Terminology

Western Herbal Medicine

adaptogenic

A substance that increases the body's resistance to stressors

adrenal tonic

A substance that improves the function of the adrenal glands

alterative

see depurative

analgesic

A substance that relieves pain

anaphrodisiac

A substance that reduces libido

anodyne

see analgesic

antacid

A substance that neutralises acidity in the gastrointestinal tract

anthelmintic

A substance that kills or assists in the removal of intestinal worms

antiallergic

A substance that reduces the allergic response

antiandrogenic

A substance that inhibits the action of androgens

antianamic

A substance that increases the number of circulating red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin

antiarrhythmic

A substance that is effective against arrhythmias

antiasthmatic

A substance that prevents or relives asthma