Below are a list of actions, therapeutic effects and definitions relating to herbs, medicine and the body.
| abortifacient | an agent that can induce abortions |
| alkaloid | a nitrogenous, basic, and often medicinal, plant compound |
| allergen | a compound that produces an allergic reaction |
| alterative | a compound that alters body metabolism |
| analeptic | a restorative |
| analgesic | an agent that relieves pain |
| anodyne | an agent that relieves pain through reducing nerve excitability |
| anthelmintic | a preparation to rid the body of worms |
| anthraquinones | a ketonic tricyclic anthracenes with laxative action |
| anti- | prefix for terms designating amelioration, relief, or removal |
| antiacid | an agent to relieve excess stomach, blood or bowel acidity |
| antiasthmatic | an agent to dilate bronchioles or break up mucus |
| antibiotic | an agent to inhibit growth of, or destroy, bacteria |
| anticarcinogen | an agent to counteract cancer |
| anticatarrhal | an agent to counteract mucus formation |
| antidepressant | an agent that counteracts mental depression |
| anti-diarrheal | an agent to relieve diarrhoea |
| antiemetic | an agent that relieves stomach sickness and vomiting |
| antihyperlipidemic | an agent to reduce arterial plaques |
| antilithic | an agent to removes stones; lithotryptic |
| antipsychotic | see tranquilliser |
| antipyretic | an agent to reduce fever; febrifuge |
| antisecretory | an agent that dries the body tissues |
| antiseptic | an agent for skin application to destroy bacteria |
| antispasmodic | an agent to lessen muscle spasms; spasmolytic |
| aperient | a gentle laxative |
| aphrodisiac | an agent to awaken sexual desires |
| astringent | an agent that coagulates protein |
| balsams | resinous mixtures containing cinnamates and benzoates |
| beta-carbolines | tricyclic MAO inhibitors, hallucinogens |
| bradycardia | a slowed heartbeat |
| carcinogen | a substance that predisposes cancer development |
| carminative | a substance to relieve the body of excess gas |
| catalyst | a preparation that makes other remedies more effective |
| cathartic | see purgative |
| cholagogue | an agent to promote flow of bile into small intestine |
| CNS | abbreviation for central nervous system |
| depressant, CNS | a compound that reduces mental function |
| coumarins | bicyclic, aromatic molecules that antagonise vitamin K |
| CV | abbreviation for cardiovascular |
| decoction | a boiled extract, used for the preparation of roots |
| decongestant | an agent to relieve nasal congestion |
| demulcent | a compound that protects abraded tissues |
| dextrins | partial hydrolysis products of starch |
| diaphoretic | a compound that increases perspiration; sudorific |
| diuretic | an agent promoting urination |
| dyspepsia | an impairment in digestion |
| emetic | an agent to induce vomiting |
| emollient | an agent that smooths and protects the skin |
| emmenagogue | a preparation that hastens the onset of menses |
| euphoriant | an agent to stimulate mental or physical pleasure |
| expectorant | preparations used to break up phlegm in lungs |
| fatty acids | hydrolysis products of fats |
| febrifuge | see antipyretic |
| flavonoids | a class of tricyclic molecules |
| galactogogue | an agent to increase the flow of milk |
| GI | abbreviation for gastro-intestinal |
| glyco- | a prefix indicating the attachment of a sugar to a molecule |
| glycosides | sugar esters |
| gums | water swellable carbohydrate derivatives |
| HCN | hydrogen cyanide, a respiratory poison |
| hemolytic | a compound capable of dissolving red blood corpuscles |
| hemorragic | a compound that leads to internal bleeding |
| hemostatic | a compound that retards bleeding; styptic |
| hepatic | an agent used in maintenance of liver function |
| hypotensive | an agent to reduce blood pressure |
| infusion | a water extract; a tea |
| laxative | an aid to solid waste elimination |
| lithotriptic | see antilithic |
| MAO | monoamine oxidase, a major brain detoxification enzyme |
| miotic | a compound that dilates the pupils |
| moxybustion | the smoke used in acupuncture |
| mucilage | tacky, water-insoluble sugar derivatives |
| mydriatic | an agent used to dilate the pupils |
| MW | abbreviation for molecular weight |
| nervine | an agent that relieves nervousness; mild tranquilliser |
| oleoresins | natural mixtures of resins and volatile oils |
| oxytocic | an agent to promote uterine contractions during childbirth |
| parasiticide | an external or internal agent to destroy parasites |
| parasympathomimetic | an agent that excites the parasympathetic nervous system, eg, tobacco |
| pectins | partially methoxylated uronic acid sugars |
| pedicullicide | an agent to control lice |
| PMS | premenstrual syndrome |
| purgative | a strong laxative and emetic agent |
| refrigerant | an agent to cool the body down |
| resins | water-insoluble mixtures of resins, their acids, and alcohols |
| rubefacient | an agent that brings a blush to the cheeks and increases skin circulation |
| saponins | glycosides with a soaplike water suspension |
| sedative | mild depressant; somnorific |
| sialogogue | an agent that promotes the flow of saliva |
| spasmolytic | see antispasmodic |
| sterols | molecules related to cholesterol and some hormones |
| stimulant | an agent to increase body metabolism |
| stimulant, CNS | a compound that excites mental function |
| stomachic | a preparation for the benefit of the stomach; also a tonic |
| sudorific | see diaphoretic |
| tachycardia | a raised heart beat rate |
| tannins | bitter principles of plants containing plant polyphenols |
| terpenes | hydrocarbon volatile oils, often with a strong smell |
| tonic | an agent that restores normal tone to the body |
| tranquilizer | an agent that reduces phychotic behaviour |
| vermifuge | see anthelmintic |
| vulnerary | an agent to increase the healing of wounds |
| waxes | esters of fatty acids with high molecular weight alcohols |
| xanthines | CNS stimulants with a purine type structure, e g, caffeine |
