Here is a non-exhaustive list of Western terms used.
Adaptogens are strengthening herbs that help us adapt to stress by interacting with the endocrine system. They help normalise metabolism and nourish the tissues. Examples include Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola root (Rhodiola rosea) and Ginseng root (Panax ginseng)
Alteratives are herbs that ‘alter’ the condition in a tissue by eliminating metabolic waste via the liver, large intestine, lungs, lymphatic system, skin and kidneys. Examples include Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Poke (Phytolacca decandra) and Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica).
Amphoterics are herbs that bring balance to different organs, tissues and systems by regulating hyper and hypo functioning. Amphoterics create harmony. Examples include Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Oatstraw flowering tops (Avena sativa), Hawthorn berry (Crataegus oxycanthoides).
Analgesics are medications that are applied internally or externally to reduce pain, Many of them work by depressing the functions of the central nervous system, Examples of effective analgesics include Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina), Pasqueflower (Anenome pulsatilla), California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Corydalis (Corydalis yanghusuo) and Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa). Topically, Aconite (Aconitum napellus) and Cayenne (Capsicum minimum) are powerful anodynes.
Anthelmintic plants kill or assist in the expulsion of intestinal worms. These plants include Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), cloves (syzygium aromaticum), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and myrrh (commiphora molmol).
Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in the body. There are different systems in the body that anti-inflammatory plants target. For example for the gastrointestinal tract chamomile, fenugreek and meadowsweet are useful. For the musculoskeletal system rosehips, turmeric and celery seed are useful. For inflammation against immune mediated inflammation gotu kola (centella asiatica), rehmannia (rehmannia glutinosa) and feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) can be useful.
Antimicrobials are herbs that interfere with the proliferation and life-cycle of microbes; bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Examples include Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris), Echinacea (Echinacea species), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra).
Antioxidant substances that protects against oxidation and degradation from free radical damage. Plants rich in antioxidant include bacopa (bacopa monnieri), bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus), green tea (camelia sinensis) and thyme (thymus vulgaris).
Antirheumatic medicines prevent or relieve rheumatic symptoms such as joint pains, limited mobility and swelling. Plants that have this effect include celery seed (apium graveolens), black cohosh (cimicifuga racemose), nettle leaf (urtica dioca), devils claw (harpagophytum procumbens) and willow bark (salix alba).
Antispasmodic plants reduce or relieve smooth muscle spasm. They can be helpful for an array of issues including menstrual cramps. Also known as spasmolytics, these plants include aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), blue cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides), cramp bark (viburnum opulus) and lavender (Lavandula angustofolia).
Antitussive a substance that reduces the amount of, or severity of coughing. Licorice, peppermint and bupleurum are examples of this.
Aphrodisiac herbs are those that nourish, build and stimulate sexual desire and potency. Examples include Saffron (Crocus sativa) and Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera).
Astringents contain tannins that act to precipitate proteins and draw tissues together, tightening and toning them to reduce secretions and discharge. Astringents also tend to stop bleeding and can act on tissues with which there is no direct contact. Examples include Raspberry leaf (Rubus ideaus), Lady’s Mantle leaf (Alchemilla vulgaris), Agrimony leaf (Agrimonia eupatoria), Shepherd’s Purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Witch Hazel leaf (Hamamelis virginiana) and Yarrow leaf (Achillea millefolium).
Bitters stimulate digestion by enhancing digestive secretion and peristaltic movements of the gut. They act via a reflex from the taste buds to the brain then through the vagus nerve to whole digestive system. Often these herbs are combined with warming digestives to balance the cold nature of bitters. Examples include Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus), Gentian root (Gentiana lutea), Wormwood leaf (Artemisia absinthium), Oregon Grape root (Mahonia aquifolium), Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis).
Bronchodilator plants cause widening of the bronchi. The bronchi are any of the major air passages of the lungs which diverge from the windpipe. Plants with this action include ephedra (ephedra sinica), nigella sativa and bala (Sida cordifolia).
Cardiotonics are herbs that bring order and strength to the cardiovascular system, speed up or slow down the heart as needed. Examples include Hawthorn berry and leaf (Crataegus oxycanthoides), Motherwort leaf (Leonurus cardiaca), Lily of the Valley leaf (Convalleria majalis), Garlic bulb (Allium sativum), Lime flower (Tilia platyphyllos), Mistletoe leaf and berry (Viscum album).
Carminative herbs are high in essential oils and help ease digestion by relieving gas, spasms and cramps. Examples include Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) and Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita).
Cholagogues and choleretics: Cholagogues promote the production of bile in the liver. A cholereticis a type of cholagogue that promotes the release of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum. Cholagogues have an alterative and laxative effect. Cholagogues are contra-indicated if there is acute liver failure, obstructive jaundice, painful gallstones or cholecystitis. Examples include Celandine leaf (Chelidonium majus), Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum officinalis root), and Blue Flag root (Iris versicolor).
Demulcents are soothing mucilaginous and silky herbs that can be taken internally to soothe and protect damaged or inflamed tissue. Examples include Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra), Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) and Limeflower (Tilia cordata).
Depurative a substance that improves detoxification and aids elimination to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products within the body. They were formerly known as alteratives or blood purifiers and are largely used to treat chronic skin and muscoskeletal disorders. Depurative plants include burdock, echinacea root (echinacea angustofolia), nettle leaf (urtica diocia) and yellow dock (rumex crispus).
Diaphoretics are herbs that cause sweating by increasing circulation in the periphary of the body. Usually used to help to relieve fevers some examples are Yarrow aerial parts (Achillea millefolium), Elder flowers (Sambucus niger), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis).
Diuretics are herbs that stimulate the flow of urine, and help remove fluids from the body. Common examples are Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinalis), Burdock root (Arctium lappa) and Corn silk (Zea mays).
Emmenagogues are herbs that stimulate and promote menstruation. Examples include Marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and Chaste Tree fruits (Vitex agnus-castus), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa),
Expectorants are herbs that assist the body in expelling mucus from the upper respiratory tract. Examples include Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane root (Inula helenium) and Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris).
Febrifuge or antipyretic plants reduce or prevent fever. Rehmannia (rehmannia glutinosa), rhubarb root (rheum palmatum), yarrow (achillea millefolium) and willow bark (salix alba) all have antipyretic properties.
Galactagogues are herbs that encourage the flow of breastmilk. Examples include Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Celery seed (Apium graveolens) and Shatavari root (Asparagus racemosus).
Hepatics are herbs that generally support liver function by decongesting as well as supporting bile flow. Examples include Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), Yellowdock root (Rumex crispus), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa).
Hypnotics and sedatives are plants that promote a deep and relaxing sleep. They may work through muscle relaxant properties, through the action of volatile oils on the limbic system, or through the presence of alkaloids that affect the central nervous system. Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita), Lime flower (Tilia platyphyllos), Lemon balm leaf (Melissa officinalis), Wood Betony aerial parts (Stachys betonica), Skullcap leaf (Scutelleria lateriflora), Wild Lettuce leaf (Lactuca virosa), Passionflower aerial parts (Passiflora incarnata), Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), Corydalis root (Corydalis yanhusuo), California Poppy aerial parts (Eschscholzia californica).
Hypolipidemics are herbs which mildly reduce serum lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol. Examples include Hawthorn berry and leaf (Crataegus oxycanthoides), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa), Guggulu resin (Commiphora mukul), Garlic bulb (Allium sativum), and Cayenne fruit (Capsicum annuum).
Hypotensives act to reduce a high blood pressure by relaxing muscles or through a calming effect upon the central nervous system. Examples include Hawthorn berry and leaf (Crataegus oxycanthoides), Garlic bulb (Allium sativum), Lime flower (Tilia platyphyllos), Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), Motherwort leaf (Leonorus cardiaca) and Mistletoe leaf and berry (Viscum album)
Immunomodulants restore balance to a dysfunctional immune system. These are often used in chronic autoimmunity. such as Crohn’s and multiple sclerosis. Many immunomodulants are adaptogens, and vice versa. Examples include Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Siberian Ginseng root (Eleuthrococcus senticosus), Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) and Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis).
Immunostimulants stimulate the immune system protecting against infection, including non-specific mechanisms, and the specific mechanisms of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Many immunostimulants are antimicrobials and vice versa, and are used in both acute and chronic infection. Examples include Echinacea root and leaf (Echinacea spp.), Garlic bulb (Allium sativum), Myrrh resin (Commiphora myrrha), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Andrographis leaf (Andrographis paniculata),) and Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria).
Laxative herbs are those that stimulate or promote bowel movements. There are different types of herbs; gentle aperients, like dandelion root (taraxacum officinalis), that have a mild effect; bulk-forming laxatives, like Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), that increase the water and bulk of the stool; stimulant laxatives is Senna leaf (Senna alexandria) that invigorate the muscles of the lower bowel to create a stronger motion.
Nervines are herbs that soothe the nervous system and have a calming effect on the emotions. Examples include Oatstraw flowering tops (Avena sativa), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Rosemary leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Gotu Kola leaf (Centella asiatica).
Relaxant plants promote relaxation and can reduce tension. Herbs with this property include passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and valerian (valeriana officinalis).
Rubefacients are applied externally and cause a mild local irritation and draw blood to the area through capillary dilation. Rubefacients are used to enhance blood supply to localized areas to remove congestion and promote healing. Examples include Cayenne fruit (Capsicum minimum), Mustard seed (Brassica spp.), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis), and Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita oil).
Sedative A substance that reduces as activity, particularly in the nervous system and decreases nervous tension. It may alleviate pain, anxiety or spasm and induce sleep. Sedatives include Californian poppy (eschscholzia californica), hops (humulus lupulus), true unicorn (aletris farinosa), and valerian (valeriana officinalis).
Sialogogues are medications that stimulate production of saliva to treat dry mouth, poor digestion, receding gums and infection including Prickly Ash bark (Zanthoxylum americanum), Echinacea root (Echinacea spp) and Spilanthes flower (Spilanthes acmella).
Stimulant substances raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. Plants that are stimulating include cacao, coffee, green tea (camelia sinensis), yerba mate
(Ilex paraguariensis), kola nut (cola nitida) and guarana (Paullinia cupana).
Stomachic promote the appetite or assist digestion, for example psyllium husk is a bulk laxative that supports the digestive tract.
Tonics is a slightly controversial term as it seems to apply to herbs that bring tone to an organ or tissue. It is also used to refer to herbs that help the whole system to function better acting as general energy boosters. Examples of herbs that bvring tone to the tissues are the astringent Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Those that bring energy are Cacao (Theobroma cacao), Oatstraw flowering tops (Avena sativa) and Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera).
Trophorestorative A substance which has a healing and restorative action on a specific organ or tissue. Nervous system restoratives include oat straw (avena sativa), skullcap (scuttelaria lateriflora) and damiana (turnera diffusa).
Uterine Tonics are a substance that increase the tone of the uterine muscle. Uterine tonics include black cohosh (cimicifuga racemose), blue cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides), false unicorn root (chamaelirium luteum) and true unicorn (aletris farinosa).
Vasodilator A substance that dilates or widens the blood vessels, for example olive leaves (olea europea).
Vulneraries are wound-healing herbs used internally and externally. Astringent herbs such as Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Shepherd’s Purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris) directly stop bleeding and promote the formation of an eschar (scab). Mucilaginous herbs such as Plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata) and Selfheal leaf (Prunella vulgaris) soothe inflammation. Some vulneraries are used internally to speed tissue healing, including Marigold flower (Calendula officinalis), Plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata), Selfheal leaf (Prunella vulgaris), and Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis).
Some of the classifications here are accredited to The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide For Herbal Prescribers by Kerry Bone