| Medicinal Action |
Description |
| Calmative |
Agents used for their mild calming effect. |
| Agents used for their mild calming effect. Generally taken as a warm tea, upon retiring. |
|
| Carminative |
Expels wind from the bowels. |
| 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. |
|
| Cathartic |
Evacuating from the bowels. |
| Agents which promote evacuation from the bowels by their action on the alimentary canal. Cathartics can be divided into two groups as LAXATIVES and PURGATIVES. |
|
| Cephalic |
Remedies used in diseases of the head. |
|
| Cholagogue |
Increases the flow of bile. |
|
| Condiment |
Improves the flavor of food. |
|
| Demulcent |
Soothing; relieves inflammation. |
| Substances usually of a mucilaginous and bland nature, taken internally for their soothing and protective-coating properties (for external use, see EMOLLIENTS). May be used to allay irritation of membranes. They have been used for coughs due to common colds and to relieve minor irritation of the throat. |
|
| Deobstruent |
Removes obstruction. |
|
| Depurative |
Purifies the blood. |
|
| Detergent |
Cleansing to boils, ulcers, wounds, etc. |
|
| Diaphoretic |
Produces perspiration. |
| Agents which tend to increase perspiration. They are commonly used as an aid in the relief of common colds. Diaphoretics act most favorably when administered hot, before bed. |
|
| Discutient |
Dissolves and heals tumors. |
|
| Diuretic |
Increases the secretion and flow of urine. |
| A term used for medicines or beverages which tend to increase the secretion of urine. The fastest action is generally obtained by liquid diuretics taken on an empty stomach, during the day. Physical exertion retards the effects of diuretics. They are often used with demulcents, such as Marsh mallow rt., Couch Grass, etc., for their soothing qualities when irritation is present. |
|
| Emetic |
Produces vomiting. |
|
| Emmenagogue |
Promotes menstruation. |
|
| Emollient |
Softens and soothes inflamed parts. |
| Agents generally of oily or mucilaginous nature, used EXTERNALLY for their softening, supple or soothing qualities. |
|
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