Medicinal Properties of Herbs

Adaptogen

Adaptogens are substances which help to regulate and normalise bodily systems.
Herbs: Licorice

Alterative

Alteratives are herbs that are said to alter illness, purify blood, improve appetite, and detoxify.
Herbs: Dandelion, licorice

Analgesic

Analgesics help to relieve pain without causing unconsciousness.
Herbs: Chamomile, lemongrass

Anthelmintic

Anthelmintics kill or expel intestinal worms.
Herbs: Aloe vera, garlic, mugwort, myrrh, wormwood

Antibacterial

Antibacterial substances destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Herbs: Aloe Vera, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, melaleuca, myrrh, sage

Anticatarrhal

Anticatarrhals herbs help to clear excess mucus discharge, especially of the nose and throat.
Herbs: Chilli, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, sage, thyme

Antiemetic

Antiemetics alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Herbs: Chilli, dill, lavender, lemon balm

Antifungal

Antifungal substances destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi.
Herbs: Garlic, lavender, lemongrass, melaleuca, sage

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-inflammatories prevent or reduce inflammatory responses, such as swelling, tenderness, and associated pain.
Herbs: Aloe Vera, calendula, chamomile, frankincense, ginger, licorice, myrrh, turmeric

Antimicrobial

Anti-microbial substances are used to treat infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms (like bacteria and fungi).
Herbs: Calendula, chilli, cloves, coriander, garlic, lavender, licorice, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, wormwood

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are substances which have the ability to inhibit the oxidation to cells caused by free radicals.
Herbs: Garlic, lavender, myrrh, sage

Antiparasitic

Antiparasitic substances destroy or inhibit the growth of parasites.
Herbs: Anise, garlic, myrrh,

Antipyretic

Antipyretic substances help to reduce fevers.
Herbs: Calendula, chilli, lemon balm, lemongrass, peppermint, thyme

Antiseptic

Antiseptic substances are used to prevent infections by inhibiting the growth or reproduction of micro-organisms (like bacteria and fungi).
Herbs: Chamomile, lavender, lemongrass, melaleuca, myrrh

Antispasmodic

Anti-spasmodics help to relieve convulsions and muscle spasms.
Herbs: Anise, chamomile, dill, lavender, sage, thyme

Antiviral

Antiviral substances destroy or inhibit the growth of viruses.
Herbs: Garlic, sage

Aromatic

Aromatic herbs have a fragrant odour and mild stimulant properties.
Herbs: Chamomile, cinnamon, coriander, dill, ginger, peppermint, rosemary

Astringent

Astringent substances cause the tightening/constricting of tissues.
Herbs: Myrrh, rosemary, sage

Bitter

Bitter herbs not only have a bitter flavour, but are thought to trigger a number of responses from the central nervous system, including stimulating appetite and gastrointestinal function.
Herbs: Dandelion root, wormwood

Carminative

Carminative herbs help to relieve flatulence.
Herbs: Anise, chamomile, chilli, cinnamon, dill, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary

Cholagogue

Cholagogues are substances which stimulate the gall bladder to promote the flow of bile into the intestine.
Herbs: Peppermint

Decongestant

Decongestants are used to reduce congestion, especially of the sinuses.
Herbs: Eucalyptus, garlic, lavender, melaleuca, sage

Demulcent

Demulcent substances are soothing, particularly in reference to inflammation or irritated mucous membranes.
Herbs: Licorice

Diaphoretic

Diaphoretic substances are used to stimulate perspiration.
Herbs: Chamomile, chilli, ginger, lavender tea, lemon balm, peppermint

Diuretic

Diuretics are substances which increase the amount of urine expelled.
Herbs: Dandelion leaf, dill, sage

Emetic

Emetic substances cause vomiting.
Herbs: Lemon balm

Emmenagogue

Emmenagogue substances induce or hasten menstruation. Some of these should be avoided while pregnant, as this action can lead to complications.
Herbs: Aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, dill, ginger, mugwort, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, wormwood

Emollient

Emmolients soothe, soften, and sooth irritation, especially in regards to the skin.
Herbs: Licorice, rose petals

Expectorant

Expectorants reduce the thickness of and promote the ejection of mucus from the respiratory tract.
Herbs: Anise, dill, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, myrrh, sage, thyme

Hepatic

Hepatic substances aid liver function.
Herbs: Dandelion, rosemary, wormwood

Laxatives

Laxatives are substances which promote bowel movements.
Herbs: Dandelion leaf & root, licorice

Nervine

Nervines are herbs which are believed to sooth/calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress.
Herbs: Chamomile, dill, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, wormwood

Rubefacient

Rubefacients are substances which are used to cause mild irritation to the skin, in order to relieve greater inflammation in nearby tissues.
Herbs: Chilli, garlic, ginger, peppermint, rosemary

Sedative

Sedatives depress the central nervous system, causing a calming effect and suppressing various bodily functions.
Herbs: Chamomile

Sialagogue

Sialagogues promote the flow of saliva.
Herbs: Chilli, ginger

Stimulant

Stimulants are substances which accelerate bodily functions, and usually promote a sense of well-being.
Herbs: Calendula, chilli, cinnamon, dandelion, garlic, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, wormwood

Tonic

Tonics are substances which are supposed to restore or improve health, promoting vigour and a sense of well-being.
Herbs: Calendula, chamomile, chilli, dandelion, garlic, licorice, mugwort, thyme

Vulnerary

Vulnerary substances are used to assist in the healing of wounds.
Herbs: Aloe, calendula, garlic, thyme

References: Definitions sourced from The Free Dictionary: Medical Dictionary