Glossary

Home My Blog Herb Profiles Botanical Names Glossary Treatments Recipes Other stuff HERB SHOP Books & Equipment Useful Links

 

adenitis: swollen glands

adjuvant: a remedy that enhances the effect of another

albuminuria: the presence of albumin in the urine

amenorrhoea: absence of periods

analgesic: relieves pain

anodyne: eases pain

anorexia: loss of appetite

anthelmintic: removes parasitic worms

antilithic: against stones, e.g. of the kidney or bladder

antiseptic: prevents infection

antispasmodic: prevents spasm, cramping

aperient: promoting a natural bowel movement

astringent: causes contraction of the tissues

cardiac: having an effect on the heart

carminative: eases griping pains, expels flatulence

cathartic: causes evacuation of the bowels

cholagogue: promotes bile flow

choleretic: prevents excessive bile

demulcent: soothing and protective

depurative: purifying

diaphoretic: causes perspiration

diplopia: double vision

diuretic: increases urine flow

dysmenorrhoea: painful periods

dysuria: painful urination

emetic: causes vomiting

emmenagogue: promotes menstrual flow

emollient: soothing, softening; usually refers to skin remedies

expectorant: loosens phlegm

febrifuge: reduces fever

galactagogue: induces milk flow

haematuria: blood in the urine

haemostatic: controls or stops bleeding

hepatic: concerning the liver

hypertensive: raises blood pressure

hypocholesterolaemic: lowers blood cholesterol levels

hypoglycaemic: lowers blood sugar levels

hypotensive: lowers blood pressure

hypnotic: producing sleep

laxative: bowel stimulant

mydriatic: causes pupil dilation

nervine: nerve restorative, mildly tranquillising

nutritive: nourishing

orexigenic: stimulates the appetite

parturient: a substance that facilitates childbirth

polyuria: excessive urination

pruritis: itching

rubefacient: causing reddening of the skin

sedative: reduces nervous excitement

sternutatory: produces sneezing by irritating the mucous membranes

stimulant: energy-producing

stomachic: a substance which eases stomach pain

styptic: a substance which stops bleeding, applied externally

tonic: a substance which produces a feeling of well-being

vermifuge: expels worms from the body

vulnerary: wound healer

 

Back to top



 

Contact: [email protected] Please complete the 'Subject' heading or your email will be assumed to be spam and automatically deleted. Before you contact me, I'd be grateful if you would please check to see if this website has the answer to your question (search box at the top of the homepage) - I have time to answer only a few of the many emails that arrive in my inbox every day. See also the statement below:

For your safety I am prohibited from giving specific medical advice to individuals over the internet or telephone so please do not waste your time or mine by emailing or calling me with detailed information about your health problems - I can only undertake face-to-face consultations for what should be obvious reasons. Diagnoses cannot be made remotely, and I am unable to offer any advice or treatment until I am completely satisfied that I know what I'm dealing with!  The herb profiles and treatment suggestions on this website will help enable you to choose which herbs might be appropriate for minor ailments. For more serious or chronic conditions you should seek professional advice. This is particularly important if you are taking medication from your doctor or pharmacist, as some herbs can interact adversely with other drugs. If you would like to have a consultation with a medical herbalist then you should click here  then scroll to 'Professional Organisations' at the bottom of the page to find a qualified practitioner in your area.

Christine Haughton, MA MNIMH MCPP FRSPH

Wold Farm, West Heslerton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8RY, UK

Last updated 27th November 2014     ©Purple Sage Botanicals