Glossary of Medicinal Properties

ALTERATIVE-gradually restore and improve body function, also known as “blood cleansers”. Alfalfa, burdock, cleavers, dandelion, echinacea, nettles, red clover, yellow dock.

ANODYNE/ANALGESIC-soothes and relieves pain. Calendula, plantain, poppy, skullcap. St. John’s wort.

ANTIEMETIC-relieves nausea and vomiting. Chamomile, fennel, meadowsweet, peppermint.

ANTISPASMODIC-prevent or ease spasms or cramps. Chamomile, cramp bark, lavender, lobelia, motherwort, St. John’s wort, skullcap, valerian, wild yam.

ASTRINGENT-contract tissue and reduce secretion. Chamomile, lemon, rosemary, witch hazel, yarrow.

CARMINATIVE-expel gas in the digestive tract. Anise seed, cardamom, chamomile, caraway, dill, fennel, peppermint.

DEMULCENT-rich in mucilage to soothe irritated internal tissue. Calendula, comfrey, irish moss, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm.

DIAPHORETIC-promotes perspiration. Boneset, cayenne, elder, ginger, peppermint, pleurisy root, thyme, yarrow

DIURETIC-increase elimination of urine. Boneset, cleavers, dandelion, gravel root, parsley, queen of the meadow, uva ursi, yarrow.

EMETIC-causes vomiting in high doses. Lobelia, goldenseal.

EMMENAGOGUE-promotes menstruation. blue/black cohosh, motherwort, pennyroyal.

EMOLLIENT-externally soothe skin. Calendula, chickweed, comfrey, marshmallow, plantain, slippery elm.

EXPECTORANT-removes excess mucus from respiratory system. Anise seed, coltsfoot, comfrey, elder, elecampane, grindelia, hyssop, licorice, lobelia, mullein, white horehound.

FEBRIFUGE/ANTI-PYRETIC-reduces fevers. Boneset, cayenne, elder, pennyroyal, peppermint, yarrow.

HEPATIC-aids the liver. Barberry, dandelion, goldenseal, wild yam.

LAXATIVE-promotes evacuation of the bowels. barberry, cascara sagrada, dandelion, senna, yellow dock.

NERVINE-strengthen and tone the nervous system. Some stimulate, some relax. Chamomile, damiana, hops, lavender, lemon balm, lobelia, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, red clover, rosemary, skullcap, valerian, vervain.

PECTORAL –strengthen and heal the respiratory system. Coltsfoot, comfrey, elecampane, goldenseal, licorice, mullein.

SEDATIVE-calm the nervous system, reduce stress and nervousness. Blue cohosh, chamomile, passion flower, skullcap, valerian, wild lettuce.

VULNERARY- externally heals wounds and cuts. Aloe, chickweed, comfrey, elder, goldenseal, marshmallow, mullein, plantain, slippery elm, St. John’s wort, wood betony, yarrow.