Adaptogen: Increases the body’s ability to handle stress.
Alterative: Produces a gradual improvement in the nutritional state of the body.
Analgesic: Numbs pain.
Antibacterial: Prevents the growth and kills bacteria.
Anticoagulant: Prevents clotting of blood.
Antidiarrhoeic: Relieves diarrhea.
Antifungal: Inhibits growth of fungus.
Anti-inflammatory: Alleviates inflammation.
Antipyretic: Dispels heat, fire and fever (from the Greek word pyre, meaning fire).
Antiseptic: Inhibits the growth of and kills bacteria.
Antispasmodic: Relieves spasms and cramps.
Antirheumatic: Prevents and/or relieves rheumatic pain and swelling.
Antiviral: Inhibits growth of viruses.
Aphrodisiac: Arouses sexual desires.
Astringent: Contracts tissues.
Carminative: Expels intestinalgas.
Cephalic: Remedy for the head.
Cordial: Stimulant and tonic.
Decongestant: Relieves congestion.
Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissue.
Diaphoretic: Causes perspiration.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Diuretic: Increases urination.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue: Promotes and regulates menstruation.
Emollient: Soothes, softens and protects the skin.
Estrogenic: Similar to estrogen.
Expectorant: Promotes discharge of phlegm and mucous from the lungs and throat.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Fixative: Holds the scent of a fragrance.
Hemostatic: Stops hemorrhaging.
Hypotensor: Lowers high blood pressure.
Laxative: Promotes bowel movements.
Nervine: Calming to the nervous system; may be either a stimulant or sedative.
Parasiticide: Kills parasites, especially living on skin.
Purgative: Promotes evacuation of bowels.
Relaxant: Lessens tension and produces relaxation.
Rubefacient: Increases local blood circulation can cause minor skin irritation.
Sedative: Calms and tranquilizes by lowering the functional activity of the organ or body part.
Stimulant: Increases functional activity in the body.
Stomachic: Strengthens and tones the stomach.
Tonic: Strengthens and restores the body and vitality.
Sudorific: Increases sweating.
Vasoconstrictor: Constricts blood vessels which raise blood pressure.
Vasodilator: Helps to dilate blood vessels.
Vermifuge: Expels intestinal worms.
Vulnerary: Heals wounds and sores by external application.