A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Ecbolic – Herbs used to induce contractions of uterus, leading to expulsion of the foetus.
Emetic: Herbs that cause vomiting when taken in high doses, given to expel poisons and treat chronic alcoholism.
Emmenagogue: Herbs that stimulate and normalize the menstrual flow.
Emollient: Herbs that are used externally on the skin and have a soothing, protective and healing effect. They have similar properties as demulcents that are used internally.
Estrogenic: Plants that normalize estrogen levels in the body. These herbs frequently contain substances that can be converted into estrogen if needed and are generally used to treat symptoms of menopause.
Euphoriant: Herbs that cause euphoric effect and herbs that produces a sense of bodily comfort, a temporary effect and often addictive.
Expectorant: Herbs that assist the body in expelling excess mucous from the respiratory system.

Febrifuge: Herbs used for the reduction of abnormally high body temperatures. Some febrifuges are also diaphoretic which promote sweating and elimination of cell wastes.
Fungicidal/Anti-fungal/Anti-microbial/Anti-parasitic: Herbs that inhibit the growth of or kill fungi (pathogenic organisms). Either by direct or indirect actions (enhance the immune system).
Fungistatic: Herbs that inhibits the growth of fungi.

Galactogogue: Herbs that help breast feeding mothers increase the flow of mother’s breast-milk.

Haemostatic/Haemostatic: Herbs that stop or prevent bleeding.
Hepatic/Hepatoprotective/Anti-hepatotoxic: Hepatics strengthen and tone the liver as well as stimulate the flow of bile.
Hypertensive: Herbs that can help increase low blood pressure.
Hypoglycaemic/Anti-diabetic: Herbs that reduce and regulate blood glucose levels.
Hypnotic: Herbs that relieve anxiety and help induce normal sleep (not a hypnotic sleep or trance).
Hypotensive: Herbal remedies that reduce blood pressure.

For a full 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