MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Many plants have traditional medical uses. Ethnobotanists and pharmacognacists catalog and study these plants and uses. This is a list of some of the more common 'medicinal properties' that are ascribed to plants.

★ 'Anti-catarrhal' -- eliminates or counteracts mucous conditions

★ 'Anti-coagulant' -- prevent coagulation of blood

★ 'Anti-histamine' -- reduce or eliminate allergic effects mediated by histamine

★ 'Anti-emetic' -- relieves vomiting

★ 'Anti-inflammatory' -- reduces inflammation

★ 'Anti-microbial' -- kills or slows the growth of microbes
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★ 'Anti-bacterial' -- kills or slows the growth of bacteria
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★ 'Anti-fungal' -- kills or slows the growth of fungi
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★ 'Anti-viral' -- kills or slows the growth of viruses
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★ 'Anti-parasitic' -- kills or slows the growth of parasites

★ 'Anti-pyretic' -- prevents or reduces fever by lowering body temperature

★ 'Anti-spasmodic' -- suppresses smooth muscle contractions

★ 'Astringent' -- shrinks or constricts body tissues

★ 'Carminative' -- anti-spasmodic, used particularly against cramps of the digestive tract

★ 'Cholagogue' -- promotes the discharge of bile from the system

★ 'Demulcent' -- acts as a protective barrier on irritated or inflamed tissue

★ 'Diaphoretic' -- increases perspiration

★ 'Diuretic' -- elevates the rate of bodily urine excretion

★ 'Emetic' -- induces vomiting

★ 'Emmenagogue' -- stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus

★ 'Expectorant' -- loosen mucus from the respiratory tract

★ 'Hepatic' -- strengthens or regulates the secretion of bile

★ 'Laxative' -- promotes defecation

★ 'Nervine' -- has a beneficial effect upon the nervous system in some way
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★ 'Sedative' -- depresses the central nervous system, causing calmness, relaxation and similar, stronger effects

★ 'Tonic' -- strengthens and improves specific organs, systems, weaknesses or the body as a whole

★ 'Stomachic -- tones the stomach, improving its function and increasing appetite

★ 'Vulnerary' -- used in healing or treating wounds

Contents

See also

See also

★ Alternative medicine

★ Herbalism

★ List of medicinal herbs