Actions Flashcards
Definition of Herbal Actions
Herbs that used to be called “blood cleaners”. They “alter” or help the waste removal of toxins. The liver, kidney, lymph, and digestive systems all aid in the detox process. These herbs stimulate the body systems to restore normal body function. The end result of this ‘house cleaning’ helps the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and at the same time boosts immunity.
Aloe, Dandelion
Alternative
Herbs that relieve pain.
Chamomile, Comfrey, Catnip
Anodyne
Herbs that soothe and reduce inflammation.
Aloe, Borage, Chamomile
Anti-inflammatory
Herbs that prevent or relax muscle spasms. Relax nervous tension in the body that brings on digestive spasms.
Catnip, Chamomile
Anti-spasmodic
Herbs that posses tannin which contracts and tones tissue. Used to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes and to shrink tissue swelled from fluid buildup.
Internally reducing diarrhea. Externally to stop bleeding, soothe irritated tissue, and promote healing of wounds.
Catnip, Comfrey
Astringent
Herbs that increases appetite, equalizes the acidity in the stomach, and stimulates the flow of bile. Assist the liver in detoxification.
Aloe, Dandelion
Bitter Tonic
Herbs that promote bile into the duodenum. Bile helps digest fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and it keeps the stool soft by incorporating water into the stool. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. In the flow of digestion, the duodenum is located after the stomach and is top part of the small intestines.
Aloe, Dandelion
Cholagogue
Herbs that relieve the digestive system when there is irritation, gas, cramping, and bloating in the in stomach or intestines. High in volatile oils which is a main ingredient to calm the gut wall and help expel gas.
Catnip, Chamomile
Carminative
Herbs that soothe irritated mucous membranes throughout the body. High in mucilage, a gummy or slimy texture. Usually addressing certain parts of the body such as the respiratory tract, intestinal tract, urinary tract, and the uterus. Can also be applied externally for burns.
Aloe, Borage, Comfrey
Demulcent
Herbs that promote perspiration and elimination of toxins through the skin. These herbs support the kidneys by providing an alternate route to removing toxins in two ways; either intensely or mildly.
Borage, Catnip, Chamomile
Diaphoretic
Herbs that increase urine flow to reduce water retention. Can also soothe and help with infection in the urinary system, which include the urinary tract, kidneys, and the bladder. Aiding in the reduction of lymphatic swelling.
Borage, Dandelion
Diuretic
Herbs that aid in discharging mucus from the throat and lungs. Two types either stimulating or relaxing. The stimulating herb irritates the lining of the lung to get rid of phlegm. The relaxing herb soothe the lungs and helps loosen and lift the low-lying mucus, if any.
Borage, Comfrey
Expectorant
Herbs that are calming and tranquilizing relieving nervousness and irritation. Can induce sleep.
Catnip, Chamomile
Sedative
Herbs that heal wounds in the form of lesions or inflammation. They disinfect and/or stimulate cell growth to repair tissue. This cellular healing action reduces the formation of scar tissue.
Aloe, Chamomile, Comfrey
Vulnerary
Relieves pain
Anodyne > Catnip, Chamomile, Comfrey
Reduces inflammation
Anti-inflammatory > Aloe, Borage, Chamomile
Heals wounds
Vulnerary > Aloe, Chamomile, Comfrey
Soothes membranes
Demulcent > Aloe, Borage, Comfrey
Constricts tissue
Astringent > Catnip, Comfrey
Promotes perspiration
Diaphoretic > Borage, Catnip, Chamomile
Relaxes muscle spasms
Anti-spasmodic > Catnip, Chamomile
Removes toxins
Alternative > Aloe, Dandelion
Digestive aid
Bitter Tonic > Aloe, Dandelion
Relieves stomach
Carminative > Catnip, Chamomile
