A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Bacteriostatic: Inhibiting or retarding the multiplication of bacteria.
Bitter: Herbs that taste bitter act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system.
Bronchospasmolytic: Herbs that suppress spasms in the lower airways.

Cardiac Tonic: Cardiac tonics are herbs that act beneficially on the heart.
Cardioprotective: Plants that protect cardiac muscle tissue from lack of oxygen and thus reduce the risk of heart damage.
Carminative: Carminatives are rich in volatile oils and help expel gas from the stomach and bowels, easing bloating and gas related cramping.
Cathartic/Purgative: In large doses cathartics purge the bowels and stimulate glandular secretions.
Cholagogue/Choleretic: Herbs and substances which reduce the cholesterol levels by excreting cholesterol, and which stimulate the release and secretion of bile from the gall bladder. They also have a laxative effect on the digestive system.
Circulatory stimulant: Medicinal plants that increase blood flow to and from tissues and organs.
Contraceptive: Medicinal herbs used as a contraceptive.

Deep Immune Activator: Immuno-modulators that have a beneficial effect on the cellular foundations of the human immune response.
Demulcent/Mucilaginous: Herbs that are usually rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect damaged or inflamed tissue.
Depurative/Alterative: Herbs that remove impurities and cleanse the blood.
Diaphoretic/Sudorific: Herbs that help raise the body temperature and aid the skin in the elimination of toxins through perspiration.
Digestive: Herbs that stimulate the function of the digestive system and promote digestion.
Discutient: Plants that may be useful in dissolving abnormal growths and tumours.
Diuretic: Herbs that increase the flow of urine and help in the removal of toxins from the system.

For a complete list of herb actions and properties:
Herb Actions and Properties - A
Herb Actions and Properties - B, C & D
Herb Actions and Properties - E, F, G & H
Herb Actions and Properties - I, L, M, O & P
Herb Actions and Properties - R, S, T & V