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Anesthetic a drug or herbal product used to alleviate the sensation of pain on an area of the skin or on a mucous membrane.
Antibiotic a chemical substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of a microorganism.
Antidepressant a chemical substance that elevates the mood of a depressed person
Anti-inflammatory a substance or agent that suppresses inflammation. Inflammation is the body's response to an injury which could include localized pain, heat, redness, swelling or loss of function.
Antiseptic a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Note that this does not necessarily kill the organism, but rather changes the environment into one that is difficult for the organism to flourish.
Antitussive a substance that suppresses cough.
Antiviral a substance that kills or inhibits the replication (growth) of a virus.
Anemic a reduction in the quantity of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, or volume of packed red blood cells in the blood. This occurs when the production of blood can not keep pace with blood loss. Causes of anemia vary. Some of the causes are a deficit of vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin), iron deficiency, and heavy blood loss from menstruation. There is also a variety of organic causes.
Anthelmintic a substance that is destructive to worms.
Antipyretic a substance that relieves or reduce fever.
Antipruritic a topically applied substance that relieves or reduces itching.
Antiscorbutic a substance used in the prevention or relief of scurvy.
Astringent A topical agent that causes contractions in the skin.
Carminative a substance that relieves flatulence (gastric or intestinal "gas").
Decongestant a substance that reduces congestion or swelling. It is usually referring to a substance that relieves nasal congestion.
Demulcent a soothing or oily substance used for topical application to relieve inflamed or abraded areas of the skin.
Depurant a substance that cleans or purifies.
Diaphoretic a substance that promotes sweating.
Diuretic a substance that promotes the elimination of water in the body through urination.
Emetic a substance that induces vomiting.
Emulsion a preparation where on liquid substance is dispersed in small globules in another liquid.
Emmollient a substance that softens or soothes the skin.
Expectorant a substance that promotes the ejection of mucus from the lungs.
Flatulence excess amounts of air or gases in the stomach or intestines, leading to distention (expansion) of the organs in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indigestion commonly used to describe abdominal discomfort after meals. May come from the inability of the GI tract to digest fats, milk products, etc. Substances used to treat this condition mayh reange from digestive aids to substances that relieve "gas" or soothe the stomach (barrier protection).
Insomnia the inability to sleep.
Laxative a substance that promotes evacuation of the bowel (defecation); also called a cathartic or purgative.
Lethargy abnormal drowsiness or stupor.
Poultice a soft, moist mixture spread between layers of muslin, linen, gauze or towels and applied hot. It is applied topically to produce localized moist heat. The mixture may contain herbs or other products that have some (real or imagined) medicinal effects.
Saponification the process of converting fats into soaps and glycerol by heating with alkalis.
Salve a thick ointment which is applied topically.
Scurvy a condition caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the diet. Symptoms include weakness, anemia, spongy gums, hemorrhagin of the skin and mucous membranes.
Sedative a substance which produces a calming effect.
Stimulant a substance that promotes alertness, wakefullness or increases the action of the heart or central nervous system.
Tranquilizer a substance with a calming, soothing effect.