Antispasmodic - an agent which relieves or prevents spasms, usually of the smooth muscles; barbiturates and valerian are examples of antispasmodics. Appetizer - a substance which stimulates the appetite. Aromatic - an agent with an agreeable odor and other stimulating qualities. Carminative - an agent which assists in the expelling gas from the intestines. Diuretic - Diuretics form a class of drugs which increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys. It can be used effectively to treat mild cases of edema when kidney function is good and when the underlying abnormality of cardiac function, capillary pressure, or salt retention is being corrected simultaneously. Diuretics are not an appropriate treatment for edema caused by inflammation of the kidneys, and are useless in cardiac edema associated with advanced kidney insufficiency. There are a variety of diuretics with different modes of action. Among the diuretics are spironolactones, triamterene, and theobromine. Emmenagogue - an agent which stimulates menstrual flow. Sedative - Sedatives are a class of drugs which function to quiet nervous excitement and reduce motor activity without inducing sleep. They are used in the management of neuroses and in the treatment of anxiety and apprehension accompanying various disease states such as hypertension. Sedatives commonly function to induce reversible depression of the central nervous system. Examples of this class are Phenobarbital, secobarbital sodium, and pentobarbital. Stimulant - an agent that temporarily increases the activity or physiological processes. Stimulants may be classified according to the organ upon which they act; for example, an intestinal stimulant is that which stimulates the intestines. Tonic - an agent which strengthens or tones. Celery produces perspiration and is useful for nervousness. It should be cooked with milk and eaten freely to neutralize uric acid and other excess acids in the body, thus aiding in the treatment of rheumatism. Celery is useful for headaches when taken as a tea. The seeds and stems have been used in Australia as an acid neutralizer. Celery seed is used almost exclusively as a diuretic. Since it is very powerful, it is often used alone in severe cases of gout, edema, and dropsy. At other times, small amounts are added to diuretic herbal blends to provide reliable action. The herb is also used to treat kidney and bladder disorders, but is avoided if the kidneys are inflamed. Celery seed is sometimes used as a carminative and antispasmodic in the digestive system. This action depends on the presence of its volatile oil. Celery has been used on occasion for rheumatism and arthritis, although it its efficacy against those ailments has not been established. Celery plant, not the seed, is purported to be emmenagogic.