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Many plants have traditional medical uses. Ethnobotanists and pharmacognacists catalog and study these plants and uses. This is a list of some of the more common
medicinal properties that are ascribed to plants.
Anti-catarrhal -- eliminates or counteracts mucous conditions
Anti-coagulant -- prevent coagulation of blood
Anti-histamine -- reduce or eliminate allergic effects mediated by histamine
Anti-emetic -- relieves vomiting
Anti-inflammatory -- reduces inflammation
Anti-microbial -- kills or slows the growth of microbes
Anti-bacterial -- kills or slows the growth of bacteria
Anti-fungal -- kills or slows the growth of fungi
Anti-viral -- kills or slows the growth of viruses
Anti-parasitic -- kills or slows the growth of parasites
Anti-pyretic -- prevents or reduces fever by lowering body temperature
Anti-spasmodic -- suppresses smooth muscle contractions
Astringent -- shrinks or constricts body tissues
Carminative -- anti-spasmodic, used particularly against cramps of the digestive tract
Cholagogue -- promotes the discharge of bile from the system
Demulcent -- acts as a protective barrier on irritated or inflamed tissue
Diaphoretic -- increases perspiration
Diuretic -- elevates the rate of bodily urine excretion
Emetic -- induces vomiting
Emmenagogue -- stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Expectorant -- loosen mucus from the respiratory tract
Hepatic -- strengthens or regulates the secretion of bile
Laxative -- promotes defecation
Nervine -- has a beneficial effect upon the nervous system in some way
Sedative -- depresses the central nervous system, causing calmness, relaxation and similar, stronger effects
Tonic -- strengthens and improves specific organs, systems, weaknesses or the body as a whole
'''Stomachic -- tones the stomach, improving its function and increasing appetite
Vulnerary -- used in healing or treating wounds
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