There are many words used to describe herbs and their actions on the body. The following is a guide to understanding these unique terms.
Bitter tonic
a substance with an acrid, astringent or disagreeable taste that stimulates flow of saliva and gastric juices.
Bolus
a suppository poultice used for vaginal or rectal application; made by mixing powdered herb material in melted cocoa butter or similar base and hand-forming suppositories as the matrix cools.
Calmative
an agent with mild sedative or hypnotic properties.
Carminative
a substance that stops the formation of intestinal gas and helps expel gas that has already formed.
Catarrh
inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially of the respiratory tract.
Cathartic
a powerful agent used to relieve severe constipation (also called a purgative).
Cholegogue
an agent that stimulates secretion and release of bile.
Source: http://www.cncahealth.com/