Therapeutic Actions Descriptions

Abortifacient – An agent capable of inducing abortion

Alterative – An agent which cleanses the blood and corrects impure blood conditions

Analgesic – An agent that relieves or diminishes pain.

Anaphrodisiac – An agent that reduces sexual desire.

Anthelmintic – An agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms.

Antisudorific – An agent that reduces sweating

Anti-allergenic – An agent that reduces the symptoms of allergies

Anti-Arthritic – An agent that combats arthritis

Anticatarrhal – An agent that reduces the production of mucas.

Anticonvulsive – An agent that arrests or controls convulsions.

Anti-emetic – An agent that reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting.

Anti-inflammatory – An agent that alleviates inflammation

Antidepressant – An agent that is uplifting and counters melancholy.

Antimicrobial – An agent that resists or destroys pathogens

Antiphlogistic – An agent that reduces inflammation

Antipruritic  – An agent that relieves sensations of itching or prevents its occurrence.

Antirheumatic – An agent that helps to relieve rheumatism

Antiseptic – An agent that destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria

Antispasmodic – An agent that prevents and eases spasms and relieves cramps

Antitussive – An agent that relieves coughing

Aphrodisiac – An agent that provokes sexual interest and excitement

Astringent – An agent that contracts, tightens and binds tissue.

 

Bactericide – An agent that destroys bacteria

Balsamic – usually applies to a resin – which is a soothing and healing agent.

 

Cardiac – An agent having a stimulating effect on the heart.

Calmative – An agent that produces a sedative or tranquilising effect

Carminative – An agent that settles the digestive system and the expulsion of gas from the intestines.

Cephalic – An agent that is stimulating and clears the mind.

Cholagogue – An agent that increased the secretion and flow of pile production into the duodenum

Choleretic – An agent that aids the excretion of bile by the liver, so that there is a greater flow of bile.

Ciscatrisant – An agent that promotes the formation of scar tissue.

Convulsant – An agent that causes convulsions

Cordial – An agent that is invigorating and stimulating.

Cytophylactic – An agent that encourages growth of skin cells.

 

Decongestant – An agent that soothes, softens and allays irritation of mucous membranes.

Demulcent – An agent that helps to purify the body, particularly the blood.

Diaphoretic – An agent that promotes perspiration

Digestive – An agent that aids the digestion of food.

Disinfectant – Prevents and combats the spread of disease.

Diuretic – An agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine.

 

Emetic – An agent that induces vomiting

Emmenagogue – An agent that promotes and regulates menstrual flow.

Emollient  – An agent used externally to soothe and soften the skin.

Expectorant –  An agent that expels mucus in the respiratory system

 

Febrifuge  – An agent that cools and reduces high body temperature.

Fungicide – An agent that destroys fungal infections

 

Galactagogue – An agent that increases the secretion of milk.

Germicidal – An agent that destroys germs or micro-organisms.

 

Haemostatic – An agent that stimulates and aids liver function

Hepatic – An agent that stimulates and aids liver function

Hypertensive  – An Agent that increases blood pressure.

Hypoglycaemiant – An agent that lowers blood sugar levels.

Hypnotic – An agent that produces sleep.

Hypotensive – An agent that lowers blood pressure

 

Insecticide – An agent that kills insects

 

Laxative – An agent that aids bowel evacuation

 

Mycolytic – An agent that dissolves or breaks down mucus.

 

Nervine – An agent that strengthens or tonifies the nerves and nervous system.

 

Oestrogenic – An agent that stimulates the action of oestrogen

 

Parturient – An agent that helps in the delivery in childbirth

Prophylactic – An agent that prevents disease.

 

Refrigerant – An agent that lowers abnormal body heat

Relaxant – An agent that causes relaxation of the mind and/or the body.

Rubefacient – An agent that is warming and increases blood flow.

 

Sedative – An agent that reduces nervousness, distress or agitation

Soporific – An agent that induces sleep

Spasmolytic – See Antispasmodic

Splenetic – An agent that is a tonic to the spleen

Stimulant – An agent that stimulates the physiological functions of the body

Stomachic – An agent that is a digestive aid and tones the stomach

Styptic – An agent that is astringent, especially preventing external bleeding.

Sudorific – An agent that promotes or increases perspiration

 

Tonic – An agent that strengthens and improves bodily performance

 

Uterine – An agent that is a tonic to the uterus

 

Vasoconstrictor – An agent that causes contraction bo blood vessel walls.

Vasodilator – An agent that causes dilation of blood vessels.

Vermifuge – An agent that causes expulsion of worms

Vulnerary – An agent that prevents tissue degeneration and promotes healing of wounds.