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Therapeutic Properties MASTER LIST

[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]



Adaptogenic 

An agent which aids in the body's ability to adapt to stress of all forms. 


Alkaline

 

Alterative  

An agent which cleanses the blood and corrects impure blood conditions.  

 

Analgesic  

An agent that relieves or diminishes pain.

  

Anaphrodisiac 

An agent that reduces sexual desire.  

 

Anthelmintic 

An agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms.  



Anti-acne  

Used to treat acne, may be used topically (affect the skin) or orally (affect the blood).  

These herbs may also have antibacterial, alterative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant properties. 

 

Anti-aging 

Slow the aging process.

 

Anti-amoebic (syn. Amoebicides) 

Used to treat infections caused by an amoeba.  

 

Anti-androgenic  

Used to act against male sex hormones.   

 

Anti-anemic  

Used to treat anemia.

 

Anti-anxiety syn. Anxiolytic  

Used to treat anxiety, stress, tension, irritation.




Anti-aromatase  

Used to block the enzyme (aromatase) that converts testosterone to estrogen. Used to treat breast cancer.  

 

Anti-arrhythmic  

Used to treat abnormal heart rhythm.  




Antibiotic

Keep bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens from growing.




Anti-allergenic  

An agent that reduces symptoms of allergies. 

 

Anti-arthritic  

An agent that combats arthritis by decreasing inflammation and swelling and increasing range of motion.  

 

Anti-bacterial

An agent that kills bacteria.

Anti-cancer

Prevents cancerous cellular mutations.

Anti-catarrhal 

An agent that reduces the production of mucus.

 

Anti-convulsive 

An agent that arrests of controls convulsions. 

Anti-depressive  

An agent that is uplifting and counteracts melancholy. 

  

Anti-diabetic 

Used to control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes by effecting the pancreas (to produce insulin) and liver.  


Anti-emetic 

An agent that reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting.


Anti-fertility

An agent that prevents ovulation and fertilization.


Anti-fungal

An agent that destroys fungus.


Anti-histamine

Reduces symptoms of allergies.


Anti-inflammatory 

An agent that alleviates inflammation.  


Anti-perspirant ( Syn. anti-sudorific) 

An agent that reduces sweating. 


Anodyne (see Analgesic)   

An agent that relieves pain.


Anti-microbial 

An agent that destroys and inhibits the growth of microorganisms.  


Anti-mutagenic 

Prevents the mutation of DNA during cell division.  


Anti-neoplastic

Prevent, inhibit, and halt the development of a neoplasm (tumor).


Anti-parasitic (see Anthelmintic)

An agent that kills parasites

 

Anti-pruritic (syn. anti-itch)  

An agent that relieves sensations of itching or prevents it's occurrence. Used topically.  

 

Anti-rheumatic 

An agent that helps alleviate rheumatism.


Anti-seborrheic 

An agent that prevents excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Used to cure seborrheic dermatitis.   

 

Anti-septic syn. Germicides  

An agent that destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria. Used topically.


Anti-spasmodic syn. Spasmolytics  

An agent that prevents and eases spasms and relieves cramps.  


Anti-tumor

 

Anti-tussive  

An agent the relieves coughing.

 

Anti-pyretic  (syn. Febrifuge)

Reduces the temperature of fevers. 

Anti-viral

An agent that destroys viruses.  

 

Aphrodisiac  

An agent that provokes sexual interest and excitement.  

Aromatic

Contains volatile (essential) oils that are extractable.

Astringent  

An agent that contracts, tightens and binds tissues.  

 

Bactericide (see Anti-bacterial

An agent that destroys bacteria.  

Balsamic  

Usually applies to resin- which is a soothing and healing agent.  

 

Bitter 

Group of herbs with bitter taste that increases the secretion of digestive juices.  

 

Cardiac  

An agent having a stimulating effect on the heart.    

 

Carminative  

An agent that settles the digestive system and the expulsion of gas from the intestines.  

 

Cephalic  

An agent that is stimulating and clears the mind.  

 

Cholagogue  

An agent that increases the secretion and flow of bile production into the duodenum.  

 

Choleretic  

An agent that aids the excretion of bile by the liver, so that there is a greater flow of bile.  

 

Cicatrisant  

An agent that promotes the formation of scar tissue.  

 

Convulsant  

An agent that causes convulsions.  

 

Cordial  

An agent that is invigorating and stimulating.   


Cytophylactic  

An agent that encourages growth of skin cells.  

 

Decongestant  

An agent that relieves or reduces congestion.  

 

Demulcent 

An agent that soothes, softens and always irritations of mucous membranes.  

 

Deodorant 

An agent that destroys or inhibits odors.  

 

Depurative  

An agent that helps to purify the body, particularly the blood.  

 

Diaphoretic  

An agent that promotes perspiration.

 

Digestive  

an agent that aids the digestion of food.   

 

Disinfectant 

Prevents and combats the spread of disease.  

 

Diuretic 

An agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine.  

 

Emetic 

An agent that induces vomiting.  

 

Emmenagogue  

An agent that promotes and regulates menstrual flow.  

 

Emollient  

An agent used externally to soothe and soften the skin. 


Estrogenic  

An agent that stimulates the action of estrogen. 

 

Expectorant 

An agent that expels mucus in the respiratory system.  

 

Febrifuge (see Anti-pyretic)

An agent that cools and reduces high body temperature.  

 

Fungicide (see Anti-fungal)

An agent that destroys fungal infections.  

 

Galactagogue  

An agent that increases the secretion of milk.  

 

Hemostatic  

An agent that arrests bleeding.  

 

Hepatic  

An agent that stimulates and aids liver function.  


Hepatoprotective

Protective to the liver.


Humectant

Pull in moisture from the air into the skin and protect against moisture loss.


Hypertensive 

An agent that increases blood pressure.  

 

Hypoglycemic

An agent that lowers blood sugar levels.  

 

Hypnotic  

An agent that produces sleep.

  

Hypolipidemic

An agent that lowers lipid (fat) levels in the blood.


Hypotensive  

An agent that lowers blood pressure. 


Immuno-modulator

An agent that adjusts immune system functions.


Insecticide 

An agent that kills insects.  


Immuno-stimulator

An agent that boosts function of the immune system.



Laxative  

An agent that aids bowel evacuation.  

 

Mucilage

Contains polysaccharides that create a viscous and protective solution.



Mucolytic  

An agent that dissolves or breaks down mucus.  

 

Nervine  

An agent that strengthens or tonifies the nerves and nervous system.  

 

Parturient  

An agent that helps in the delivery of childbirth.  



Photo-protective

An agent that protects the skin from sunlight.




Prophylactic 

An agent that prevents disease.   

 

Relaxant  

An agent that causes relaxation of the mind and/or the body.  

 

Rubefacient  

An agent that is warming and increases blood flow.  

 

Sedative  

An agent that reduces nervousness, distress, or agitation.   




Stimulant  

An agent that stimulates the physiological functions of the body.  

 

Stomachic  

An agent that is a digestive aid and tones the stomach.  

  

Tonic  

An agent that strengthens and improves bodily performance.  

  

Uterine tonic (see Emmenagogue)  

An agent that is a tonic to the uterus.  

 

Vasoconstrictor  

An agent that causes contraction of blood vessel walls.  

 

Vasodilator  

An agent that causes dilation of blood vessels.  

 

Vermifuge (see Anthelmintic)   

An agent that causes expulsion of worms.  

 

Vulnerary 

An agent that prevents tissue degeneration and promotes healing of wounds.  









Sincerely,

Emilee Wright

A Mercurial Consciousness