Terms commonly used in herbalism to describe the actions and uses of herbs:

Adaptogen: modulator that increases the body’s resistance to stress.

Alterative/Depurative: blood cleansing, supportive of lymphatic system and excretory pathways.

Analgesic/Anodyne: relieves pain.

Antacid: neutralizes acid in stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Anti-allergic: reduces or prevents allergic response.

Anti-carcinogenic/anti-neoplastic: prevents or inhibits tumor growth.

Anti-catarrhal: counteracts excessive mucous and respiratory inflammation.

Anticoagulant/anti-platelet: inhibits blood coagulation.

Anti-ecchymotic: assists with bruising.

Anti-emetic: assists with nausea and vomiting.

Anti-helminthic/Anti-parasitic: anti-microbial against worms and parasites.

Anti-hidrotic: reduces sweating.

Anti-lithic: reduces formation of calculi (kidney stones).

Anti-microbial: assists with the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Antioxidant: counteracts free radical damage.

Anti-prostatic: inhibits prostate growth.

Anti-pruritic: relieves itching.

Anti-pyretic/febrifuge: reduces fever.

Anti-rheumatic: reduces joint inflammation and damage.

Anti-septic: kills or stops the growth of microorganisms.

Anti-spasmodic: reduces spasms/cramping.

Anxiolytic: reduces anxiety.

Anti-tussive: reduces coughs.

Aperient: gentle stimulating laxative.

Aphrodisiac/Anaphrodisiac: increases libido/decreases libido.

Astringent: contracts and firms tissues.

Bitter: stimulates digestive secretions. May have actions on depression.

Cardioprotective: protects cardiovascular tissues.

Carminative: increasing peristalsis, expulsion of gas, and soothing stomach.

Choleretic: promotes bile production in the liver.

Cholagogue: promotes flow of bile from the gallbladder.

COR: Cortex (Bark, plant part).

Counterirritant: draws inflammation to the area to relieve congestion.

Demulcent: soothes tissues. Action of herbs high in mucilage,

Diaphoretic: increases perspiration and elimination of wastes through the skin.

Diuretic: increases the flow of urine.

Dopaminergic: increases dopamine levels.

Emmenagogue: stimulates menstruation.

Emollient: topically soothes and protects skin.

Expectorant: decreases excess mucous from the respiratory system.

FLOS: Flower (plant part).

FOL: Folium/Folia (Leaf, plant part).

FRUC: Fructus (Fruit, plant part).

Galactagogue: increases lactation.

Hematostatic/Anti-hemorrhagic: inhibits internal bleeding.

Hepatic: strengthens the liver.

Hepatoprotective: prevents liver damage.

Hepatotrophorestorative: restores liver cells.

Hormone modulating: regulates hormones by increasing or decreasing production.

Hypnotic: strong sedative and sleep-inducing actions.

Hypoglycemic: decreases blood sugar levels.

Hypolipidemic: decreases blood lipid levels (e.g. cholesterol).

Hypotensive: decreases blood pressure.

Immunomodulating: regulates immune system.

Laxative: promotes elimination of waste through the bowels.

Lymphatic: supports the lymphatic system.

Nervine: affects the nervous system by relaxing, stimulating, or nourishing (tonifying).

Parturient/Parturifacient: induces labour.

Partus Preparator: prepares the uterus for labour.

RAD: Radix (Root, plant part).

Refrigerant: cooling agents. Can also relieve thirst.

RES: Resin (plant part).

Rubefacient: creates localized increase in blood flow topically to ease with MSK inflammation and pain.

Sedative: relaxes nervous system.

SEM: Semen (Seed, plant part).

Sialogogue: increases flow of saliva.

Stimulant: increases circulation and warms the body.

Stomachic: stimulates stomach.

Styptic: an astringent that decreases or stops external bleeding.

Thymoleptic: reduces depression.

Tonic: nourishes and restores body tissues.

Trophorestorative: restores the health of cells in the body.

Vasodilator: dilates blood vessels to increase circulation.

Vasoprotective: strengthens blood vessels.

Vulnerary: increases wound healing topically.