Adaptogen-- creates greater resistance to stress within the body

Alterative—cleanses the bloods system; has a tonic action on the blood; gradually alters and corrects impure conditions of the blood; gentle removal of waste products through the lymphatic system.

Anaphrodisiac—opposite of aphrodisiac – reduces sexual desire instead of increasing

Anodyne—acts on nerves reducing sensitivity thereby alleviating pain; can be used locally or through the entire body

Anthelminitic—vermifuges cause the expulsion of worms from the stomach and intestines.  Vermicides destroy or kill intestinal worms, without necessarily causing expulsion

Antiarthritic—relieve problems of gout and other arthritic conditions

Antibacterial—anti (Latin for against) bacterial; destroys or prevents bacterial growth and/or infection

Antibiotic –anti (against) biota (life); destroys or prevents growth of micro-organisms

Antidepressant—relieves symptoms of depression

Antiemetics—prevents or reduces vomiting

Antifungal—against fungi; destroys or prevents growth of fungi  

Antihydropic—give relief from dropsy.  Aids in voiding or evacuating urine

Antihydrotic—reduces or suppresses perspiration

Antiinflammatory—against inflammation; prevents or reduces inflammation (swelling with heat)

Antirheumatic—prevents or relieves rheumatism

Antiseptic—against sepsis(infection);; destroys or inhibits pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria

Antispasmodic—Prevents or relieves spasms

Antitussive—inhibits reflex responsible for coughing thereby helping to reduce or stop coughing

Antiviral—against virus; fights against viral infection

Aperients—mildly stimulates bowels with purging action

Aphrodisiac—stimulates sexual desire

Appetizer—stimulates or excites the appetite often producing salivation

Aromatics—fragrant or spicy-tasting herbs which are stimulating to the gastrointestinal mucous membranes.  Usually aids digestion and relieves gas pains.  Used to cover strong, bitter and unpleasant-tasting herbs

Astringent—constricts and tightens tissues while reducing secretions or discharge; toning action; drying

Bitter—stimulate the gastrointestinal mucous membrane without affecting the general system; stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes while stimulating appetite

Carminative—used to expel gas from the system; contain a volatile oil exciting peristalsis and promoting expulsion of gases; prevent griping pains while using cathartics

Cholagogues—stimulates the secretion and flow of bile into the intestines

Convulsants—causes convulsions; stimulants such as cayenne pepper should always be used before convulsants

Correctives (Corrigents)—render more pleasant the strong action of other remedies, especially those with purgative action

Counterirritants—cause irritation or inflammation of the skin to relieve a deeper-seated problem (e.g. a mustard plaster); causes slight irritation in one part to counteract/relieve pain in another part

Demulcents—soothe, soften and allay irritation of mucous membranes by mucilaginous and slippery properties;  soothes and softens inflamed tissue; in poultices, they retain warmth and moisture while absorbing pus discharge from the skin

Deobstructants—overcome obstruction in the alimentary canal

Deodourants—covers or removes foul odors

Depressants—sedatives

Depuritive—removes impurities from the body via the bloodstream, producing a cleansing action

Detergents—used for cleansing wounds, ulcers, boils, etc; different from commercial detergents

Diaphoretic—promotes perspiration to increase toxic elimination through the skin

Digestive—aids in digestion

Disinfectant—destroy noxious properties of decaying organic matter

Diuretics—promotes a general increase in the flow of urine

Ecoholics—induces abortion; abortifacient

Emetics—causes the evacuation of stomach contents by inducing vomiting

Emmenagogue—promote menstrual flow and discharge; should be avoided in pregnancy; due to stimulation of uterine muscles) regulate menstruation to normal minimum instead of excessive or lacking flow

Emmolient—used to soften, soothe and protect tissue

Evacuants—the same as purgatives

Expectorant—promotes discharge of mucus from the respiratory system; acts directly on the lungs

Febrifuge—dissipates or reduces fever by enhancing the evaporation of perspiration; also known as antipyretics

Galactagogue—increase or promote secretion of milk of nursing mother

Hemostatics—used to stop or prevent bleeding

Hepatic—increase flow of bile and influence the liver; stimulate action of the liver

Hypnotics—used to relax and promote sleep

Hypoglycemic—reduces blood sugar levels in the body

Hypotensive—reduces blood pressure

Irritant—creates local irritation or inflammation on the skin

Laxative—mildly purgative; stimulates bowels to release waste products

Local anesthetics—locally stop sensation to an area of the body

Lymphatic—stimulates pumping actin and flow of lymph fluid through the various lymphatic vessels of the body

Mucilage—creates a gummy or gelatinous protection over inflamed tissue

Narcotic—powerful anodyne and or hypnotic; usually addictive in nature

Nephritic—influence nephrons, a unit of kidney function

Nervines—nerve tonics producing a calming or soothing effect on the nerves without affecting the faculties

Nutritives—substances that nourish and feed the body, assisting in assimilation of nutrients from food

Pectoral—soothes, relieves and calms diseases or illness related to the chest or lungs

Peristaltics—increase peristalsis (the wavelike action of the bowels)

Prophylactics—prevent disease

Purgatives—cause powerful discharge from the bowels; stronger than cathartics

Refrigerants—cool body temperature by promoting free perspiration; also known as febrifuges and antipyretics; often used for reducing fever

Restoratives—used to bring back health and vitality

Rubefacient—stimulates blood flow (circulation) to the skin and causes local reddening; irritants and counterirritants

Sedatives—calm or tranquilize by lowering functional activity

Sialagogues—stimulates or excites the salivary glands

Soporifics—also known as somnafacients; causes sleep

Sorbefacients—causes absorption

Specifics—direct curative properties to certain tissues thereby aiding in recovery in certain diseases

Stimulants—increases functional activity

Stomachics—stimulate and tone action of the stomach

Styptics—externally astringent, causing contraction of the blood vessels and thereby stopping bleeding

Sudorifics—produce intense and visible sweating when taken hot; act as a tonic when taken cold

Taenicides—kill tapeworms

Tonics—permanently increase systemic tone by stimulating nutrition

Vermicides—kill intestinal worms

Vermifuge—cause expulsion of intestinal worms

Vulneraries—promotes healing of cuts and wounds

Read a short bio on Jessica Lane

Access all the Herbal Horse Articles