Herbalist Glossary plus Associated Herbs/Natural Agents

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Herbalist
Glossary

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   L   M   N   O   P   R   S   T   V   W

A

♠ = toxic agent, AVOID          ♣ = danger/caution, mild to severe apply         ♥ = AVOID if pregnant
See corresponding herb pages for more information

TERM DEFINITION NATURAL AGENTS ASSOCIATED with the TERM

ABORTIFACIENT Brings about the premature expulsion of a fetus Barley; Bayberry, english; Bur reed
♣ = Burnut; Cohosh, Blue; Juniper; Mugwort
♥ = Burnut; Cohosh, Blue; Pennyroyal, English; also see Plants to Avoid if Pregnant

ACRID Possessing a biting taste accompanied by heat and/or heat and irritation to tissues when applied Asphodel; Betel nut
♣ = Arsesmart; Bindweed, jalap; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Cattail; Celandine; Cohosh, Blue
♥ = Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Cattail; Celandine; Cohosh, Blue
♠ = Arrowwood; Asthma weed; Birthwort; Bloodroot; Blue flag; Buttercup; Centipede, Vietnamese

ADAPTOGEN Increases the body's ability to adapt to environmental and internal stresses by strengthening various key body systems such as immune, nervous, and glandular. For an herb to be labeled an adaptogen, it must meet three criteria: 1) Have minimal side effects; 2) Increase the body's overall immune function by a wide range of actions rather than specific action; 3) Restore balance to all body systems while not being detrimental to any. Some are primary adaptogens (P) while others are labeled secondary (S) and are used in an assisting capacity. Astragalus (S); Gotu Kola (S); Oats, wild (S); Reishi (P); Schizandra (P); Suma (S)
♣ = Ashwaganda (S); Burdock (S); Fo-Ti (S); Ginseng, Siberian (P)
♥ = Burdock (S)

ALTERATIVE Restores health in a gradual and nonspecific way by bringing balance to the whole body Abalone; Abscess root; Alder, tag; Alfalfa; Pilewort; American ivy; Angelica tree; Apple; Ash, prickly; Bamboo, dwarf; Bearsfoot, American; Beech, blue; Beggartick, hairy; Bistort; Brunsfelsia; Burnet; Caroba; Celosia; Centaury, european; Chickweed; Cleavers; Clover, red; Coriander; Corn; Cucumber; Dandelion; Lady's bedstraw; Poplar, white; Soapwort; Turkey-Corn
♣ = Angelica; Barberry, common; Bead tree; Bethroot; Birch, sweet; Burdock; Burnut; Butternut; Calendula; Cat's Claw; Celandine; Figwort; Stoneroot; Thistle, blessed; Walnut, black
♥ = Angelica; Alstonia; Barberry, common; Burdock; Burnut; Butternut; Calendula; Celandine; Figwort
♠ = Arrowwood; Black cohosh; Blackroot; Bloodroot; Blue flag; Boxwood

ANALGESIC Relieves or diminishes pain Agrimony; Ajuga (mild); Allspice; Aloe; Anaphalis; Anise, star; Ash, northern; Ash, prickly; Bramble, shiny (see Ash); Aspen, quaking; Balloon flower; Bearsfoot, american; Bayberry; Black haw; Burnet; Catnip; Centipeda; Clove; Couchgrass; Dong Quai; Meadowsweet; Pearly life everlasting; Poplar, white
♣ = Achryanthes root; Angelica pubescens; Apricot; Avens, yellow; Bayberry; Boneset, asian; Borage; Bupleurum; Burnut; Cannabis; Cayenne; Celandine; Chamomile; Comfrey; Figwort; Licorice; Mullein; Sassafras; Willow, white
♥ = Achryanthes root; Angelica pubescens; Burnut; Celandine; Chamomile
♠ = Aconite, carmichael's; Arnica; Arum; Belladonna; Belladonna, japanese; Birthwort, frail; Black cohosh; Buttercup; Camphor; Camphor, Borneo

ANAPHRODISIAC Reduces sexual desire or potency ♣ = Cedar, white; Hops

ANDROGENIC Relates to the production of male characteristics ♣ = Barrenwort

ANESTHETIC Deadens sensation, particularly that of pain Allspice; Almond (topical); Aloe; Ash, Japanese prickly; Clove (topical); Mint (mild)
♣ = Angelica anomala; Cannabis (topical); Poppy
♠ = Aconite (topical); Bloodroot (topical)

ANODYNE Same as Analgesic see ANALGESIC

ANTACID Relieves excess acidity such as of the stomach Alfalfa; Apple; Meadowsweet

ANTIANDROGENIC Diminishes effects of masculinizing hormones ♣ = Hops

ANTHELMINTIC Destroys or expels intestinal worms See VERMIFUGE

ANTIBACTERIAL/
ANTIBIOTIC Destroys or arrests the growth of bacteria Akebia; Aloe; Amur cork tree; Anise, star; Apple; Ash, japanese prickly; Ash, northern; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balloon flower; Bamboo, black; Beggartick, hairy (weak); Betel; Black currant; Black medic; Black eyed susan; Bletilla; Bottle gourd; Burnet; Burrweed; Cabbage; Canella; Cannabis; Catnip; Chives; Cleavers (weak); Clove; Coriander; Couchgrass; Fenugreek; Garlic; Horsemint (see Mint); Lavender; Nettle, Dwarf; Onion; Pinks, Chinese; Plantain; Rosemary; Stevia; Usnea; Walnut, english; Water plantain
♣ = Anemarrhena; Ashwaganda; Asparagus, chinese; Bay; Barberry, common; Bayberry; Bearberry; Black cherry; Blackberry lily; Blazing star; Brucea; Burdock; Calendula; Caraway; Cashew;& Cayenne; Chamomile (gram pos/staph); Chicory; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Coltsfoot; Echinacea; Fennel; Goldenseal; Thistle, blessed
♥ = Barberry; Bearberry; Blackberry lily; Burdock; Calendula; Chamomile (gram pos/staph); Cinnamon; Cohosh, blue; Coltsfoot; Cumin; Fennel; Ginger, Wild; Goldenseal; Sage; Sage, Purple
♠ = Anemone chinensis; Bloodroot; Boxthorn; Camphor, borneo

ANTICOAGULANT Prevents liquid/blood from clotting ♣ = Chervil

ANTICHOLINERGIC Blocks passage of impulses through the autonomic nerves Balloon Flower

ANTICONVULSANT Tending to prevent fits or convulsions Ampelopsis
♠ = Arum

ANTIDEPRESSANT Counteracts depressive mental states Ash, Red; Balm, Lemon; Balmony; Basil, Holy; Damiana; Lovage; Lovage, Black
♣ = Cannabis;

ANTIDOTE Relieves, prevents, or counteracts a poison
SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF POISONING BY ANY AGENT!!
!!!FIND YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER or PHONE 1-800-222-1222!!! Alstonia (strophanthus); Arrowroot (vegetable poisons); Aster (animal); Balm, Lemon (tobacco); Balmony, Indian (carbon tetrachloride); Bayberry (arsenic - external); Blackberry (poison); Black Face God (lacquer poisoning); Bottle Gourd (poison); Canarium (poison fish); Ceylon Spinach (poisons); Clove (side effects of Lobelia); Corn (Iodine); Cranesbill (poisons/mercury); Horehound (snakebite); Yellowdock (Nettle)
♣ = Apricot (kernal); Boneset, Asian (poison)
♠ = Asarabacca (mushroom); Belladonna (certain gases, calabar bean, opium); Birthwort (snake); Calabar Bean (atropine); Hemlock (Strychnine)

ANTIEMETIC Counteracts nausea, relives vomiting Adrue; Amomum; Bamboo, Black; Basil, Holy; Bilberry; Cardamom, Bastard; Cardamom, Round; Chives, Garlic; Clove; Ginger
♣ = Cannabis

ANTIFLATULENT Prevents or relieves intestinal gas/wind Aquilaria; Savory
♣ = Chamomile
♥ = Chamomile; Cumin

ANTIFUNGAL Destroys or arrests the growth of fungal infections Akebia; Anise, Star; Ash, Japanese Prickly; Balloon Flower; Beggar Tick, Hairy; Cedar, True; Clove; Coriander; Horsemint (see Mint); Jewelweed; Marjoram, Showy; Monarda; Stevia; Tea Tree; Thyme; Walnut, English
♣ = Anemarrhena; Barberry; Bay; Bead Tree; Blackberry lily; Brucea; Burdock; Calendula; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, blue; ♣Figwort; Mullein; Walnut, Black
♥ = Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Calendula; Chamomile; Cohosh, Blue; Cinnamon
♠ = Ambrosia; Arnica; Bloodroot

ANTIGRIPING An herbalist term descriptive of an agent used to relieve spasmodic pain in the bowel, sometimes as the result of administering another herb to relieve constipation Allspice; Anise; Clove; Coriander

ANTIHISTIMINE Counteracts an allergic condition
NOT FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS! Balloon Flower; Balm, Lemon
♥ = Ginger
♠ = Asthma Weed

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Relieves inflammation Agave; Akebia; Alliaria; Ash; Ash, Northern; Aspen, Quaking; Bachelor Button; Balloon Flower; Beggartick, Hairy; Bilberry; Bishopweed; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Currant; Blueberry; Brunfelsia; Bupleurum; Burnet; Butcher's Broom; Cabbage; Canarium; Cayenne; Cedron; Cleavers; Couchgrass; Cranesbill; Dandelion; Meadowsweet; Pinks, Chinese; Plantain; Poplar, White; Walnut, English
♣ = Angelica; Angelica pubescens; Ashwaganda; Avens; Barberry, common; Bead Tree; Birch, Paper; Birch, Silver; Blackberry Lily; Bogbean; Burdock; Calendula; Cannabis; Comfrey; Cat's Claw; Celandine; Chamomile; Chicory; Cohosh, Blue; Crampbark; Elder; Hops; Licorice; Stoneroot
♥ = Angelica pubescens; Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Calendula; Celandine; Chamomile; Cohosh, Blue; Ginger; Sage; Sage, Purple
♠ = Anemone chinensis; Arnica; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Black Cohosh; Blue Flag; Camphor, Borneo

ANTILACTAGOGUE Dries up breast milk Arrowhead; Barley
♣ = Chicory; Walnut, Black
♥ = Sage; Sage, Purple

ANTILITHIC Reduces urinary stones and/or dissolves those already present Bottle Gourd; Dandelion
♣ = Bead Tree; Stoneroot

ANTIMITOTIC Arrests mitosis, a form of cell division ♣ = Comfrey

ANTIOXIDANT Prevents oxidation by oxygen molecules that damage tissues in the body Betel; Bilberry; Marjoram, Showy; Rosemary; Selfheal
♣ = Cat's Claw; Ginkgo

ANTIPARASITIC An herbalist term meaning to repel or destroy parasites such as mites or scabies Anise; Annatto (skin); Balsam of Peru; Black Chebula; Elecampane; Papaya; Tea Tree
♣ = Bahia Powder; Bay; Bead Tree

ANTIPERIODIC Counteracts periodic or intermittant diseases such as malaria Artemisia; Ash; Ash, White; Beech, Blue; Burrweed

ANTIPYRETIC Lowers body temperature to reduce or eliminate fever Agave; Aglaia; Ailanto; Akebia; Alfalfa; Amur Cork Tree; Apple; Arenaria; Ash; Ash, Prickly; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Baeckea; Bala; Balloon Flower; Balloon Vine; Balm, Lemon; Balmony, Indian; Balsam; Balsam Pear; Bamboo, Black; Bamboo, Dwarf; Barley; Basil, Camphor; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Bebeeru; Benjamin Bush; Bilberry; Birdsfoot Trefoil; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Currant; Gourd, Bottle; Currant, Red; Burnet; Button Bush; Cabbage; Caesar Weed; Catnip; Cedron; Celosia; Centaury, American; Centary, European; Ceylon Spinach; Chickweed; Cleavers; Coriander, False; Corn; Couchgrass; Cucumber; Dandelion; Pinks, Chinese; Pinks, Clove; Poplar, Ontario; Ragwort; Safflower
♣ = Alexander, Golden; Anemarrhena; Apricot, Japanese; Asparagus, Chinese; Asparagus, Fern; Avens; Avens, Rough; Avens, Water; Barberry, common; Bead Tree; Bindweed, Hedge; Blackberry Lily; Bogbean; Boneset; Borage; Brucea; Bupleurum; Burdock; Butternut; Cashew; Cattail; Cedar, White; Cinnamon; Comfrey; Thistle, Blessed
♥ = Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Butternut; Cattail; Cinnamon
♠ = Ambrosia; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Black Cohosh; Bloodroot; Boxthorn; Boxwood; Broom, Scotch; Camphor, Borneo; Wormwood

ANTISCORBUTIC Cures or prevents Scurvy due to presence of vitamin C Agrimony; Ash, American; Aspen, Quaking; Citrus fruit; Dandelion; Narrowleaf Cottonwood (see Poplar); Potato
♣ = Barberry; Poplar, Balsam
♥ = Barberry
♠ = Columbine

ANTISCROFULOUS Counteracts scrofula, a tubercular condition Adder's Tongue
♣ = Birch, Sweet

ANTISEPTIC Inhibits or destroys bacteria Agave; Alder, American Black; Allspice; American Ivy; Anaphalis; Anise; Apple; Ash, American; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Balm of Capaiba (genitourinary); Balm, Lemon; Balsam; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Beech; Beech, American; Benzoin; Betony; Birch, Silver; Black Currant; Black Face God; Carrot, Wild (urinary); Catnip; Cedar, True; Cedron; Clove; Cranesbill; Damiana (urinary); Eucalyptus; Garlic; Hops; Horsemint (see Mint); Marjoram, Sweet; Mint; Monarda; Mullein; Onion; Oregano, Greek; Palmarosa; Pine; Poplar, Ontario; Poplar, White; Savory (mild); Southernwood; Sweet Cicely; Thyme
♣ = Angelica (urinary); Arsesmart; Avens; Bay (topical); Bayberry, English; Bearberry (urinary); Boldo; Buchu; Bupleurum; Cajuput; Calendula; Cayenne; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Goldenseal; Horseradish; Juniper; Sassafras; Thistle, Blessed; Walnut, Black
♥ = Angelica (urinary); Bearberry (urinary); Cajuput; Calendula; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Goldenseal; Sage; Sage, Purple
♠ = Alder Buckthorn; Arnica; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Blackroot; Camphor

ANTISPASMODIC Relieves or prevents spasms Abalone; Aglaia; Agrimony; Ailanto; Alfalfa; Almond; Alstonia; Ambrette; American Ivy; Ammoniac Gum; Angostura; Anise; Asafetida; Ash, Prickly; Asphodel; Aster, Short's; Astragalus; Balm, Lemon; Barberry, Amur; Basil, Holy; Beggartick, Swamp; Benzoin; Betony; Bilberry; Black Haw; Blueberry; Burrweed; Caraway; Cardamine; Catnip; Cayenne; Cedron; Celandine; Cleavers; Clove; Coriander; Coriander, False; Dandelion (weak); Lady's Bedstraw; Mint; Nettle, Blind; Oregano; Skullcap; Thyme; Walnut, English
♣ = Angelica; Apricot; Apricot, Japanese; Beechdrops; Bergamot; Boldo; Boneset; Burnut; Calendula; Cannabis; Cardamom; Cascara Sagrada; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Clover, Red; Cohosh, Blue; Crampbark; Licorice; Stoneroot
♥ = Angelica; Burnut; Calendula; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Clover, Red; Cohosh, Blue; Cumin
♠ = Ambrosia; Asthma Weed; Belladonna; Belladonna, Japanese; Birthwort, Frail (bronchial); Black Cohosh; Blackroot; Bloodroot; Buttercup; Butterfly Weed; Cabbage, Skunk; Camphor; Camphor, Borneo

ANTISUDORIFIC Arrests sweating ♥ = Sage; Sage, Purple

ANTITHROMBOTIC Counteracts blood coagulation by preventing/inactivating the action of thrombin Alfalfa; Bilberry; Butcher's Broom

ANTITUSSIVE Relieves coughing Arenaria; Aster, Red-Stalked; Balloon Flower; Bamboo, Black; Barrenwort; Black Cherry; Caesar Weed; Centipeda
♣ = Apricot; Asparagus, Chinese; Bugleweed; Cannabis; Coltsfoot; Licorice
♥Bugleweed; Coltsfoot
♠ = Belladonna, Japanese-2; Birthwort, Frail; Black Cohosh; Boxthorn; Castor Bean

ANTIVIRAL Destroys or arrests the growth of viruses Agrimony; Annatto; Apple; Astragalus; Balsam Pear; Cardamom, Bastard; Clove; Fenugreek; Shitake
♣ = Ashwaganda; Blackberry Lily; Black Cherry; Bupleurum; Calendula; Cat's Claw; Cedar, White; Cinnamon; Comfrey; Elder; Licorice; St Johnswort
♥ = Blackberry Lily; Calendula; Cinnamon; Cumin

ANTIYEAST An herbalist term to denote agents specific to fighting yeast infections Acidophilus (candida); Beggar Tick, Hairy (candida); Stevia

APERIENT Mild bowel stimulant ♣Asparagus; Balmony; Betony; Butcher's Broom; Candle Nut; Ceylon Spinach; Couchgrass; Cucumber; Dandelion
♣ = Borage; Calendula
♥ = Calendula
♠ = Arrowwood (mild); Ash, Mountain

APHRODISIAC Stimulates sexual desire or increases potency of the sexual response Anaphalis; Aquilaria; Artichoke; Asafetida; Ash, Black; Bala; Balsam Pear (male); Beggar Tick (female); Broomrape; Candle Nut; Celosia; Clove; Damiana; Lady's Bedstraw; Nettle, Dwarf; Rosewood
♣ = Ashwaganda; Barrenwort; Boneset, Asian; Burnut
♥ = Burnut

AROMATIC An agent with an agreeable, spicy taste and odor which possesses the ability to have a physiological or psychological effect (as in aromatherapy) Acacia, Cassie; Ajuga; Ambrette; Amomum; Anaphalis; Angostura (bitter); Anise; Szechuan Pepper; Aster, Purple-Stemmed; Atractylodes chinensis; Balm of Copaiba; Balm, Lemon; Balsam; Basil; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Bearswort; Benjamin Bush; Betel; Brunsfelsia; Buchu; Butcher's Broom; Canella; Caraway; Cardamom; Cardamom, Bastard; Cayenne; Chamomile; Chervil; Cinnamon; Clove; Coriander; Coriander, False; Costmary; Ginger; Marjoram, Sweet; Mint; Oregano, Greek; Pinks, Clove; Pussytoes
♣ = Avens; Bay; Bayberry; Bergamot; Birch, Sweet; Blazing Star; Boldo; Bugleweed; Poplar, Balsam
♥ = Bugleweed; Cumin; Ginger, Wild
♠ = Arnica; Blue Flag (slight)

ASTRINGENT An agent which brings about contraction or constriction of tissue and reduces secretions or discharges Abscess Root; Acacia; Agrimony; Agrimony, Water; Ailanto; Ajuga; Alder; Alder, American Black; Alder, Tag; Alfilaria; Alkanet; Alstonia; American Ivy; Anaphalis; Annatto; Arbutus; Ash; Ash American; Ash, Northern; Ash, Prickly; Ash, White; Aspen, Quaking; Aster, Short's; Atractylodes (A. ovata); Bachelor Button; Bael (mildly); Bala; Balloon Flower; Balm of Copaiba; Balsam; Bamboo, Black; Bebeeru; Beech, American; Benzoin; Betel Nut; Betony; Bilberry; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Chebula; Black Cherry; Black Currant; Black Haw; Blazing Star; Blueberry; Burnet; Canarium; Capers; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Celosia; Cleavers; Costmary; Cranesbill; Dandelion; Lady's Bedstraw; Lady's Mantle; Nettle, Blind; New Jersey Tea; Parsley, Piert; Pearly Life Everlasting; Pilewort, Poplar, White; Pussytoes; Ragwort; Savory; Szechuan Pepper; ♣Thistle, Blessed; Thyme; Walnut, English
♣ = Angelica; Apricot, Japanese; Arsesmart; Ashwaganda; Avens; Avens, Rough; Avens, Water; Barberry, common; Bay; Bayberry; Bayberry, English; Bearberry; Beechdrops; Bethroot; Birch, Common; Birch, Silver; Birch, Sweet; Boneset; Brucea; Bugleweed; Burdock; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Butternut; Calendula; Caraway; Cascara Sagrada; Cattail; Cayenne; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Coltsfoot; Comfrey: Crampbark; Elder (mild); Sorrel; St Johnswort; Stoneroot; Walnut, Black
♥ = Angelica; Barberry, Common; Bearberry; Bugleweed; Burdock; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Butternut; Calendula; Cattail; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Coltsfoot; Cumin; Sage; Sage, Purple
♠ = Anemone chinensis; Anemone, Canadian; Arnica; Ash, Mountain; Black Cohosh; Broom, Scotch; Buttercup; Columbine (mildly)

©2006 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

A
♠ = toxic agent, AVOID ♣ = danger/caution, mild to severe apply ♥ = AVOID if pregnant See corresponding herb pages for more information
TERM	DEFINITION	NATURAL AGENTS ASSOCIATED with the TERM
ABORTIFACIENT	Brings about the premature expulsion of a fetus	Barley; Bayberry, english; Bur reed ♣ = Burnut; Cohosh, Blue; Juniper; Mugwort ♥ = Burnut; Cohosh, Blue; Pennyroyal, English; also see Plants to Avoid if Pregnant
ACRID	Possessing a biting taste accompanied by heat and/or heat and irritation to tissues when applied	Asphodel; Betel nut ♣ = Arsesmart; Bindweed, jalap; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Cattail; Celandine; Cohosh, Blue ♥ = Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Cattail; Celandine; Cohosh, Blue ♠ = Arrowwood; Asthma weed; Birthwort; Bloodroot; Blue flag; Buttercup; Centipede, Vietnamese
ADAPTOGEN	Increases the body's ability to adapt to environmental and internal stresses by strengthening various key body systems such as immune, nervous, and glandular. For an herb to be labeled an adaptogen, it must meet three criteria: 1) Have minimal side effects; 2) Increase the body's overall immune function by a wide range of actions rather than specific action; 3) Restore balance to all body systems while not being detrimental to any. Some are primary adaptogens (P) while others are labeled secondary (S) and are used in an assisting capacity.	Astragalus (S); Gotu Kola (S); Oats, wild (S); Reishi (P); Schizandra (P); Suma (S) ♣ = Ashwaganda (S); Burdock (S); Fo-Ti (S); Ginseng, Siberian (P) ♥ = Burdock (S)
ALTERATIVE	Restores health in a gradual and nonspecific way by bringing balance to the whole body	Abalone; Abscess root; Alder, tag; Alfalfa; Pilewort; American ivy; Angelica tree; Apple; Ash, prickly; Bamboo, dwarf; Bearsfoot, American; Beech, blue; Beggartick, hairy; Bistort; Brunsfelsia; Burnet; Caroba; Celosia; Centaury, european; Chickweed; Cleavers; Clover, red; Coriander; Corn; Cucumber; Dandelion; Lady's bedstraw; Poplar, white; Soapwort; Turkey-Corn ♣ = Angelica; Barberry, common; Bead tree; Bethroot; Birch, sweet; Burdock; Burnut; Butternut; Calendula; Cat's Claw; Celandine; Figwort; Stoneroot; Thistle, blessed; Walnut, black ♥ = Angelica; Alstonia; Barberry, common; Burdock; Burnut; Butternut; Calendula; Celandine; Figwort ♠ = Arrowwood; Black cohosh; Blackroot; Bloodroot; Blue flag; Boxwood
ANALGESIC	Relieves or diminishes pain	Agrimony; Ajuga (mild); Allspice; Aloe; Anaphalis; Anise, star; Ash, northern; Ash, prickly; Bramble, shiny (see Ash); Aspen, quaking; Balloon flower; Bearsfoot, american; Bayberry; Black haw; Burnet; Catnip; Centipeda; Clove; Couchgrass; Dong Quai; Meadowsweet; Pearly life everlasting; Poplar, white ♣ = Achryanthes root; Angelica pubescens; Apricot; Avens, yellow; Bayberry; Boneset, asian; Borage; Bupleurum; Burnut; Cannabis; Cayenne; Celandine; Chamomile; Comfrey; Figwort; Licorice; Mullein; Sassafras; Willow, white ♥ = Achryanthes root; Angelica pubescens; Burnut; Celandine; Chamomile ♠ = Aconite, carmichael's; Arnica; Arum; Belladonna; Belladonna, japanese; Birthwort, frail; Black cohosh; Buttercup; Camphor; Camphor, Borneo
ANAPHRODISIAC	Reduces sexual desire or potency	♣ = Cedar, white; Hops
ANDROGENIC	Relates to the production of male characteristics	♣ = Barrenwort
ANESTHETIC	Deadens sensation, particularly that of pain	Allspice; Almond (topical); Aloe; Ash, Japanese prickly; Clove (topical); Mint (mild) ♣ = Angelica anomala; Cannabis (topical); Poppy ♠ = Aconite (topical); Bloodroot (topical)
ANODYNE	Same as Analgesic	see ANALGESIC
ANTACID	Relieves excess acidity such as of the stomach	Alfalfa; Apple; Meadowsweet
ANTIANDROGENIC	Diminishes effects of masculinizing hormones	♣ = Hops
ANTHELMINTIC	Destroys or expels intestinal worms	See VERMIFUGE
ANTIBACTERIAL/ ANTIBIOTIC	Destroys or arrests the growth of bacteria	Akebia; Aloe; Amur cork tree; Anise, star; Apple; Ash, japanese prickly; Ash, northern; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balloon flower; Bamboo, black; Beggartick, hairy (weak); Betel; Black currant; Black medic; Black eyed susan; Bletilla; Bottle gourd; Burnet; Burrweed; Cabbage; Canella; Cannabis; Catnip; Chives; Cleavers (weak); Clove; Coriander; Couchgrass; Fenugreek; Garlic; Horsemint (see Mint); Lavender; Nettle, Dwarf; Onion; Pinks, Chinese; Plantain; Rosemary; Stevia; Usnea; Walnut, english; Water plantain ♣ = Anemarrhena; Ashwaganda; Asparagus, chinese; Bay; Barberry, common; Bayberry; Bearberry; Black cherry; Blackberry lily; Blazing star; Brucea; Burdock; Calendula; Caraway; Cashew;& Cayenne; Chamomile (gram pos/staph); Chicory; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Coltsfoot; Echinacea; Fennel; Goldenseal; Thistle, blessed ♥ = Barberry; Bearberry; Blackberry lily; Burdock; Calendula; Chamomile (gram pos/staph); Cinnamon; Cohosh, blue; Coltsfoot; Cumin; Fennel; Ginger, Wild; Goldenseal; Sage; Sage, Purple ♠ = Anemone chinensis; Bloodroot; Boxthorn; Camphor, borneo
ANTICOAGULANT	Prevents liquid/blood from clotting	♣ = Chervil
ANTICHOLINERGIC	Blocks passage of impulses through the autonomic nerves	Balloon Flower
ANTICONVULSANT	Tending to prevent fits or convulsions	Ampelopsis ♠ = Arum
ANTIDEPRESSANT	Counteracts depressive mental states	Ash, Red; Balm, Lemon; Balmony; Basil, Holy; Damiana; Lovage; Lovage, Black ♣ = Cannabis;
ANTIDOTE	Relieves, prevents, or counteracts a poison SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF POISONING BY ANY AGENT!! !!!FIND YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER or PHONE 1-800-222-1222!!!	Alstonia (strophanthus); Arrowroot (vegetable poisons); Aster (animal); Balm, Lemon (tobacco); Balmony, Indian (carbon tetrachloride); Bayberry (arsenic - external); Blackberry (poison); Black Face God (lacquer poisoning); Bottle Gourd (poison); Canarium (poison fish); Ceylon Spinach (poisons); Clove (side effects of Lobelia); Corn (Iodine); Cranesbill (poisons/mercury); Horehound (snakebite); Yellowdock (Nettle) ♣ = Apricot (kernal); Boneset, Asian (poison) ♠ = Asarabacca (mushroom); Belladonna (certain gases, calabar bean, opium); Birthwort (snake); Calabar Bean (atropine); Hemlock (Strychnine)
ANTIEMETIC	Counteracts nausea, relives vomiting	Adrue; Amomum; Bamboo, Black; Basil, Holy; Bilberry; Cardamom, Bastard; Cardamom, Round; Chives, Garlic; Clove; Ginger ♣ = Cannabis
ANTIFLATULENT	Prevents or relieves intestinal gas/wind	Aquilaria; Savory ♣ = Chamomile ♥ = Chamomile; Cumin
ANTIFUNGAL	Destroys or arrests the growth of fungal infections	Akebia; Anise, Star; Ash, Japanese Prickly; Balloon Flower; Beggar Tick, Hairy; Cedar, True; Clove; Coriander; Horsemint (see Mint); Jewelweed; Marjoram, Showy; Monarda; Stevia; Tea Tree; Thyme; Walnut, English ♣ = Anemarrhena; Barberry; Bay; Bead Tree; Blackberry lily; Brucea; Burdock; Calendula; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, blue; ♣Figwort; Mullein; Walnut, Black ♥ = Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Calendula; Chamomile; Cohosh, Blue; Cinnamon ♠ = Ambrosia; Arnica; Bloodroot
ANTIGRIPING	An herbalist term descriptive of an agent used to relieve spasmodic pain in the bowel, sometimes as the result of administering another herb to relieve constipation	Allspice; Anise; Clove; Coriander
ANTIHISTIMINE	Counteracts an allergic condition NOT FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS!	Balloon Flower; Balm, Lemon ♥ = Ginger ♠ = Asthma Weed
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY	Relieves inflammation	Agave; Akebia; Alliaria; Ash; Ash, Northern; Aspen, Quaking; Bachelor Button; Balloon Flower; Beggartick, Hairy; Bilberry; Bishopweed; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Currant; Blueberry; Brunfelsia; Bupleurum; Burnet; Butcher's Broom; Cabbage; Canarium; Cayenne; Cedron; Cleavers; Couchgrass; Cranesbill; Dandelion; Meadowsweet; Pinks, Chinese; Plantain; Poplar, White; Walnut, English ♣ = Angelica; Angelica pubescens; Ashwaganda; Avens; Barberry, common; Bead Tree; Birch, Paper; Birch, Silver; Blackberry Lily; Bogbean; Burdock; Calendula; Cannabis; Comfrey; Cat's Claw; Celandine; Chamomile; Chicory; Cohosh, Blue; Crampbark; Elder; Hops; Licorice; Stoneroot ♥ = Angelica pubescens; Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Calendula; Celandine; Chamomile; Cohosh, Blue; Ginger; Sage; Sage, Purple ♠ = Anemone chinensis; Arnica; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Black Cohosh; Blue Flag; Camphor, Borneo
ANTILACTAGOGUE	Dries up breast milk	Arrowhead; Barley ♣ = Chicory; Walnut, Black ♥ = Sage; Sage, Purple
ANTILITHIC	Reduces urinary stones and/or dissolves those already present	Bottle Gourd; Dandelion ♣ = Bead Tree; Stoneroot
ANTIMITOTIC	Arrests mitosis, a form of cell division	♣ = Comfrey
ANTIOXIDANT	Prevents oxidation by oxygen molecules that damage tissues in the body	Betel; Bilberry; Marjoram, Showy; Rosemary; Selfheal ♣ = Cat's Claw; Ginkgo
ANTIPARASITIC	An herbalist term meaning to repel or destroy parasites such as mites or scabies	Anise; Annatto (skin); Balsam of Peru; Black Chebula; Elecampane; Papaya; Tea Tree ♣ = Bahia Powder; Bay; Bead Tree
ANTIPERIODIC	Counteracts periodic or intermittant diseases such as malaria	Artemisia; Ash; Ash, White; Beech, Blue; Burrweed
ANTIPYRETIC	Lowers body temperature to reduce or eliminate fever	Agave; Aglaia; Ailanto; Akebia; Alfalfa; Amur Cork Tree; Apple; Arenaria; Ash; Ash, Prickly; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Baeckea; Bala; Balloon Flower; Balloon Vine; Balm, Lemon; Balmony, Indian; Balsam; Balsam Pear; Bamboo, Black; Bamboo, Dwarf; Barley; Basil, Camphor; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Bebeeru; Benjamin Bush; Bilberry; Birdsfoot Trefoil; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Currant; Gourd, Bottle; Currant, Red; Burnet; Button Bush; Cabbage; Caesar Weed; Catnip; Cedron; Celosia; Centaury, American; Centary, European; Ceylon Spinach; Chickweed; Cleavers; Coriander, False; Corn; Couchgrass; Cucumber; Dandelion; Pinks, Chinese; Pinks, Clove; Poplar, Ontario; Ragwort; Safflower ♣ = Alexander, Golden; Anemarrhena; Apricot, Japanese; Asparagus, Chinese; Asparagus, Fern; Avens; Avens, Rough; Avens, Water; Barberry, common; Bead Tree; Bindweed, Hedge; Blackberry Lily; Bogbean; Boneset; Borage; Brucea; Bupleurum; Burdock; Butternut; Cashew; Cattail; Cedar, White; Cinnamon; Comfrey; Thistle, Blessed ♥ = Barberry; Blackberry Lily; Burdock; Butternut; Cattail; Cinnamon ♠ = Ambrosia; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Black Cohosh; Bloodroot; Boxthorn; Boxwood; Broom, Scotch; Camphor, Borneo; Wormwood
ANTISCORBUTIC	Cures or prevents Scurvy due to presence of vitamin C	Agrimony; Ash, American; Aspen, Quaking; Citrus fruit; Dandelion; Narrowleaf Cottonwood (see Poplar); Potato ♣ = Barberry; Poplar, Balsam ♥ = Barberry ♠ = Columbine
ANTISCROFULOUS	Counteracts scrofula, a tubercular condition	Adder's Tongue ♣ = Birch, Sweet
ANTISEPTIC	Inhibits or destroys bacteria	Agave; Alder, American Black; Allspice; American Ivy; Anaphalis; Anise; Apple; Ash, American; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Balm of Capaiba (genitourinary); Balm, Lemon; Balsam; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Beech; Beech, American; Benzoin; Betony; Birch, Silver; Black Currant; Black Face God; Carrot, Wild (urinary); Catnip; Cedar, True; Cedron; Clove; Cranesbill; Damiana (urinary); Eucalyptus; Garlic; Hops; Horsemint (see Mint); Marjoram, Sweet; Mint; Monarda; Mullein; Onion; Oregano, Greek; Palmarosa; Pine; Poplar, Ontario; Poplar, White; Savory (mild); Southernwood; Sweet Cicely; Thyme ♣ = Angelica (urinary); Arsesmart; Avens; Bay (topical); Bayberry, English; Bearberry (urinary); Boldo; Buchu; Bupleurum; Cajuput; Calendula; Cayenne; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Goldenseal; Horseradish; Juniper; Sassafras; Thistle, Blessed; Walnut, Black ♥ = Angelica (urinary); Bearberry (urinary); Cajuput; Calendula; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Goldenseal; Sage; Sage, Purple ♠ = Alder Buckthorn; Arnica; Asthma Weed; Birthwort; Blackroot; Camphor
ANTISPASMODIC	Relieves or prevents spasms	Abalone; Aglaia; Agrimony; Ailanto; Alfalfa; Almond; Alstonia; Ambrette; American Ivy; Ammoniac Gum; Angostura; Anise; Asafetida; Ash, Prickly; Asphodel; Aster, Short's; Astragalus; Balm, Lemon; Barberry, Amur; Basil, Holy; Beggartick, Swamp; Benzoin; Betony; Bilberry; Black Haw; Blueberry; Burrweed; Caraway; Cardamine; Catnip; Cayenne; Cedron; Celandine; Cleavers; Clove; Coriander; Coriander, False; Dandelion (weak); Lady's Bedstraw; Mint; Nettle, Blind; Oregano; Skullcap; Thyme; Walnut, English ♣ = Angelica; Apricot; Apricot, Japanese; Beechdrops; Bergamot; Boldo; Boneset; Burnut; Calendula; Cannabis; Cardamom; Cascara Sagrada; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Clover, Red; Cohosh, Blue; Crampbark; Licorice; Stoneroot ♥ = Angelica; Burnut; Calendula; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Clover, Red; Cohosh, Blue; Cumin ♠ = Ambrosia; Asthma Weed; Belladonna; Belladonna, Japanese; Birthwort, Frail (bronchial); Black Cohosh; Blackroot; Bloodroot; Buttercup; Butterfly Weed; Cabbage, Skunk; Camphor; Camphor, Borneo
ANTISUDORIFIC	Arrests sweating	♥ = Sage; Sage, Purple
ANTITHROMBOTIC	Counteracts blood coagulation by preventing/inactivating the action of thrombin	Alfalfa; Bilberry; Butcher's Broom
ANTITUSSIVE	Relieves coughing	Arenaria; Aster, Red-Stalked; Balloon Flower; Bamboo, Black; Barrenwort; Black Cherry; Caesar Weed; Centipeda ♣ = Apricot; Asparagus, Chinese; Bugleweed; Cannabis; Coltsfoot; Licorice ♥Bugleweed; Coltsfoot ♠ = Belladonna, Japanese-2; Birthwort, Frail; Black Cohosh; Boxthorn; Castor Bean
ANTIVIRAL	Destroys or arrests the growth of viruses	Agrimony; Annatto; Apple; Astragalus; Balsam Pear; Cardamom, Bastard; Clove; Fenugreek; Shitake ♣ = Ashwaganda; Blackberry Lily; Black Cherry; Bupleurum; Calendula; Cat's Claw; Cedar, White; Cinnamon; Comfrey; Elder; Licorice; St Johnswort ♥ = Blackberry Lily; Calendula; Cinnamon; Cumin
ANTIYEAST	An herbalist term to denote agents specific to fighting yeast infections	Acidophilus (candida); Beggar Tick, Hairy (candida); Stevia
APERIENT	Mild bowel stimulant	♣Asparagus; Balmony; Betony; Butcher's Broom; Candle Nut; Ceylon Spinach; Couchgrass; Cucumber; Dandelion ♣ = Borage; Calendula ♥ = Calendula ♠ = Arrowwood (mild); Ash, Mountain
APHRODISIAC	Stimulates sexual desire or increases potency of the sexual response	Anaphalis; Aquilaria; Artichoke; Asafetida; Ash, Black; Bala; Balsam Pear (male); Beggar Tick (female); Broomrape; Candle Nut; Celosia; Clove; Damiana; Lady's Bedstraw; Nettle, Dwarf; Rosewood ♣ = Ashwaganda; Barrenwort; Boneset, Asian; Burnut ♥ = Burnut
AROMATIC	An agent with an agreeable, spicy taste and odor which possesses the ability to have a physiological or psychological effect (as in aromatherapy)	Acacia, Cassie; Ajuga; Ambrette; Amomum; Anaphalis; Angostura (bitter); Anise; Szechuan Pepper; Aster, Purple-Stemmed; Atractylodes chinensis; Balm of Copaiba; Balm, Lemon; Balsam; Basil; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Holy; Bearswort; Benjamin Bush; Betel; Brunsfelsia; Buchu; Butcher's Broom; Canella; Caraway; Cardamom; Cardamom, Bastard; Cayenne; Chamomile; Chervil; Cinnamon; Clove; Coriander; Coriander, False; Costmary; Ginger; Marjoram, Sweet; Mint; Oregano, Greek; Pinks, Clove; Pussytoes ♣ = Avens; Bay; Bayberry; Bergamot; Birch, Sweet; Blazing Star; Boldo; Bugleweed; Poplar, Balsam ♥ = Bugleweed; Cumin; Ginger, Wild ♠ = Arnica; Blue Flag (slight)
ASTRINGENT	An agent which brings about contraction or constriction of tissue and reduces secretions or discharges	Abscess Root; Acacia; Agrimony; Agrimony, Water; Ailanto; Ajuga; Alder; Alder, American Black; Alder, Tag; Alfilaria; Alkanet; Alstonia; American Ivy; Anaphalis; Annatto; Arbutus; Ash; Ash American; Ash, Northern; Ash, Prickly; Ash, White; Aspen, Quaking; Aster, Short's; Atractylodes (A. ovata); Bachelor Button; Bael (mildly); Bala; Balloon Flower; Balm of Copaiba; Balsam; Bamboo, Black; Bebeeru; Beech, American; Benzoin; Betel Nut; Betony; Bilberry; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Chebula; Black Cherry; Black Currant; Black Haw; Blazing Star; Blueberry; Burnet; Canarium; Capers; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Celosia; Cleavers; Costmary; Cranesbill; Dandelion; Lady's Bedstraw; Lady's Mantle; Nettle, Blind; New Jersey Tea; Parsley, Piert; Pearly Life Everlasting; Pilewort, Poplar, White; Pussytoes; Ragwort; Savory; Szechuan Pepper; ♣Thistle, Blessed; Thyme; Walnut, English ♣ = Angelica; Apricot, Japanese; Arsesmart; Ashwaganda; Avens; Avens, Rough; Avens, Water; Barberry, common; Bay; Bayberry; Bayberry, English; Bearberry; Beechdrops; Bethroot; Birch, Common; Birch, Silver; Birch, Sweet; Boneset; Brucea; Bugleweed; Burdock; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Butternut; Calendula; Caraway; Cascara Sagrada; Cattail; Cayenne; Cedar, White; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Coltsfoot; Comfrey: Crampbark; Elder (mild); Sorrel; St Johnswort; Stoneroot; Walnut, Black ♥ = Angelica; Barberry, Common; Bearberry; Bugleweed; Burdock; Burnut; Butter-and-Eggs; Butternut; Calendula; Cattail; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Coltsfoot; Cumin; Sage; Sage, Purple ♠ = Anemone chinensis; Anemone, Canadian; Arnica; Ash, Mountain; Black Cohosh; Broom, Scotch; Buttercup; Columbine (mildly)