Herb Actions Flashcards
Alterative
Gradually restores body back to health via support of waste elimination , stimulation of digestion or anti- microbial properties
Ie. Red clover, nettles, alfalfa
Analgesic
Reduces/relieves pain
ie. Willow, meadowsweet, myrrh
Anodyne
Relieves pain (less potent version of anesthetic or narcotic substances)
Ie. Jamaican dogwood, willow, feverfew
Anti-catarrhal
Reduces inflammation of mucous membrane (resp, urinary and GI tracts)
Ie. Goldenrod, sage, elder
Anthelmintic (aka vermifuge)
Expels/destroys intestinal worms
Ie. Wormwood, make fern, black walnut
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation or severity of inflammatory diseases
Ie. Willow, licorice, bog bean
Antihydrotic
Reduces/ suppresses perspiration
Ie. Sage, goldenrod
Anti-microbial
Destroys pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, etc)
Ie. Echinacea, goldenseal, hyssop
Antipyretic (aka diaphoretic)
Reduces fever
Ie. Elder, yarrow, boneset
Antispasmodic
Relieves spasms/ cramps. Alleviate muscle tension, and psychological tension (many are Nervines)
Ie, cramp bark, lobelia, wild cherry bark
Aperient
Mild laxative- stimulates liver function and bile production
Ie. Dandelion root, yellow dock, Oregon grape root
Aperitif
Stimulates appetite (generally by stimulating digestive secretions)
Ie.Fennel, caraway, wormwood
Aphrodisiac
Increases sexual desire. (Usually by balancing hormones)
Ie. Damiana, vitex, ginseng
Aromatic
Strong, volatile, fragrant aroma with stimulant properties
Ie. Cloves, cinnamon, lavender
Astringent
Contracts/ shrinks tissues. Used to control bleeding and decrease secretions. (Tannins cause this effect)
Good for protecting against infection of wounds and burns.
Ie. Raspberry leaf, agrimony, strawberry leaf, witch hazel, white oak
Basalmic
Healing/soothing substance
Ie. Marshmallow, plantain, calendula
Bitter tonic
Stimulates saliva and gastric juices. Their taste triggers a sensory response in CNS, stimulating these juices, as well as liver detox and gut self-repair mechanisms
Ie. Dandelion, chicory, wormwood, gentian, goldenseal
Calmative
Mild sedative or hypnotic agent
Ie. California poppy, skullcap, hops
Carminative
Stops formation of gas, and helps expel gas. Rich in aromatic volatiles-stimulating digestive system to work properly, soothing stomach wall, reducing present inflammation.
Ie. Chamomile, fennel, ginger
Cathartic (aka purgative)
Used to relieve severe constipation
Ie. Cape aloe, castor oil
Cholagogue/ choleretic
Stimulates secretion of bile
Ie. Greater celandine, fringetree, fumitory
Counter irritant/ rubefacient
Applied externally to cause localized irritation in order to provide relief from internal pain. Increases blood flow, helping in the healing of affected area. Often used in arthritis.
Ie. Cayenne, stinging nettles, mustard
Demulcent
Oily/mucilaginous substance that soothes irritated tissues (esp. Mucous membranes). Rich in mucilage. They also reduce sensitivity to gastric acids, help prevent diarrhea, reduce muscle spasms, ease coughing and reduce painful bladder spasms.
Ie. Comfrey, plantain, slippery elm, marshmallow, couch grass, corn silk
Diaphoretic (aka sudorific)
Promotes sweating- helping to eliminate waste from body. Often promote dilation of surface capillaries, helping to improve poor circulation. They also support kidney by increasing cleansing through the epidermis
Ie. Yarrow, cayenne, elderflower, catnip, boneset
Diuretic
Promotes urine production and flow. Help eliminate waste and and support process of inner cleansing
Ie. Dandelion leaf, uva ursi, parsley, juniper, couch grass
Emetic
Induces vomiting
Ie. Lobelia, ipecac
Emmenogogue
Promotes menstruation processes. In HM term is used for herbs that normalize and tones the female RS
Ie. Tansy, blue couch, penny royal, don quai
Emollient
Externally applied; softens and soothes skin
Ie. Evening primrose, rose, marshmallow
Expectorant
Increases bronchial secretions and expels the, through coughing, spitting, sneezing.
Relaxing exp. soothe and promote non-viscous mucous helping relieve dry coughs
Stimulating exp. irritate the bronchioles, causing expulsion of secretions
Ie. Elecampane, thyme, mullein, coltsfoot
Febrifuge (aka antipyretic)
Reduces fever
Galactogogue (aka lactagogue)
Increases section of milk
Ie. Fennel, blessed thistle, goat’s rue
Hemostatic
Stop internal bleeding
Ie. Yarrow, white oak, witch hazel
Hepatic
Any substance that affects the liver. Tones, Strengthens and sometimes increases flow of bile.
Is. Milk thistle, evening primrose, chicory root
Hypnotic (aka soporific)
Induces sleep
Laxative
Promotes bowel movements gently. Stim. Laxatives should not be used over long periods.
Ie. Cascara, senna, buckthorn
Mucilage
Gelatinous substance containing proteins and polysaccharides that help soothe inflammation.
Or. Marshmallow, Irish moss, slippery elm
Nervine
Calms nervousness, tension, or excitement
Nervine tonics: strengthen/ restore NS
Nervine relaxants: ease anxiety and tension by soothing body and mind
Nervier stimulants: stimulate nerve activity
Ie. Skullcap, hops, valerian, ephedra, caffeine, gingko
Pectoral
Relieves ailments of chest and lungs
Ie. Mullein, plantain, horehound
Refrigerant
Internally and externally Cooling; relieves fever or thirst.
Ie. Peppermint, witch hazel
Sedative
Reduces nervous tension
Ie. Valerian, poppy, wild lettuce, Passion flower
Sialagogue
Stimulates secretion of saliva
Ie. Prickly ash, ginger, echinacea
Stimulant
Excites or quickens a body process
Ie. Ephedra, kola nut, Yerba mate
Stomachic
Strengthens and tones stomach or stimulates appetite by promoting digestive secretions.
Ie. Meadowsweet, blue flag, century, Angelica
Styptic
Stops external bleeding (usually an astringent)
Tonic
Invigorates/strengthens specific body system or has a generalized effect on body. Act as mild stimulants or alteratives.
Ie. Hawthorn, nettles, horsetail, raspberry leaf
Vesicant
Causes blisters/sores
Ie. Poison oak, ivy
Vulnerary
Used to treat wounds internally (stomach ulcer) and externally
Ie. Calendula, comfrey and chamomile
Adaptogen
Strengthens system, increases resistance to stress and brings body back into homeostasis
Examples: ashwaghanda, Siberian ginseng, devil’s club etc
