| Medicinal Action |
Description |
| Alterative |
Producing a healthful change without perception. |
| Agents which tend gradually to alter a condition. Alteratives are often combined with botanicals listed under "Aromatics", "Bitter Tonics" and "Demulcents". |
|
| Anodyne |
Relieves pain. |
|
| Anthelmintic |
A medicine that expels worms. |
| Medicines capable of destroying or expelling worms which inhabit the intestinal canal. Anthelmintics should only be administered by a physician. |
|
| Anthilic |
Prevents the formation of stones in the urinary organs. |
|
| Antibiuous |
Acts on the bile, relieving biliousness. |
|
| Antileptic |
Relieves fits. |
|
| Atimetic |
Stops vomiting. |
|
| Antiperiodic |
Arrests morbid periodic movements. |
|
| Antirheumatic |
Relieves and cures rheumatism. |
|
| Antiscorbutic |
Cures and prevents scurvy. |
|
| Antiseptic |
A medicine that aims at stopping putrification. |
|
| Antispasmodic |
Relieves and prevents spasms. |
|
| Antisyphilitic |
Having effect or curing venereal diseases. |
|
| Aperient |
Gently laxative without purging. |
| Agents which are mild or feeble in their cathartic action. |
|
| Aromatic |
A stimulant, spicy. |
| Substances of a fragrant smell that produce a peculiar sensation of warmth and pungency on the taste buds. When swallowed, there is a corresponding impulse in the stomach which is communicated to other parts of the body. Aromatics are useful to expel gas from the stomach and intestines. They are chiefly used to make other medicinal formulae more palatable. |
|
| Astringent |
Causes contraction and arrests discharges. |
| Temporarily tighten, contract or increase the firmness of the skin or mucous membrane. They are often of value to check excessive secretions. They are used as external washes, gargles, lotions, mouthwashes, etc. Astringents may be made very strong, using more of the herb and boiling longer. They may be "watered down" to the strength desired. |
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