Glossary of Effects

Alterative: a mild system purge, often a blood purifier or nutrient

Analgesic: pain-killing

Anaphrodisiac: lessening sexual inclination or function

Anodyne: pain-killing, soothing

Anthelmintic: expels or destroys worms

Antiscorbatic: prevents scurvy

Antiseptic: inhibits bacteria growth on living tissue

Antispasmodic: alleys convulsions/muscle spasms

Aperient: laxative

Aphrodisiac: ...

Aromatic: fragrant, mildly stimulating

Astringent: causing the contraction of tissues

Carminative: 'expels wind from the stomach and intestines'

Cathartic: laxative

Demonofugue: thought to expel evil spirits. Give Potter, or Dark Lord?

Demulcent: when ingested lubricates & coats stomach & intestine linings

Diaphoretic: perspiration-inducing. Also see SUDORIFIC

Digestive -ant: ...aiding the digestion

Diuretic: stimulates kidney action, encourages bladder movement

Emetic: causes vomiting

Emmenagogue: promotes menstruation (how?)

Emmolient: used externally: soothing, softening

Expectorant: loosens and expells catarrh

Febrifuge: helps dispel fever

Hallucinogen: ...

Narcotic: ...causes sleep or coma

Nervine: tonic herb strengthening nerves

Psychoactive: ...

Purgative: laxative, not emetic

Refrigerant: 'cools' the blood. ?

Rubrificant: produces redness of skin.

Sedative: ...

Stimulant: quickens some vital process

Styptic: blood-staunching

Vermifuge: worm expellant (...how?...don't ask, perhaps?)

Vulnerary: styptic & often antiseptic. Lit: wound-healing
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Huson, Paul, Mastering Herbalism, Stein and Day Publishers, NY 1974 pp347-351