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| ganisms and throw off illness. While some contain either chemicals which are antiseptic or specific poisons to certain organisms, in general they aid the body's natural immunity. |
| Antispasmodic. Antispasmodics ease cramps in muscles. They alleviate muscular tension and, as many are also nervines, ease psychological tension as well. Some anti-spasmodics reduce muscle spasms throughout the body and others work on specific organs or systems. |
| Astringent. Astringents have a binding action on mucous membranes, skin and other tissue. The action is due to chemicals called tannins, named after their use in the tanning industry. They have the effect of precipitating protein molecules, thus reducing irritation and inflammation and creating a barrier against infection that is helpful in wounds and burns. |
| Bitter. Herbs with a bitter taste have a special role in preventive medicine. The taste triggers a sensory response in the central nervous system. A message goes to the gut releasing digestive hormones leading to a range of actions including stimulation of appetite, a general stimulation of the flow of digestive juices and support of the liver's detoxification work and secretion of bile flow. They also stimulate gut self-repair mechanisms. |
| Cardiac remedies. This is a general term for herbal remedies that have a beneficial action on the heart. Some of the remedies in this group are powerful cardioactive agents such as foxglove, whereas others are gentler, safer herbs such as hawthorn and motherwort. |
| Carminative. Carminatives are plants that are rich in aromatic volatile oils. They stimulate the digestive system to work properly and with ease, soothing the gut wall, reducing any inflammation that might be present, easing griping pains and helping the removal of gas from the digestive tract. |
| Demulcent. These are herbs rich in mucilage that soothes |
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