Adaptogen

Helps the body adapt to stress.

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance by supporting the adrenal glands, normalizing bodily functions, and increasing resilience to physical, mental, and environmental stress.

Alterative

Also called Depurative. Gradually restores healthy function.

Alteratives are herbs that gradually restore proper body functions by supporting elimination and improving nutrient absorption through vital organs like the lymph, liver, and kidneys. These herbs promote long-term cleansing and overall health restoration.

Depurative herbs support the body's natural cleansing processes through elimination pathways such as the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and overall health.

Analgesic

Also called Anodyne. Eases pain.

Anodyne herbs relieve pain by soothing discomfort and dulling sensations of pain, often used for headaches, joint pain, or muscle aches.

Anthelmintic

Expels worms.

Anthelmintics are a subcategory of antiparasitics specifically targeting parasitic worms (helminths) in the digestive tract. These are the classic worm-expelling herbs, often strong and used in short courses.

Anticatarrhal

Reduces excess mucus.

Anticatarrhals are herbs that reduce excess mucus production and help eliminate existing mucus accumulation, especially in the respiratory system, providing relief from conditions like colds, sinus infections, and bronchitis.

Antiemetic

Eases nausea and vomiting.

Antiemetic herbs prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, helping to settle the stomach and alleviate queasiness from causes such as motion sickness or digestive disturbances.

Anti-inflammatory

Reduces inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in the body by modulating the immune response or inhibiting inflammatory enzymes, commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis or skin irritation.

Antilithic

Helps prevent or pass stones.

Antilithic herbs help prevent or dissolve stones, particularly in the kidneys, by promoting the breakdown and elimination of mineral deposits in the body.

Antimicrobial

Fights infection.

Antimicrobial herbs fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms by inhibiting their growth or killing them, often used to prevent or treat infections.

Antiparasitic

Clears parasites.

Antiparasitic herbs eliminate or prevent parasitic infections, including intestinal worms and protozoa (think giardia, amoebas), by expelling or killing the parasites. This is the broader category.

Antipruritic

Relieves itching.

Antipruritic herbs relieve itching, and are most often put on the skin for rashes, bites, stings and hives.

Antipyretic

Also called Febrifuge. Reduces fever.

Antipyretic herbs reduce fever by helping to lower the body's temperature and promote cooling, making them useful in managing conditions like colds or infections.

Febrifuge herbs reduce fever by promoting cooling and supporting the body's natural ability to lower temperature, often through sweating or relaxation, and are another term for antipyretic.

Antispasmodic

Also called Spasmolytic. Eases cramping and spasm.

Antispasmodic herbs reduce muscle spasms and relax tissue tension, providing relief from conditions such as cramps, digestive discomfort, or muscle tightness.

Spasmolytic herbs relax muscle spasms, similar to antispasmodic herbs, and are often used to relieve conditions like muscle cramps, digestive discomfort, or menstrual cramps.

Anxiolytic

Eases anxiety.

Anxiolytic herbs ease anxiety and nervous worry, calming the mind without necessarily bringing sleep, and are used for restlessness, tension and stress.

Aperient

Gentle laxative.

Aperient herbs act as mild laxatives, gently stimulating bowel movements to relieve constipation without causing harsh irritation.

Aphrodisiac

Increases desire.

Aphrodisiac herbs are traditionally used to restore sexual desire and vigor.

Aromatic

Fragrant, rich in volatile oils.

Aromatic herbs contain volatile oils, typically with a strong fragrance, and often affect the digestive, respiratory, or nervous systems by stimulating or soothing these areas.

Astringent

Tightens and tones tissue.

Astringent herbs tighten and tone tissues, helping to reduce secretions and inflammation, commonly used to manage wounds, excessive discharge, or diarrhea.

Bitter

Stimulates digestion.

Bitter herbs stimulate digestion through the activation of bitter receptors and the vagus nerve, promoting digestive secretions such as saliva, gastric juices, and bile, which aid in digestion and improve appetite.

Blood tonic

Builds the blood.

Blood tonic herbs nourish and build the blood, and are used for paleness, weakness and recovery after blood loss.

Cardiac tonic

Strengthens the heart.

Cardiac tonic herbs improve cardiovascular function and strengthen heart function, supporting overall heart health and helping regulate heart rhythm.

Carminative

Relieves gas.

Carminative herbs improve digestive motility, relieve cramping, and dispel gas, providing relief from digestive discomfort such as bloating and indigestion.

Cholagogue

Releases bile.

Cholagogue herbs promote the release of stored bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, aiding in the digestion of fats and supporting liver function.

Choleretic

Increases bile production.

Choleretic herbs stimulate increased bile production by the liver, enhancing digestion, particularly of fats, and supporting liver detoxification.

Circulatory stimulant

Warms and moves the blood.

Circulatory stimulant herbs increase blood flow and bring warmth to the body or to the part where they are applied, and are often used for cold hands and feet and for stiff, cold conditions.

Demulcent

Soothes and coats.

Demulcent herbs soothe and protect irritated or inflamed tissues by forming a protective coating, providing relief for conditions like sore throats, dry coughs, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Diaphoretic

Encourages sweating.

Diaphoretic herbs promote sweating, which is often used to support fever processes and aid in elimination through the skin, helping to treat colds, flu, and other infections.

Diuretic

Increases urine.

Diuretic herbs increase urine production and output, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body, commonly used for conditions like edema, high blood pressure, or urinary tract infections.

Emetic

Causes vomiting.

Emetic herbs induce vomiting, typically used historically or in specific situations to expel toxins or harmful substances from the body, though they are rarely used in modern practice.

Emmenagogue

Encourages menstrual flow.

Emmenagogue herbs promote menstruation and support menstrual flow, used to regulate cycles and alleviate symptoms such as irregular periods or painful menstruation.

Emollient

Softens and soothes the skin.

Emollient herbs soften, soothe, and protect the skin when applied externally, often used in skincare treatments or to treat dry, irritated, or chafed skin.

Expectorant

Clears mucus from the lungs.

Expectorant herbs help the body remove excess mucus from the respiratory tract, making them beneficial for treating coughs, colds, and respiratory congestion.

Galactagogue

Increases breast milk.

Galactagogue herbs increase breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers, supporting lactation and ensuring a sufficient milk supply.

Hepatic

Supports the liver.

Hepatic herbs support, protect, or improve liver function by enhancing its detoxification processes, bile production, and overall vitality, promoting liver health.

Hypnotic

Brings sleep.

Hypnotic herbs promote sleep, inducing a deeper relaxation than sedatives, helping to ease insomnia and anxiety for restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Hypotensive

Lowers blood pressure.

Hypotensive herbs help bring down high blood pressure, and are usually taken steadily over weeks rather than for a quick effect.

Immunomodulator

Helps regulate the immune system.

Immunomodulator herbs help regulate the immune system, supporting the body's own defenses rather than attacking an infection directly, and are used at the first sign of illness or to build resistance.

Laxative

Moves the bowels.

Laxative herbs promote bowel movements and relieve constipation, often working stronger than aperients by stimulating the digestive tract, softening stool, or increasing motility.

Lymphatic

Moves sluggish lymph.

Lymphatic herbs support the movement of lymph and the work of the lymph glands, helping the body clear swelling and congestion, and are often used for swollen glands and slow-healing skin.

Nervine

Calms and supports the nerves.

Nervine herbs specifically support and affect the nervous system, helping to manage stress, anxiety, or nervous tension by calming, relaxing, or strengthening it.

Nervine tonic

Strengthens and restores the nerves.

Nervine tonic herbs strengthen and restore the nervous system over time, and are used for nervous exhaustion, long strain and recovery.

Nootropic / Brain tonic

Also called Cerebral tonic, Cognitive enhancer. Supports memory and clear thinking.

Nootropic / Brain tonic herbs support memory, concentration and clear thinking, and are used for mental tiredness and to keep the mind sharp in later life.

Nutritive

Nourishing, rich in minerals.

Nutritive herbs nourish the body as foods do. They are rich in minerals and vitamins and are taken steadily, often in food, to build a person up.

Rubefacient

Warms and reddens the skin.

Rubefacient herbs increase blood flow to the skin, causing redness and warmth when applied topically, often used to relieve pain, soreness, or muscle stiffness by stimulating circulation.

Sedative

Calms and relaxes.

Sedative herbs promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping to calm the nervous system and encourage restfulness, making them useful for stress relief and insomnia.

Stimulant

Increases energy and activity.

Stimulant herbs increase energy and physiological activity, stimulating the central nervous system to improve alertness, circulation, and overall vitality.

Styptic

Also called Antihemorrhagic. Stops bleeding.

Styptic herbs stop bleeding by contracting tissues and blood vessels, similar to antihemorrhagic herbs, and are often used to manage minor cuts, wounds, or bleeding.

Antihemorrhagic herbs stop or reduce bleeding by promoting clotting or constricting blood vessels, making them useful for managing conditions like nosebleeds or excessive menstrual bleeding. Antihemorrhagic is closely related to the herbal actions styptic and astringent, all of which can be used in the context of reducing or controlling bleeding.

Thymoleptic

Also called Antidepressive. Raises the mood.

Thymoleptic herbs positively influence mood and emotional state, supporting mental well-being and helping to alleviate symptoms of depression or emotional imbalances.

Antidepressive herbs help lift mood and support emotional balance by promoting a sense of well-being and increasing the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin.

See also Nervine tonic.

Tonic

Strengthens and supports.

Tonic herbs strengthen and support the overall function of specific organs or body systems, helping to maintain balance and enhance resilience.

Trophorestorative

Nourishes and restores.

Trophorestorative herbs deeply nourish and restore proper function to specific organs or tissues, often used for long-term recovery or chronic conditions.

Vulnerary

Heals wounds.

Vulnerary herbs promote wound healing and tissue repair, aiding in the recovery from cuts, bruises, or skin irritations by reducing inflammation and preventing infection.

Adaptogen

Helps the body adapt to stress.

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance by supporting the adrenal glands, normalizing bodily functions, and increasing resilience to physical, mental, and environmental stress.

Alterative

Also called Depurative. Gradually restores healthy function.

Alteratives are herbs that gradually restore proper body functions by supporting elimination and improving nutrient absorption through vital organs like the lymph, liver, and kidneys. These herbs promote long-term cleansing and overall health restoration.

Depurative herbs support the body's natural cleansing processes through elimination pathways such as the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and overall health.

Analgesic

Also called Anodyne. Eases pain.

Anodyne herbs relieve pain by soothing discomfort and dulling sensations of pain, often used for headaches, joint pain, or muscle aches.

Anthelmintic

Expels worms.

Anthelmintics are a subcategory of antiparasitics specifically targeting parasitic worms (helminths) in the digestive tract. These are the classic worm-expelling herbs, often strong and used in short courses.

Anticatarrhal

Reduces excess mucus.

Anticatarrhals are herbs that reduce excess mucus production and help eliminate existing mucus accumulation, especially in the respiratory system, providing relief from conditions like colds, sinus infections, and bronchitis.

Antiemetic

Eases nausea and vomiting.

Antiemetic herbs prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, helping to settle the stomach and alleviate queasiness from causes such as motion sickness or digestive disturbances.

Anti-inflammatory

Reduces inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in the body by modulating the immune response or inhibiting inflammatory enzymes, commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis or skin irritation.

Antilithic

Helps prevent or pass stones.

Antilithic herbs help prevent or dissolve stones, particularly in the kidneys, by promoting the breakdown and elimination of mineral deposits in the body.

Antimicrobial

Fights infection.

Antimicrobial herbs fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms by inhibiting their growth or killing them, often used to prevent or treat infections.

Antiparasitic

Clears parasites.

Antiparasitic herbs eliminate or prevent parasitic infections, including intestinal worms and protozoa (think giardia, amoebas), by expelling or killing the parasites. This is the broader category.

Antipruritic

Relieves itching.

Antipruritic herbs relieve itching, and are most often put on the skin for rashes, bites, stings and hives.

Antipyretic

Also called Febrifuge. Reduces fever.

Antipyretic herbs reduce fever by helping to lower the body's temperature and promote cooling, making them useful in managing conditions like colds or infections.

Febrifuge herbs reduce fever by promoting cooling and supporting the body's natural ability to lower temperature, often through sweating or relaxation, and are another term for antipyretic.

Antispasmodic

Also called Spasmolytic. Eases cramping and spasm.

Antispasmodic herbs reduce muscle spasms and relax tissue tension, providing relief from conditions such as cramps, digestive discomfort, or muscle tightness.

Spasmolytic herbs relax muscle spasms, similar to antispasmodic herbs, and are often used to relieve conditions like muscle cramps, digestive discomfort, or menstrual cramps.

Anxiolytic

Eases anxiety.

Anxiolytic herbs ease anxiety and nervous worry, calming the mind without necessarily bringing sleep, and are used for restlessness, tension and stress.

Aperient

Gentle laxative.

Aperient herbs act as mild laxatives, gently stimulating bowel movements to relieve constipation without causing harsh irritation.

Aphrodisiac

Increases desire.

Aphrodisiac herbs are traditionally used to restore sexual desire and vigor.

Aromatic

Fragrant, rich in volatile oils.

Aromatic herbs contain volatile oils, typically with a strong fragrance, and often affect the digestive, respiratory, or nervous systems by stimulating or soothing these areas.

Astringent

Tightens and tones tissue.

Astringent herbs tighten and tone tissues, helping to reduce secretions and inflammation, commonly used to manage wounds, excessive discharge, or diarrhea.

Bitter

Stimulates digestion.

Bitter herbs stimulate digestion through the activation of bitter receptors and the vagus nerve, promoting digestive secretions such as saliva, gastric juices, and bile, which aid in digestion and improve appetite.

Blood tonic

Builds the blood.

Blood tonic herbs nourish and build the blood, and are used for paleness, weakness and recovery after blood loss.

Cardiac tonic

Strengthens the heart.

Cardiac tonic herbs improve cardiovascular function and strengthen heart function, supporting overall heart health and helping regulate heart rhythm.

Carminative

Relieves gas.

Carminative herbs improve digestive motility, relieve cramping, and dispel gas, providing relief from digestive discomfort such as bloating and indigestion.

Cholagogue

Releases bile.

Cholagogue herbs promote the release of stored bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, aiding in the digestion of fats and supporting liver function.

Choleretic

Increases bile production.

Choleretic herbs stimulate increased bile production by the liver, enhancing digestion, particularly of fats, and supporting liver detoxification.

Circulatory stimulant

Warms and moves the blood.

Circulatory stimulant herbs increase blood flow and bring warmth to the body or to the part where they are applied, and are often used for cold hands and feet and for stiff, cold conditions.

Demulcent

Soothes and coats.

Demulcent herbs soothe and protect irritated or inflamed tissues by forming a protective coating, providing relief for conditions like sore throats, dry coughs, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Diaphoretic

Encourages sweating.

Diaphoretic herbs promote sweating, which is often used to support fever processes and aid in elimination through the skin, helping to treat colds, flu, and other infections.

Diuretic

Increases urine.

Diuretic herbs increase urine production and output, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body, commonly used for conditions like edema, high blood pressure, or urinary tract infections.

Emetic

Causes vomiting.

Emetic herbs induce vomiting, typically used historically or in specific situations to expel toxins or harmful substances from the body, though they are rarely used in modern practice.

Emmenagogue

Encourages menstrual flow.

Emmenagogue herbs promote menstruation and support menstrual flow, used to regulate cycles and alleviate symptoms such as irregular periods or painful menstruation.

Emollient

Softens and soothes the skin.

Emollient herbs soften, soothe, and protect the skin when applied externally, often used in skincare treatments or to treat dry, irritated, or chafed skin.

Expectorant

Clears mucus from the lungs.

Expectorant herbs help the body remove excess mucus from the respiratory tract, making them beneficial for treating coughs, colds, and respiratory congestion.

Galactagogue

Increases breast milk.

Galactagogue herbs increase breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers, supporting lactation and ensuring a sufficient milk supply.

Hepatic

Supports the liver.

Hepatic herbs support, protect, or improve liver function by enhancing its detoxification processes, bile production, and overall vitality, promoting liver health.

Hypnotic

Brings sleep.

Hypnotic herbs promote sleep, inducing a deeper relaxation than sedatives, helping to ease insomnia and anxiety for restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Hypotensive

Lowers blood pressure.

Hypotensive herbs help bring down high blood pressure, and are usually taken steadily over weeks rather than for a quick effect.

Immunomodulator

Helps regulate the immune system.

Immunomodulator herbs help regulate the immune system, supporting the body's own defenses rather than attacking an infection directly, and are used at the first sign of illness or to build resistance.

Laxative

Moves the bowels.

Laxative herbs promote bowel movements and relieve constipation, often working stronger than aperients by stimulating the digestive tract, softening stool, or increasing motility.

Lymphatic

Moves sluggish lymph.

Lymphatic herbs support the movement of lymph and the work of the lymph glands, helping the body clear swelling and congestion, and are often used for swollen glands and slow-healing skin.

Nervine

Calms and supports the nerves.

Nervine herbs specifically support and affect the nervous system, helping to manage stress, anxiety, or nervous tension by calming, relaxing, or strengthening it.

Nervine tonic

Strengthens and restores the nerves.

Nervine tonic herbs strengthen and restore the nervous system over time, and are used for nervous exhaustion, long strain and recovery.

Nootropic / Brain tonic

Also called Cerebral tonic, Cognitive enhancer. Supports memory and clear thinking.

Nootropic / Brain tonic herbs support memory, concentration and clear thinking, and are used for mental tiredness and to keep the mind sharp in later life.

Nutritive

Nourishing, rich in minerals.

Nutritive herbs nourish the body as foods do. They are rich in minerals and vitamins and are taken steadily, often in food, to build a person up.

Rubefacient

Warms and reddens the skin.

Rubefacient herbs increase blood flow to the skin, causing redness and warmth when applied topically, often used to relieve pain, soreness, or muscle stiffness by stimulating circulation.

Sedative

Calms and relaxes.

Sedative herbs promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping to calm the nervous system and encourage restfulness, making them useful for stress relief and insomnia.

Stimulant

Increases energy and activity.

Stimulant herbs increase energy and physiological activity, stimulating the central nervous system to improve alertness, circulation, and overall vitality.

Styptic

Also called Antihemorrhagic. Stops bleeding.

Styptic herbs stop bleeding by contracting tissues and blood vessels, similar to antihemorrhagic herbs, and are often used to manage minor cuts, wounds, or bleeding.

Antihemorrhagic herbs stop or reduce bleeding by promoting clotting or constricting blood vessels, making them useful for managing conditions like nosebleeds or excessive menstrual bleeding. Antihemorrhagic is closely related to the herbal actions styptic and astringent, all of which can be used in the context of reducing or controlling bleeding.

Thymoleptic

Also called Antidepressive. Raises the mood.

Thymoleptic herbs positively influence mood and emotional state, supporting mental well-being and helping to alleviate symptoms of depression or emotional imbalances.

Antidepressive herbs help lift mood and support emotional balance by promoting a sense of well-being and increasing the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin.

See also Nervine tonic.

Tonic

Strengthens and supports.

Tonic herbs strengthen and support the overall function of specific organs or body systems, helping to maintain balance and enhance resilience.

Trophorestorative

Nourishes and restores.

Trophorestorative herbs deeply nourish and restore proper function to specific organs or tissues, often used for long-term recovery or chronic conditions.

Vulnerary

Heals wounds.

Vulnerary herbs promote wound healing and tissue repair, aiding in the recovery from cuts, bruises, or skin irritations by reducing inflammation and preventing infection.