Throughout this website you may encounter various classifications of the following terms.  They pertain to herbs which are natural and not harmful to the body.  Elsewhere you may also find these same terms being applied to inorganic compounds which are harmful and cause irritation to the body.  The terms in parentheses are what the bold terms are also known as.

Alterative – Herbs used to change existing nutritive and excretory processes to regulate body functions.

Analgesic – Herbs taken internally to relive pain.

Anodyne – Herbs used externally to relieve pain.

Antibiotic – Herbs used internally to stop the growth of microorganisms.

Antihydropic – Herbs used to flush out excess body fluid.

Anti-inflammatory – Herbs used to help inflammation.

Antiperiodic – Herbs used to help periodic or intermittent diseases.

Antipyretic (Febrifuge) – Herbs used to alleviate fevers.

Antiscorbutic – A source of Vitamin C for preventing scurvy.

Antiseptic (Disinfectant) – Herbs used to reduce and kill harmful bacteria.

Antispasmodic – Herbs used to calm spasms, coughing and relieve cramps.

Antisyphilic – Herbs used to combat venereal diseases.

Aperient – Herbs used to stimulate mild bowel movement; a gentle purgative.

Aphrodisiac – Herbs used to correct frigidity or impotency and give strength to sexual desire.

Appetizer – Herbs used to increase the appetite.

Aromatic – Herbs that have a strong smell, taste and activate the gastrointestinal mucous membrane.

Astringent – Herbs used to contract and stop discharges.

Calmative (Nervine, Relaxant, Sedative) – Herbs used to calm and heal the nerves in order to reduce
                  nervousness, distress and irritation.
                                            
Cardiac – Herbs used to strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Carminative – Herbs used to expel digestive gas.

Demulcent – Herbs that are soothing to inflamed internal organs.

Depurant (Blood Purifier) – Herbs used to purify the blood and stimulate elimination.

Diaphoretic (Sudorific) – Herbs used to stimulate perspiration.

Digestant – Herbs containing enzymes that aid in digestion.

Diuretic – Herbs used to increase the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue – Herbs used to increase menstrual flow.

Emetic – Herbs that induce vomiting.

Emollient – Herbs used to soften and strengthen skin.

Expectorant – Herbs used to expel mucous from the lungs and bronchial tubes.

Germicide – Herbs used externally to destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

Hemostatic – Herbs used to stop bleeding.

Hepatic (Chologogue) – Herbs used to increase bile flow and tone the liver.

Hormonal – Herbs containing natural hormones.

Laxative (Cathartic, Purgative) – Herbs used to stimulate bowel movements.

Stimulant – Herbs used to stimulate the internal organs.

Stomachic – Herbs used to aid in digestion and strengthen the stomach.

Styptic – Herbs that contract tissue; stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Tonic – Herbs used to add tone and invigorate energy to the body.

Verifuge (Vermicide) – Herbs used to kill and expel worms.

Vulnerary – Herbs used to promote healing.

Vasoconstrictor – Herbs that shrink capillaries, arteries, veins and blood vessels.