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Herbal Medicine Glossary Flashcards

(71 cards)

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1
Q

Adaptogen

A

A herb that helps to increase resilience to stress and disease

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2
Q

Aerial parts

A

The upper part of a flowering plant before it has gone to seed. These include the leaves, flowers and non-woody stems

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3
Q

Alteratives

A

Herbs used as blood cleansers

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4
Q

Amenorrhoea

A

Abnormal absence of menstruation

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5
Q

Analgesic

A

Reduces or relieves pain

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6
Q

Anti-allergic

A

Helps to alleviate some symptoms of allergy, such as hayfever

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7
Q

Antiarthritic

A

Lessens symptoms of arthritis

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8
Q

Antibacterial

A

Destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria

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9
Q

Anticoagulant

A

Inhibits blood coagulation (clotting)

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10
Q

Anti-emetic

A

Lessens or stops nausea and vomiting

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11
Q

Antifungal

A

Inhibits or prevents fungal infection

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12
Q

Antihistamine

A

Histamine is a chemical produced by the body and is involved in immune and inflammatory response. It is usually overactive in allergic conditions such as hayfever. Antihistamines help to regulate this response

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13
Q

Antihydrotic

A

Reduces or prevents excess perspiration

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14
Q

Anti-infective/antimicrobial

A

Destroys or prevents the growth of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites

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15
Q

Antioxidant

A

Prevents oxidative stress from free radicals, thus preventing damage to cells and tissues

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16
Q

Antiparasitic

A

Treats parasites

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17
Q

Antipyretic

A

Reduces fever

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18
Q

Antirheumatic

A

Reduces the symptoms of rheumatism

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19
Q

Antiseptic

A

Antimicrobial

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20
Q

Antispasmodic

A

Reduces spasms, usually in the muscles, helping to relax tension and cramping

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21
Q

Antitussive

A

Suppresses the cough reflex

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22
Q

Antiviral

A

Reduces or inhibits viral infections

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23
Q

Anxiolytic/Anti-anxiety

A

Reduces anxiety.

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24
Q

Aperitif

A

A pre-or post-meal drink to stimulate appetite and improve digestion

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25
Aromatic
Strong-smelling herbs that contain volatile oils. These can relieve muscular spasm and spasm of the gut. They can reduce digestive discomfort and wind. Usually antimicrobial
26
Astringent
Tighten tissues by causing proteins in tissues to contract. They can relieve inflammation and reduce secretions, discharges and bleeding
27
Autoimmune
A disorder where the body’s immune system attacks or damages the body’s own healthy cells and tissues
28
Ayurveda/Ayurvedic
An Indian traditional healing system that also uses herbs
29
Bain-marie
A hot water bath or double boiler, used to gently infuse or cook foods or herbs
30
Bioavailability
A chemical or substance that is able to be absorbed into the body and have an effect
31
Bitter
Herbs that taste bitter; they stimulate digestive juices and improve overall digestion
32
Cardiac and circulatory tonic
Strengthens the heart and blood vessels
33
Cardioprotective
Protect the heart and circulatory system
34
Carminative
Herbs that contain aromatic compounds; these aid digestion and reduce digestive discomfort from spasm and wind
35
Constituent
A component of a whole; in this case a chemical within a plant
36
Counter-irritant
Something that produces a surface irritation to the skin, increasing blood circulation to the area and helping to counteract pain and inflammation
37
Decongestant
Relieves congestion, usually catarrh, of the respiratory system
38
Demulcent
Mucilage rich herb that soothes inflammation
39
Diaphoretic
Promotes sweating to reduce high fever and eliminates wastes through the pores
40
Digestive
Improves or encourages normal digestion
41
Diuretic
Encourages the production of urine
42
Emmenagogue
Stimulates menstruation; used where bleeding is scanty or menstruation is delayed
43
Emollient
Cream that increases skin hydration, both by directly moisturising and acting as a barrier to prevent moisture loss
44
Expectorant
Supports the removal of excess mucus and catarrh of the respiratory system
45
Febrifuge
Reduces fever
46
Galactagogue
A herb or food that encourages milk production in mothers
47
Genus/genera
A taxonomic rank used to classify groups of plants
48
Hepatoprotective
Protects the liver
49
Hypertensive
Increases blood pressure (hypertensive herbs are sometimes useful in conditions of low blood pressure)
50
Hypercholesterolaemic
Blood lipid lowering; used for high cholesterol
51
Hypotensive
Lowers blood pressure
52
Immune stimulant
Stimulates aspects of the immune system
53
Laxative
Stimulates bowel movement
54
Lymphatic
Supports lymphatic function. Used to support the body where there is infection or stagnation. Aids in detoxification
55
Mucilage/mucilaginous
Complex carbohydrate molecules found in plants that have a gelatinous, gloopy consistency
56
Mucolytic
Thins and breaks down mucus
57
Nervine
Nerve tonic; relaxes and soothes physical and emotional stress
58
Nutritive
Provides nourishment
59
Pelvic decongestant
Encourages circulation of the pelvic region
60
Phytochemical
Naturally occurring plant chemicals
61
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
A hormonal condition characterised by many cysts on the ovaries
62
Relaxant
Muscle or tissue relaxing
63
Re-mineraliser
A herb high in vitamins and minerals that can be used to boost nutrition
64
Rubefacient
Increases local circulation to the skin
65
Sedative
Relaxes the nervous system and encourages sleep
66
Stimulant
A herb that increases or encourages a function, for example, a ‘digestive stimulant’ encourages normal digestion in cases where it is underactive or slow
67
Styptic
An astringent herb that reduces bleeding
68
Symptomatic
In herbal terms, this may mean working to treat the symptoms of a disease or illness in the short term, but may not treat the underlying problem or cause
69
Tonic
Strengthens and supports a system or organ
70
Vasodilator
Relaxes and dilates the veins and arteries
71
Warming
Has a heating effect on an organ, system or throughout the body, usually through increasing circulation

Medicine (1 decks)

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