that consume or destroy pathogens in the bloodstream. Immune tonics also spuuport bone marrow reserve. True adaptogens must meet the following criteria, according to Brekhman and Dardymov (1969), they must: be relatively non-toxic; have “non-specific” activity and increase resistance to adverse stressors; help regulate or normalize organ and system function.

Analgesic: relieves pain

Anaphrodisiac: reduces/suppresses libido

Anaesthetic: numbs or creates a loss of sensation

Anthelmintic: expels parasites

Antianemic: increases the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood

Anti-arthritic: relieves arthritic symptoms

Antibacterial: kills bacteria or prevents growth

Antibiotic: see antibacterial

Anticatarrhal: removes mucus from body, from all bodily organs

Anticoagulant: thins blood, reduces coagulation

Antidepressant: alleviates low mood, depression, and/or anxiety

Antidiarrheal: alleviates diarrhea

Antiemetic: relieves nausea and vomiting

Antifungal: prevents and treats fungal infections, halts fungal growth

Antihistamine: prevents or reduces allergic (inflammatory) reactions

Anti-infectious: fights or prevents infections

Anti-inflammatory: prevents or alleviates inflammation

Anti-itch: see antihistamine

Antimicrobial: kills and prevents growth of microbes

Antineuralgic: relieves pain derived from the nerves

Antioxidant: helps slow/prevent cell damage from oxidation

Antiparasitic: see anthelmintic

Antiphlogistic: reduces fever and/or inflammation

Antipruritic: relieves itching

Antipyretic: reduces fever

Antirheumatic: alleviates symptoms of rheumatism and prevents it

Antiseborrheic: alleviates/prevents seborrhea (excess sebum)

Antiseptic: prevents growth of microbes

Antispasmodic: relaxes muscle spasms

Antitumor: inhibits the growth of a tumor

Antitussive: prevents or alleviates cough

Antiviral: prevents growth of or alleviates viral infections

Anxiolytic: reduces symptoms and feelings of anxiety

Aperitive: stimulates/promotes appetite

Aphrodisiac: stimulates libido

Astringent: contracts/tones mucus membranes of skin

Bactericidal: kills bacteria

Calmative: calms

Carminative: prevents and expels intestinal gas

Cephalic: promotes blood flow to head

Choleretic: stimulates bile production

Cholagogue: promotes bile flow from gallbladder

Cicatrisant: prompted healing by stimulating scar tissue formation

Circulatory: aids circulatory system

Circulatory stimulant: boosts circulation

Cooling: promotes cooling sensation on skin

Cytophylactic: promotes growth of new cells

Decongestant: alleviates congestion in nasal passages/airways

Delobstruent: removes obstruction

Demulcent: soothing/relieves irritation

Depurative: purifies and detoxifies

Detoxicant: see depurative

Diaphoretic: promotes sweating (and therefore helps manage fever)

Digestive: aids digestive system

Disinfectant: kills bacteria

Diuretic: increases urine production

Emmenagogue: promotes circulation to pelvis/uterus and stimulates menstruation

Emollient: softens and soothes skin

Expectorant: helps lungs and brings up mucus, makes cough productive

Febrifuge: reduces fever

Galactagogue: promotes milk flow

Haemostatic: stops bleeding

Hepatic: benefits liver

Hypertensive: increases blood pressure

Hypotonic: calms, soothes

Hypotensive: decreases blood pressure

Immunomodulator: helps to activate, boost, or restore normal immune function

Immunostimulant: stimulates activity of immune system

Insecticide: repels and/or kills insects

Laxative: encourages peristalsis and bowel movements

Lipolytic: breaks down fats

Mucolytic: loosens and clears mucus from airways

Muscle relaxant: see antispasmodic

Nervine: nourishes nervous system , calms and balances

Parasiticide: kills parasites

Relaxant: calms and relaxes

Rubefacient: promotes blood flow to skin, cause reddening

Sedative: calms and sedates

Spenic: improves spleen health

Stimulant: stimulates mind or body

Stomachic: tones stomach, balances activity, improves appetite

Styptic: stops bleeding

Sudorific: promotes sweating- see diaphoretic

Thermogenic: produces heat

Tonic: restores health in general or has affinity for a particular organ

Uterine: improves function of uterus

Vasoconstrictor: constricts blood vessels

Vasodilator: dilates blood vessels

Vermifuge: kills or expels parasites

Vulnerary: promotes wound healing

Adaptogenic Herbs and Their Effects on the Immune System. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://motherearthworks.com/healthy-living-learning-center/healthy-living-center-articles/adaptogenic-herbs-and-their-effects-on-the-immune-system/

Ashwagandha Monograph. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/ashwagandha