adaptogen:
helps the body cope with stress. Example: ashwagandha

alterativ:
a blood purifier that improves the overall health and vitality. Examples: red clover, burdock, and dandelion.

analgesic:
relieves pain. Examples: turmeric, meadowsweet, st john's wort, arnica

anodyne:
something that soothes and relaxes and reduces pain, an older word for analgesic, Examples: turmeric, meadowsweet, st john's wort, arnica

antibacterial:
either kills bacteria (bactericidal) or inhibit their growth (bacteriostatic). All antibacterial substances are antiseptics but not all antiseptics are antibacterial. Examples: oregano, ginger, cinnamon, clove, neem, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme

antihistamine:
treats allergies such as hay fever. It helps to counteract the effects of histamine, which is the chemical released by the body's immune cells during an allergic reaction. This release causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. Examples: nettle, butterbur, licorice root

antiseptic:
slows the growth of microorganism, including bacteria, fungi and viruses and therefore prevents infection. Examples: thyme, aloe vera, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil, calendula, myrrh, frankincense

antiviral or virucidal:
is able to kill or inactivate a virus. Examples: garlic, elderberry, lemon balm, oregano,sage, ecchinacea, licorice root

astringent:
tightens body tissues. This makes them very useful to help with stopping bleeding, reducing inflammation and tightening skin. Examples: apple cidar vinegar, chamomile, rosemary, sage, cinnamon, pommegranate, lemon, green tea, black tea, witch hazel

calmative:
calming, nourish, balance and soothe the nerves. The same as nervine relexant. Examples: lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, passionflower

carminative:
lets you get rid of gas. Examples: peppermint, ginger, fennel, cardamon, lemon balm

coagulant:
makes blood clot and so stops bleeding. Examples: nettle, rue, yarrow, plantain, st john's wort, cayenne pepper

demulcent:
soothes, protects and moistens irritated or inflamed mucous membranes within the body. When taken as a tea, decoction or syrup, the mucilage forms a protective, lubricating film over the lining of internal passageways like the throat, lungs, digestive tract or urinary tract. This coating shields the tissues from further irritation. Examples: marshmallow, flax seeds, licorice

diuretic:
increases the flow of urine, that means you need to go pee more often. They can help lower blood pressure, treat edema (swelling), and manage conditions such as heart failure and kidney disease. Examples: dandelion, horsetail, nettle, fennel

emmenagogue:
stimulates menstrual flow. They are beneficial for women experiencing amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or irregular periods. Examples: angelica, cinquefoil, elecampane

emolient:
soothes, softens and protects the ski, usually used externally. Examples: marshmallow, aloe vera, calendula

diaphoretic:
promotes sweating. Examples: boneset, catnip, yarrow

febrifuge:
reduces fever. Examples: peppermint (cooling), ginger (warming), yarrow (strong), catnip (gentle)

laxative:
encourages bowel movement, that means it lets you poop. Examples: senna, aloe vera (both are very strong)

nervine relexant:
calming, nourish, balance and soothe the nerves. The same as calmative. Examples: lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, passionflower

tonic:
strengthens, tones, and invigorates the body, often used to promote general health and well-being over a long period. Example: hawthorn

vulnerary:
promotes the healing of wounds and injuries, primarily when applied externally (topically). Examples: comfrey, calendula, plantain, yarrow, st john's wort.