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Classification of Herbs

In his book Common Herbs for Common Illnesses, William R. McGrath said that herbs have different classifications. Below are some of the herbal terms commonly used to describe the various categories of herbs and their application. The classification of herbs is arranged alphabetically.

Alteratives: Herbs that gradually restore the healthy bodily functions.

Anodynes: Herbs used to ease pain.

Anthelmintics: Herbs used to expel or destroy intestinal worms.

Antiscorbutics: Herbs used to treat scurvy.

Antiseptics: Herbs that destroy or inhibit bacteria.

Antispasmodics: Herbs that are used to prevent or allay spasms or
cramps.

Aperients: Mild laxatives.

Aphrodisiacs: Substances used to increase sexual power or
excitement.

Aromatics: Herbs which emit a fragrant smell and produce a pungent
taste. Used chiefly to make other medicines more palatable.

Astringents: Herbs causing contraction of tissues.

Cardiacs: Herbs which affect the heart.

Carminative: Herbs which expel gas from the stomach, intestines, or
bowels.

Cathartics: Those herbs which aid evacuation of the bowels.

Cholagogues: Herbs which promote the flow of bile.

Demulcents: Herbs used to relieve internal inflammations, provide a
protective coating and allay irritation of the membranes.

Deobstruents: Remedies which overcome obstruction; aperients.

Diaphoretics: Herbs that induce perspiration.

Diuretics: Herbs that increase the flow of urine.

Emetics: Remedies that induce vomiting.

Emmenagogues: Remedies that stimulate menstrual flow.

Emollients: Substances used to soften and protect tissues.

Expectorants: Herbs that loosen or induce expulsion of phlegm from
the mucous membranes of the nasal and bronchial passages.

Febrifuges: Herbs that reduce fever.

Galactagogues: Herbs that promote secretion of milk from the
nursing breast.

Laxatives: Mild purgatives.

Mucilaginous: A substance with a soothing quality for inflamed parts.

Nervines: Agents which act on the nervous system to temporarily
relax nervous tension or excitement.

Nutrients Or Nutritives: Substances that provide nourishment.

Pectorals: Agents which relieve infections of the chest and lung.

Purgatives: Herbs that cause copious bowel evacuation. Purgatives,
more drastic than laxatives or aperients, are generally combined with
other herbs to modify their action. They are usually recommended for
adults only.

Rubefacients: Substances used externally to cause redness by
increasing blood supply to the skin surface when applied by rubbing.

Stimulants: Remedies that increase or quicken various motor actions
of the system.

Stomachics: Substances which give strength and tone to the
abdominal area. Also used to stimulate the appetite and aid
digestion.

Styptics: Substances which contract the tissues or blood vessels;
astringents, tending to check bleeding.

Sudorifics: Herbs which produce sweating.

Tonics: Remedies which increase systemic tone through nutritional
stimulation.

Vermifuges: Herbs that expel or destroy worms.

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