General Botany Vocab

Question 1

Analgesic

Answer 1

Diminishes pain

Question 2

Anodyne

Answer 2

Relieves pain

Question 3

Anthelmintic

Answer 3

Expels/destroys intestinal helminths (worms)

Question 4

Antibiotic

Answer 4

Destroys/halts growth of bacteria or Protozoa

Commonly use term “antimicrobial” in herbalism

Question 5

Antiemetic

Answer 5

Relieves N/V

Question 6

Antipyretic

Answer 6

Prevents or reduces fever

Question 7

Antiseptic

Answer 7

Inhibits growth of bacteria

Question 8

Antispasmodic

Answer 8

Reduces intensity of spasticity, tremor, cramps

Question 9

Antitussive

Answer 9

Relieves coughing

Question 10

Aperient

Answer 10

Gentle stimulant to bowels, mild laxative

Question 11

Aphrodisiac

Answer 11

Stimulates sexual desire or arousal

Question 12

Alterative

Answer 12

A gentle nutritive eliminative agent that alter function gradually towards health

Question 13

Astringent

Answer 13

Contracts tissue, reducing fluid exudate or bleeding

Question 14

Balsam

Answer 14

Healing or soothing agent, usu made from tree resin

Question 15

Bitter

Answer 15

Stimulates gastric, pancreatic, and GB juices plus motility, d/t bitter taste

Question 16

Cardiac

Answer 16

Exerts effect on heart

Question 17

Carminative

Answer 17

Soothes digestive upset and helps expel gas

Question 18

Cathartic

Answer 18

Very strong laxative

Question 19

Cholagogue

Answer 19

Increases flow of bile into intestines

Question 20

Choleretic

Answer 20

Increases production of bile

Question 21

Corrigent

Answer 21

Substance added to modify a medicinal preparation, usu by adding flavor

Question 22

Demulcent

Answer 22

Mucilaginous substance that sooths tissue, particularly mucous membranes

Question 23

Depurative

Answer 23

Cleanses and purifies the system, particularly the blood

Question 24

Diaphoretic

Answer 24

Promotes perspiration

Question 25

Diuretic

Answer 25

Increases urine output

Question 26

Emetic

Answer 26

Induces vomiting

Question 27

Emmenagogue

Answer 27

Promotes menstrual flow

Question 28

Emollient

Answer 28

Moisturizes skin

Question 29

Expectorant

Answer 29

Promotes mucous discharge from lungs

Question 30

Galactagogue

Answer 30

Promotes milk production by mammary glands

Question 31

Hemostatic

Answer 31

Stops bleeding

Question 32

Hypnotic

Answer 32

Promotes sleep

Question 33

Hepatic

Answer 33

Affects liver

Question 34

Laxative

Answer 34

Promotes defecation

Question 35

Narcotic

Answer 35

Relieves pain and induces sleep (generally higher toxicity)

Question 36

Nervine

Answer 36

Calming or soothing to the nerves

Question 37

Purgative

Answer 37

Strong laxative

Question 38

Restorative

Answer 38

Restores normal physiologic activity

Question 39

Rubefacient

Answer 39

Local irritant that increases circulation (erythema); think "rubor"

Question 40

Sedative

Answer 40

Calming to the nerves with reduced alertness

Question 41

Stimulant

Answer 41

Enhances a physiologic process

Question 42

Stomachic

Answer 42

Has effect on stomach function

Question 43

Styptic

Answer 43

Astringent that stops bleeding

Question 44

Tonic

Answer 44

Strengthens an organ, organ system, or whole organism

Question 45

Vermicide

Answer 45

Destroys helminths (worms)

Question 46

Vermifuge

Answer 46

Stimulates expulsion of helminths

Question 47

Vulnerary

Answer 47

Heals wounds