Astringent Health Dictionary

Astringent: From 5 Different Sources


A substance that causes tissue to dry and shrink by reducing its ability to absorb water.

Astringents are widely used in antiperspirants and to promote healing of broken or inflamed skin.

They are also used in some eye or ear preparations.

Astringents may cause burning or stinging when applied.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Causing soft tissues or drawing together
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
An agent that causes the constriction of tissues, usually applied topically to stop bleeding, secretions, and surface inflammation and distension. Some, such as gallotannins, may actually bind with and “tan” the surface layer of skin or mucosa. (Examples: a styptic pencil, Oak Bark.)
Health Source: Medicinal Plants Glossary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. a drug that causes cells to shrink by precipitating proteins from their surfaces. Astringents are used in lotions to harden and protect the skin and to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. They are also used in mouth washes, throat lozenges, eye drops, etc., and in antiperspirants.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Astringents

One of the largest groups of herbs. Herbs that contract blood vessels and certain body tissues (mucous membranes) with the effect of reducing secretion and excretion. Binders. They are used for debility, internal and external bleeding, catarrhal discharges, etc, their action due to the tannins they contain. Main astringents: Agrimony, Avens, Bayberry, Beth root, Bistort, Black Catechu, Burr-Marigold, American Cranesbill, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Great Burnet, Ground Ivy, Hemlock Spruce bark, Kola, Ladies Mantle, Meadowsweet, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Nettles, Oak bark, Periwinkle, Pilewort, Plantain, Raspberry leaves, Sage, Rosemary, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil, Wild Cherry bark, Witch Hazel, Yarrow, White Pond Lily. ... astringents



Recent Searches