Abortifacient - An agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus.
Acrid - Having a hot, biting taste or causing heat and irritation when applied to the skin.
Adjuvant - A herb added to a mixture to aid the effect of the principle ingredient.
Alterative - An agent which produces gradual beneficial change in the body, usually by improving nutrition, without having any marked specific effect and without causing sensible evacuation.
Analgesic - A drug which relieves or diminishes pain; anodyne.
Anaphrodisiac - An agent which reduces sexual desire or potency.
Anaesthetic - An agent that deadens sensation.
Anodyne - An agent that soothes or relieves pain.
Anthelmintic - An agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms; vermicide; vermifuge.
Antibiotic - An agent that destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Anticoagulant - An agent that prevents clotting in a liquid, as in blood.
Antiemetic - An agent that counteracts nausea and relieves vomiting.
Antihydrotic - An agent which reduces or suppresses perspiration.
Antilithic - An agent which reduces or suppresses urinary calculi (stones) and acts to dissolve those already present.
Antiperiodic - An agent which counteracts periodic or intermittent diseases, (such as malaria).
Antiphlogistic - An agent which reduces inflammation.
Antipyretic - An agent which prevents or reduces fever. ( see also frebrifuge).
Antiscorbutic - An source of vitamin C for curing or preventing scurvy.
Antiscrofulous - Counteracting scrofula.
Antiseptic - An agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria.
Antispasmodic - An agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps.
Antitussive - An agent that relieves coughing.
Aperient - A mild stimulant for the bowels; a gentle purgative.
Aphrodisiac - An agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency.
Appetiser - An agent that excites the appetite.
Aromatic - A substance having an agreeable odour and stimulating qualities.
Astringent - An agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges. |