- Analgesic and Anodynes describe herbs that ease or relieve pain

*They do this through a variety of ways:antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories, and herbs containing salicylic acid are all Anodynes

-Willow and Black Cohosh are examples of analegesics/anodynes

-Narcotics inhibit central nervous system activity-generally dangerous in excess (Opium and Henbaine are examples)

- Herbs that contain constituents that bind with and neutralize acids

- Usually used with treatment of heartburn

-Herbs that kill worms and parasites

-Only use when needed

- Ex: Black Walnut

- Resolve congestion arising from excess mucous production, as in sinuses

-Are often astringetns or contain volatile oils

- Ex: Goldenrod and Goldenseal

-Kill or inhibit the growth of fungus

- Ex: Ceder, Wild Bergamot, Black Walnut

-Herbs that resolve inflammation

-Result could be b/c of mucilages that coat/sooth inflamed tissues

-Slippery Elm and Vinca, astringents that tighten tissues, or like salicylic acids such as Meadowsweet

- "Lithiasis" refers to the production of stones or gravel

-Helps resolve things such as: kidney stones, gout nonspecific joint pain

-In a sense, any diuretic herb is going to be antilithic to a certain degree b/c it increases volume of urine and flushes stones

-Demulcents help causing moisturizing/lubrication of urinary tissues

- Relaxants help ease resistance to stone passage and some plants are specifically antilithic by helping to disolve the stone (Goldenrod, Queen Anne's Lace, Gravel Root, Burdock Seed)

- Herbs that help inhibit the growth of tumors

- Red Clover

- Herbs that prevent bacterial growth

- Septic infections are usually considered 'damp' and containing puss- Staph type infections

- Ex. Echinacea and Wild Indigo

- Increase one's interest in sex (ooowwwoww)

-Some stimulate blood to the genitalia (Yohimbe)

-Some act as antispasmodics to relax tense muscles (Skullcap)

- Some act as nourishing tonics, usually to the adrenals (Milky Oats)

-Some inhibit inhibitions (think alcohol)

- Broad term that refers to herbs that improve the function of the heart and circulatory system

-Ex. Hawthorne

-Aromatic herbs that contain volatile oils that initiate the expulsion of intestinal gas

- They relieve cramping as well

-Ex. Catnip, Fennel, Chamomile

- Emetics induce vomiting (Lobelia, syrup of Ipecac)

-Anti-Emetics reduce nausea (Ginger, Peach Leaf, most Mints)

- Emmenagogues help stimulate menstrual flow

-Oxytocics stimulate uterine contractions (Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Motherwort)

- Expell mucous and phlegm from the lungs

-Drying herbs like Angelica are used for wet/damp/dank coughs

- Mucilagnious herbs like Marshmallow are used for dry coughs

- Increase breast milk in nursing mothers

-Ex: Fennel, Borage, and Fenugreek 

-Hepatic is a general term for herbs that effect the liver

-Choloagogues stimulate the production and release of bile

-Antibilious herbs help the body deal with an excess of bile

-Ex: typically bitter herbs: Dandelion, Yellow Dock

-Herbs that lower blood pressure = Hypotensive (Hawthorne)

- Herbs that raise blood pressure =  Hypertensive

-Laxatives stimulate the evacuation of bowels- can form dependency

-Cathartics do this forcefully while Aperients do this in a gentle manner

-Relieve lymphatic congestion, usually evident by swollen glands

-Red Root, Echineaca, Cleavers

-Applied topically, they cause a heating, irritating effect

-Draw attention to the area of the body applied to usually through drawing blood to the area

-Cayanne and arnica

-Promote the production and flow of saliva 

-Prickly Ash

-Herbs that generally have a beneficial action on the stomach

-Fennel, Chamomile, Peach

-Vasoconstrictors constrict blood vessels (usually raising blood pressure) Ephedra

-Vasodilators expand blood vessels (usually lowering blood pressure) Hawthorne

-Herbs that are used to treat wounds

-Typically are astringents/styptics

-Arnica and St. Johns Wort