Apothecary is an archaic English term for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients. The modern terms 'pharmacist' and 'chemist' have taken over this role. - Wikipedia

The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, by David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG

One way that herbalists categorize herbs is by their actions. Knowing the actions you would like to incorporate into your daily life can help you select which herbs and products to try.

Herbal Actions and Properties:

• adaptogen – works through the endocrine system to modulate the physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress and increase resistance to physiological imbalances and disease by strengthening the immune system.

• alterative – strengthens and nourishes the body, often through the removal of metabolic wastes.

• amphoteric – normalizes function of an organ or body system.

• analeptic – restorative or stimulating effect on central nervous system.

• analgesic – relieves pain.

• anesthetic – induces loss of sensation or consciousness due to the depression of nerve function.

• antibacterial – destroys or stops the growth of bacteria.

• anticatarrh – reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat.

• antidiarrhetic –prevents or treats diarrhea.

• antiemetic – stops vomiting.

• antifungal – destroys or inhibits the growth of fungus.

• anti-inflammatory – controls inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection.

• antimicrobial – destroys microbes.

• antioxidant – prevents or inhibits oxidation.

• antirheumatic – eases pain of rheumatism, inflammation of joints and muscles.

• antiseptic – produces asepsis, removes pus, blood, etc.

• antispasmodic – calms nervous and muscular spasms or convulsions.

• antitussive – controls or prevents cough.

• antiviral – opposes the action of a virus.

• aperient – relieves constipation; mild laxative.

• aphrodisiac – increases the capacity for sexual arousal.

• aromatic – a herb containing volatile oils, fragrant odor and slightly stimulating properties.

• astringent – constricts and binds by coagulation of proteins.

• bitter – stimulates appetite or digestive function.

• bronchial –relaxes spasms or constriction of the bronchi or upper part of the lungs, thereby improving respiration

• cardiotonic – increases strength and tone (normal tension or response to stimuli) of the heart.

• carminative -- causes the release of stomach or intestinal gas.

• catarrhal – pertains to the inflammation of mucous membranes of the head and throat.

• cathartic – produces bowel movements.

• cholagogue – increases flow of bile from gallbladder ..

• demulcent – soothes and protects inflamed and irritated mucous membranes both topically and internally

• detergent – cleanses wounds and sores of infected or damaged tissue.

• diaphoretic – increases perspiration (synonym: sudorific).

• digestive – promotes or aids the digestion process .

• disinfectant – destroys pathogenic microbes, germs, and noxious properties of fermentation.

• diuretic – increases urine flow.

• emetic – produces vomiting and evacuation of stomach contents.

• emmenagogue – regulates and induces normal menstruation.

• emollient – softens and soothes the skin.

• expectorant – facilitates removal of mucus and other materials.

• galactagogue – promotes the flow of milk.

• hemagogue – promotes the flow of blood.

• hemostatic – controls or stops the flow of blood.

• hepatic – having to do with the liver.

• hypertensive – raises blood pressure.

• hypnotic – strong-acting nervous system relaxant (nervines) that supports healthy sleep.

• hypotensive – lowers blood pressure.

• laxative – loosens bowel contents.

• lithotriptic – a substance that causes kidney or bladder stones to dissolve.

• masticatory – increases flow of saliva upon chewing.

• mucilaginous – polysaccharide-rich compounds that coat and soothe inflamed mucous membranes.

• nervine – calms the nerves. A nerve tonic.

• nutritive – a herb containing nutrients required to nourish and build the body.

• purgative – causes the evacuation of intestinal contents; laxative.

• refrigerant – relieves thirst with its cooling properties

• relaxant – tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension

• rubefacient – reddens skin, dilates the blood vessels, and increases blood supply locally.

• sedative – exerts a soothing, tranquilizing effect on the body.

• sialagogue – increases the production and flow of saliva.

• stimulant – increases body or organ function temporarily.

• tonic – stimulates energy and increases strength and tone.

• vermifuge – expels worms from the intestines.

• vulnerary – aids in healing wounds (top)

  You can learn more terminology on herbal actions at the “American Botanical Council” by clicking here.