Acute

 An illness that is generally contagious. It often starts unexpectedly. The symptoms remain constant among different individuals.

Adjunct

 Something added to another thing, but not an essential part of it.

Alterative

 Blood purifier.

Analgesic

 Pain reducer.

Anthelmintic

 Capable of destroying and expelling worms from the digestive system.

Antibiotic

 Stops the growth of, and destroys microorganisms (fungi, bacteria and viruses).

Anti-catarrhal

 Assists the body in removing excess mucous.

Anti-emetic

 Reduces nausea and prevents vomiting.

Anti-fungal

 Kills or prevents the growth of fungi.

Anti-inflammatory

 Reduces inflammation.

Antioxidant

 A substance that inhibits the destructive effects of oxidation in the body.

Anti-pruritics

 To prevent or reduce itching.

Anti-pyretic

 Reduces and prevents fever.

Antiseptic

 Reduces and prevents the growth of microorganisms.

Anti-spasmodic

 Reduces and prevents muscle spasms or cramps.

Anti-viral

 Stops and destroys viruses.

Astringent

 Contains constricting agents.

Carminative

 Relieves pain and gas from the bowels by stimulating the digestive system.

Cathartic

 Causes clearing of the bowels.

Cholagogue

 Promotes bile production.

Chronic

 An illness or condition that is long term or recurring. Usually the body and its immune system are unable to combat the condition or illness.

Coagulant

 Causes or assists blood clotting.

Cognitive

 Relating to the thought process.

Colic

 Refers to any condition that causes pain, inflammation, or discount in the colon.

Demulcent

 Soothes irritated skin and mucous membranes.

DE

 Diatomaceous Earth.

Diaphoretics

 Used to describe drugs, herbs, or other substances that induce sweating.

Diuretic

 Causing increased flow of urine.

DMG

 Dimethylglycine.

DSHEA

 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.

Edema

 The presence of fluid.

EFA

 Essential Fatty Acids.

Emetic

 Something causing a person or animal to vomit.

Emollients

 Used to soften, soothe, and protect the skin.

Expectorant

 Helps expel mucous (phlegm) from the throat and lungs.

Fodder

 Food for livestock (straw, hay, etc.).

GMP

 Good Manufacturing Practices.

Glycerites

 Glycerin based herbal extracts. Made in the same fashion as an alcohol extract; but consists of 60% vegetable glycerin and 40% water.

Hepatic

 Increases the flow of bile while toning and strengthening the liver.

Homeopathy

 Treating an illness by giving small doses of a natural drug that would, in larger doses, produce characteristics of the illness itself.

Holistic

 Focuses on the balance of mind, body, spirit and environment in the treatment of illness.

Hypnotic

 Sleep inducing.

IBS

 Irritable Bowel Syndrome Alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea.

Infusion

 Extract of soluble ingredients in hot water (coffee or tea are good examples).

MSM

 Methyl Sulfonyl Methane.

Mucilage

 Jellylike ingredients of some herbs that perform as demulcents and emollients.

Nervine

 Strengthens and tones the nervous system.

Nutraceutical

 Foods containing natural substances that have medicinal qualities.

Sedative

 Reduces nervousness and stress.

Salicylic

 Aspirin and aspirin substitutes (fatal to felines).

Sialagogue

 Stimulates saliva flow to aid in digestion.

Tincture

 An herbal liquid extract made with alcohol or vegetable glycerin.