Herbal Actions Flashcards
Herbs that enable the body to adapt more efficiently to stress and to maintain homeostasis through stressful shifts in the environment. They also improve resistance to and recovery from stressors.
Adaptogens
Herbs that work on a general level to tonight the systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal.
They may specifically promote elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin, or lungs.
These herbs are typically used for skin issues, arthritis, chronic conditions, and as a general tune up for the body.
Alteratives
Herbs that reduce the sensation of pain perceived by the brain or reduce the inflammation that causes pain.
Analgesic
Aid the body in destroying bacteria.
Antibacterial
Herbs that help the body remove excess mucus, especially from the sinuses.
Anticatarrhal
Herbs that aid the body in destroying fungi.
Antifungal
Herbs that support efficiency of the body’s inflammatory response.
Anti-inflammatory
Herbs that aid the body in destroying pathogens and are general in their action, having an effect on bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.
Antimicrobial
Sometimes called antiseptic
Herbs that inhibit oxidative damage to healthy tissues and cells in the body by scavenging the free radicals produced by metabolic waste.
Antioxidant
Herbs that help relax the autonomic nervous system and ease spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle, helping to ease tension without causing drowsiness.
Antispasmodic
Herbs that aid the body in destroying viruses.
Antiviral
Herbs that help reduce anxiety by acting on the nervous system and neurotransmitters.
Anxiolytic
Herbs that contain volatile oils, which act on the nervous and digestive systems to help stimulate or relax the body.
Aromatic
Herbs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and increase digestive secretions.
Bitters
Herbs that are rich in aromatic, volatile oils that ease digestion. These herbs soothe the wall of the digestive tract, ease cramping in the intestines, and help to remove gas from the digestive tract.
Carminative
Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile, supporting digestive processes.
Cholagogue
Herbs that stimulate production of bile in the liver.
Choleretic
Increase the flow of blood throughout the body and improve the profusion of tissues with blood.
*particularly for people who run cold and who always have cold hands and feet
Circulatory Stimulant
Herbs that soothe, protects, and coats irritated internal tissues.
Demulcent
Herbs that are used topically to soothe and coat irritated external tissues
Emollient
Herbs that are rich in aromatic volatile oils and promote perspiration, aiding the elimination of waste from pores in the skin. They also aid in breaking a fever.
Diaphoretic
Herbs that increase urine output
Diuretic
Herbs that impact the menstrual process by stimulating and regulating menstrual flow and normalizing hormone levels, often through their action on the liver.
Emmenagogue
Herbs that aid in the removal of mucus from the lungs and soothe bronchial spasms. They are particularly helpful for dry, irritating, non-productive coughs.
Expectorant
Herbs to at increase the production of breast milk.
Galactagogue
Herbs that help decrease the level of cholesterol in the blood
Hypolipidemics
Herbs that lower blood sugar levels when they are elevated.
Hypoglycemic
Herbs that lower blood pressure by various mechanisms, including dilating blood vessels, reducing oxidative stress, reducing blood volume, and acting on hormone levels.
Hypotensive
Herbs that stimulate the function of the immune system and are especially helpful when taken at the onset of a cold/flu or when virus exposure is high.
Immune stimulant
Herbs that have a more general effect, tonifying and strengthening the immune system.
Immunomodulant
Herbs that stimulate the movement of bowels.
Laxative
Herbs that aid in the flow of lymph fluid.
Lymphatic
Herbs that have a general calming effect, are also tonifying and/or relaxing to the nervous system.
Nervine
Herbs that stimulate the appetite
Orexigenic
Herbs that stimulate circulation bringing fresh blood supply to the skin, helping to ease inflammation or congestion.
Rubefacient
Herbs that help calm and induce sleep
Sedative
Herbs that stimulate the salivary glands to promote the production and flow of saliva.
Sialogogue
Herbs that help to stop bleeding.
Styptic
Also known as hemostatics
Herbs that nourish and build tissue and often have an affinity for specific tissues.
Trophorestorative
Herbs that dilate the blood vessels improving circulation to the periphery and reducing blood pressure.
Vasodilatory
Herbs that promote wound healing.
Vulnerary
