Energetics and actions Flashcards
support the body’s stress response and our ability to return to balance. They are tonic herbs that can be taken daily to improve overall
vitality and health. Specifically, they have an effect the HPA (Hypothalamus - Pituitary -
Adrenal) Axis and our endocrine system.
Adaptogen
A bit of an old-fashioned term, these herbs Increase the ability of our bodyto detoxify through supporting our own organs of detoxification and elimination such as the liver, lymph, kidneys, and skin. [Examples include: burdock (supports the liver); dandelion leaf (increases urine output); cleavers (supports the lymphatic system)]
Alterative
Pain relieving herb [Examples include: willow, kava kava, wintergreen]
Analgesic
Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria by either direct action or by
encouraging immune response [Examples include: goldenseal (or other berberine containing plants), thyme, yarrow]
Antibacterial
Relieves symptoms of depression [Examples include: mimosa flower,
basil]
Antidepressant
Reduces inflammation through a variety of actions.[Examples
include: turmeric, ginger, chamomile]
Anti-inflammatory
Kills or inhibits the growth of fungus by either direct action or by
encouraging immune response. [Examples include: calendula, lavender, oregon grape]
Antifungal
Breaks up stones in the gallbladder or kidney. [Examples include: gravel
root, parsley]
Antilithic
Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms by either direct action or by encouraging immune response. A generic, umbrella-like term which can mean antiviral, antifungal, or antibacterial. [Examples include: goldenseal, thyme, etc. So many herbs fit this category, if not all, in some way, shape, or form.]
Antimicrobial
Reduces spasms in smooth or skeletal muscles. [Examples include:
wild yam, Pedicularis]
Antispasmodic
Contains essential oils. Often these herbs are also antimicrobial, or
carminative, or diaphoretic. [Examples include: rosemary, lavender, mint, etc.]
Aromatic
Causes tissues to contract and can be indicated when tissues are lax,
damaged or leaky. Tightens the weave of the tissues. Astringency is often caused by the presence of phytochemicals known as tannins. [Examples include: rose, witch
hazel, oak]
Astringent
A taste that aids in digestion. In particular, it stimulates digestive secretions, such as bile to aid in fat digestion. [Examples include: dandelion root, motherwort,
gentian]
Bitter
Tonifying and supportive of the cardiovascular system. [Examples include: motherwort and hawthorne]
Cardiotonic (cardiac tonic)
Supports digestion; relieves gas and bloating; often aromatic. [Examples
include: fennel, chamomile and anise]
Carminative
Stimulates bile production and release from the liver and gallbladder.[Examples include: bitter herbs like dandelion and gentian]
Cholagogue
Soothes irritated and inflamed INTERNAL mucosal tissue. [Examples include: marshmallow, okra and oatmeal]
Demulcent
Induces sweating. Used to reduce fevers. [Examples include:
elderflower and ginger]
Diaphoretic
Promotes urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid.
[Examples include: dandelion leaf, motherwort]
Diuretic
Induces vomiting. [Examples include: i.e. lobelia (aka pukeweed)]
Emetic
Stimulates menses [Examples include: yarrow, dong quai, mugwort]
Emmenagogue
Soothing and moistening to EXTERNAL tissues. [Examples include: marshmallow, slippery elm, oatmeal]
Emollient
An herb that uplifts the vital centers of the body– the heart and the mind– which are seen as connected. They are used to treat psychiatric disorders such as depression. This category is from the Unani-Tibb tradition. [Examples include: rose,
cardamom, tulsi basil]
Exhilarant
Aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs. [Examples include:
hyssop, elecampane]
Expectorant
Increases the flow of breast milk.[Examples include: fenugreek, hops]
Galactagogue
Tonifies and detoxifies the liver. “hepa” comes from the Greek “hêpar” meaning liver. [Examples include: dandelion root, milk thistle]
Hepatic
Powerful sedative, specifically causes sleepiness. valerian at high doses, opium poppy, corydalis]
Hypnotic
Raises blood pressure [Examples include: licorice, salt]
Hypertensive
Lowers blood pressure [Examples include: hawthorne berry, dandelion leaf, hibiscus]
Hypotensive
Having an effect on the immune system. Typically an up or down regulation. These encourage appropriate immune response and restore integrity to a dysfunctional immune system. They can be used to stimulate immune response
when ill and can also reduce inappropriate and overactive responses seen in allergic
reactions and autoimmune conditions. [Examples include: reishi mushroom, astragalus]
Immunomodulators
Stimulates bowel movement, moistens, or loosens the stool. There are several types of laxatives—stimulating or purgative (i.e. senna), bulk (i.e. psyllium
husk), and moistening (i.e. Epsom salt).
Laxative
Encourages lymphatic flow to relieve congestion. Used often in immune
support following illness. [Examples include: cleavers, calendula, red root]
Lymphatic
Contains a carbohydrate (mucilage) which is “slippery when wet.”
Mucilaginous herbs used externally are often referred to as emollient and used internally as demulcent. [Examples include: marshmallow, okra]
Mucilaginous
Herbs that strengthen, relax or stimulate the nervous system. [Examples include: skullcap, oats (See also: Hypnotic, Relaxant, Sedative, Stimulant)
Nervine
Eases constriction and contraction of tissues. [Examples include:
chamomile, valerian, passionflower]
Relaxant
Produces redness of the skin by dilating the capillaries and increasing blood circulation to stimulate healing response. [Examples include: ginger compress,
cayenne]
Rubefacient
Reduces irritability or excitability. Slows energy in the body. [Examples
include: hops, passionflower, lavender]
Sedative
Increases activity at the cellular level. [Examples include: coffee]
Stimulant
Slows bleeding. [Examples include: yarrow, cayenne]
Styptic
An herb that has restorative properties, used to strengthen organ function and increase energy. For example: hawthorne as cardiotonic and raspberry leaf as uterine
tonic.
Tonic
Nourishing and balancing to a particular system. [Example:
Cardiovascular - hawthorne; Nervous System: milky oats]
Trophorestorative
Used to promote the healing of wounds of the skin, mucosa, or other body tissues. [Examples include: calendula, comfrey]
Vulnerary
cooling (often), draining/ drying, downward directing, stims. peristaltic motion, often
contains alkaloids [Examples include: gentian, motherwort]
Bitter
cooling (often), astringent, sometimes drying, often contains flavonoids and antioxidants
such as Vitamin C [Examples include: schisandra, bilberry, lemon]
Sour
demulcent (mucilaginous), building and nourishing, immunomodulating
(polysaccharides) [Examples include: marshmallow, licorice]
Sweet
softening, soothing and grounding (mother ocean), contains minerals [Examples include: nettles, seaweed]
Salty
warming, stimulating, drying, and dispersing, often contains resins or essential oils [Examples include: ginger, cayenne]
Pungent (Spicy)
Temperature spectrum
Hot
Warm
Neutral
Cool
Cold
Moisture spectrum
Dampening or moistening
Neutral
Drying or draining
Tonifying spectrum
Tonifying / constricting
Neutral
Relaxing
Moving towards to periphery
Dispersing
Binding
Consolidating inwards or astringing
Draining
Moving downwards; or grounding
Directional energetics
Organ affinity
Movement
