Herbal Actions

Herbal actions are talked about in almost any herbal book that you can get your hands on. It is important to know these terms and how to use them to identify the herbs that you are needing in different circumstances. If you need to, print these out and leave them where you can easily access them to reference.

• Adaptogen- an herb that helps the body adapt to changes in environment (such as travel and seasons) and stress in a non specific way. Example: Eleuthero (american ginseng)

• Alterative- Blood "purifiers" that improve digestion and eliminate toxins. Example: Stinging Nettles

Stinging Nettles

• Analgesic- Pain reliever. Especially to relieve pain without drowsiness. Example: Willow bark

• Anti-catarrhal- These herbs remove excess mucous from the body. Example: Mullein

Mullein

• Anti-depressive- As it sounds, these herbs help combat depression. A great example is Saint John's Wort.

• Anti-hemorrhagic - These herbs, which are generally used topically, can be used to stop bleeding. Example: Yarrow

Yarrow Leaf

• Anti-inflammatory - This is a word we hear a lot and for good reason. So many of us have inflammation in our bodies. The most common example is Tumeric (be sure to use in conjunction with black pepper for better absorption.

Tumeric root

• Anti-microbial - This is another word we hear a lot especially in cleaners. Herbal Anti-microbials can help strengthen the bodies immune system by fighting pathogenic organisms. It is often broken down into three categories: Anti-bacterial (example: rosemary), Anti-viral(example: elderberry) and Anti-fungal (example: wormwood).

• Anti-parasitic- Helps the body fight parasites. Can also sometimes be used topically to fight skin parasites such as fleas and lice (example: Neem)

Neem

• Anti-pyretic- This is a fancy term for fever reducer. Yarrow flower as either a tea or tincture is a great example.

• Antispasmodic- These herbs help treat and prevent cramps and muscle spasms. Some herbs like Thyme use their antispasmodic properties to calm coughs as well.

• Anodyne- These herbs are a sub category of Analgesics however instead of being a straight pain reliever, they work by lessening the sensitivity in the nervous system and are mostly used topically. Example: Arnica

Arnica

• Aromatic- This action is the basis for a majority of aroma therapy. Many herbs' volatile oils (essential oils), when diffused, are used for relaxation or digestive stimulation. Example: Lavender essential oil
• Astringent- The best way to describe this is to remember the astringent oil we all used to use in high school. What Astringent herbs do is contract the tissue. Meadowsweet is a good example. The best example though would be witch hazel.

Meadowsweet

• Bitter- Just as they sound, bitters taste... bitter! The taste of bitter herbs, stimulates saliva production and helps settle the stomach. Orange peel is often used as an easy bitter.
• Cardiotonic- These are herbs that have an overall benefit on the heart and circulatory system. My favorite cardiotonic is Hawthorn berry.

Hawthorn Berry

• Carminative- Herbs with this action work to expel gas from the bowels and digestive system. A great carminative herb is Ginger or fennel.
• Choleretic- Stimulates bile flow and production. Commonly used for gallbladder problems. Example: Everlasting flower

Everlasting flowers

• Demulcent- These herbs are high in mucilage and are used to soothe and protect damaged tissues especially sore throats. An example of this is Marshmallow root.
• Depurative- Supportive of the natural functions of the kidneys and liver. They also have been known to remove impurities from the blood and other bodily fluids. Example: Sweet Wormwood

Sweet Wormwood

• Diaphoretic- When used warm, herbs in this category induce perspiration. They are a go to for many herbalists when treating fever.
• Diuretic- Diuretic is what Diaphoretics become when they are served cold (or room temperature) There are also many herbs that are diuretic in nature without being diaphoretic. Diuretics help you dispel excess liquids. They also help increase urine production and are therefor great with treating kidney and bladder problems. My favorite diuretic is Cleavers.

Cleavers

• Emetic- These herbs are not used a lot because their effect isn't the most pleasant. Emetic herbs induce vomiting. Used mainly when something is in the stomach that needs to come out. Many poisons can cause more problems going back through the esophagus so these should be used with extreme caution. An example of this herb is box myrtle.
• Emmenagogue- Because these herbs are used to produce menstruation and sometimes used to regulate it, remedies using this type of herb should be avoided when pregnant. Black Cohosh root is an example of this.

Black Cohosh

• Emollient- These are similar Demulcent with their mucilage properties. However, they are used externally and often soften the skin in order to allow other herbs to penetrate the skin. A great example is jojoba oil.
• Expectorant- This is another term we have heard a lot in modern medicine. An expectorant helps loosen and bring up mucous and phlem in the lungs. Licorice Root is a good example.
• Galactagogue- One of the most important herb types for new moms. These herbs increase the mother's milk. The one most used is fennel seed but I also like to use hops flower.

Hops Flower

• Hepatic- Sounds like a disease you have heard of, "hepatitis". The reason is that it effects the same organ, the liver. These herbs increase the production of bile which tones the liver. Dandelion is a great hepatic.
• Laxative- As you may know, these herbs promote the evacuation of the bowels. Aloe Vera can have this effect.
• Nervine- Nervines help support the nervous system. They work to help anxiety and nervous tension. One of my favorite nervines is skullcap.

Skullcap

• Rubefacient- Use these herbs to stimulate blood circulation. Cayenne and horseradish work great for this.
• Sedative- If you are needing a calming effect, sedative herbs is where you look. Valerian and Lemon balm are two great sedatives.

Lemon Balm

• Stimulant- Coffee anyone? Stimulants increase circulation and increase energy.
• Styptic- Similar to anti-hemorrhagic, these herbs stop bleeding when put topically on a wound. Again, my favorite in this category is yarrow leaf.
• Tonic- These herbs are generally taken long term to promote a healthy vibrant life. Stinging nettles is a wonderful tonic herb.
• Trophorestorative- A nutritive restorative which means that at help reverse deficiencies or weakness of an organ. Example: Milk thistle for the liver.

Milk Thistle

• Vulnerary- Herbs with this action help promote healing of wounds. It is primarily associated with external wound healing using herbs such as Calendula or plantain but it is also sometimes referred to when used to heal internal wounds such as ulcers as with plantago.

Calendula