A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Refrigerant: Herbal teas that have a cooling effect for relief of fever and thirst, and particularly when applied topically to the skin.
Rubefacient/Vasodilation: Herbs that simulate circulation locally and increase heat in the tissues when applied to the skin.
Roborant: A hertb that increases strength, is restorative and a tonic.

Secretolytic: Supports the body's mechanisms for clearing mucus from the respiratory tract
Secretomotory: Of nerves: inducing secretion when stimulated, promoting sercretion
Sedative: Herbs that calm and relax the nervous system and reduce nervous tension.
Sialagogue: Herbs that stimulate the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands and assist the digestion of starch.
Soporific: Like hypnotics, soporific herbs help bring on and promote sleep.
Stimulant: Herbs that quicken and enliven the physiological function of the body.
Stomachic: Herbs that promote digestion and strengthen the stomach.
Sudorific/Diaphoretics: Herbs that induce increased perspiration, regarded as a process of internal cleansing.

Tonic: The tonic herbs strengthen and tone either specific organs or the whole body through nutritional stimulation. There are different herbal tonics for different body systems.
Trophorestorative: In chronic states of irritation or depression, some degree of vital deficiency will manifest in an affected tissue, with a gradual loss of its functional capability. When an organ or tissue is determined to be suffering from this state, trophorestorative herbs can be used safely as a long-term measure to restore normal organ or tissue function.

Vasoconstrictor: Herbs that help constrict blood vessels (reduce blood flow) and raise blood pressure. Vasoconstrictors are uncommon among herbs.
Vasodilator: Herbs that expand and relax the blood vessels (increase blood flow).
Vermifuge: A herb that expels worms and other parasites from the intestine.
Vulnerary: Herbs applied externally to promote wound healing and inflammation by stimulating cell growth (topically). Often they also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Virustatic: Pertaining to the inhibition of the growth and development of viruses, as distinguished from their destruction.

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