Herbal Actions

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

Adaptogens

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

Alteratives

Question 3

Herbs that reduce the sensation of pain perceived by the brain or reduce the inflammation that causes pain.

Answer 3

Analgesic

Question 4

Aid the body in destroying bacteria.

Answer 4

Antibacterial

Question 5

Herbs that help the body remove excess mucus, especially from the sinuses.

Answer 5

Anticatarrhal

Question 6

Herbs that aid the body in destroying fungi.

Answer 6

Antifungal

Question 7

Herbs that support efficiency of the body’s inflammatory response.

Answer 7

Anti-inflammatory

Question 8

Herbs that aid the body in destroying pathogens and are general in their action, having an effect on bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.

Answer 8

Antimicrobial

Sometimes called antiseptic

Question 9

Herbs that inhibit oxidative damage to healthy tissues and cells in the body by scavenging the free radicals produced by metabolic waste.

Answer 9

Antioxidant

Question 10

Herbs that help relax the autonomic nervous system and ease spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle, helping to ease tension without causing drowsiness.

Answer 10

Antispasmodic

Question 11

Herbs that aid the body in destroying viruses.

Answer 11

Antiviral

Question 12

Herbs that help reduce anxiety by acting on the nervous system and neurotransmitters.

Answer 12

Anxiolytic

Question 13

Herbs that contain volatile oils, which act on the nervous and digestive systems to help stimulate or relax the body.

Answer 13

Aromatic

Question 14

Herbs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and increase digestive secretions.

Answer 14

Bitters

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

Carminative

Question 16

Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile, supporting digestive processes.

Answer 16

Cholagogue

Question 17

Herbs that stimulate production of bile in the liver.

Answer 17

Choleretic

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Circulatory Stimulant

Question 19

Herbs that soothe, protects, and coats irritated internal tissues.

Answer 19

Demulcent

Question 20

Herbs that are used topically to soothe and coat irritated external tissues

Answer 20

Emollient

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

Diaphoretic

Question 22

Herbs that increase urine output

Answer 22

Diuretic

Question 23

Herbs that impact the menstrual process by stimulating and regulating menstrual flow and normalizing hormone levels, often through their action on the liver.

Answer 23

Emmenagogue

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

Expectorant

Question 25

Herbs to at increase the production of breast milk.

Answer 25

Galactagogue

Question 26

Herbs that help decrease the level of cholesterol in the blood

Answer 26

Hypolipidemics

Question 27

Herbs that lower blood sugar levels when they are elevated.

Answer 27

Hypoglycemic

Question 28

Herbs that lower blood pressure by various mechanisms, including dilating blood vessels, reducing oxidative stress, reducing blood volume, and acting on hormone levels.

Answer 28

Hypotensive

Question 29

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.

Answer 29

Immune stimulant

Question 30

Herbs that have a more general effect, tonifying and strengthening the immune system.

Answer 30

Immunomodulant

Question 31

Herbs that stimulate the movement of bowels.

Answer 31

Laxative

Question 32

Herbs that aid in the flow of lymph fluid.

Answer 32

Lymphatic

Question 33

Herbs that have a general calming effect, are also tonifying and/or relaxing to the nervous system.

Answer 33

Nervine

Question 34

Herbs that stimulate the appetite

Answer 34

Orexigenic

Question 35

Herbs that stimulate circulation bringing fresh blood supply to the skin, helping to ease inflammation or congestion.

Answer 35

Rubefacient

Question 36

Herbs that help calm and induce sleep

Answer 36

Sedative

Question 37

Herbs that stimulate the salivary glands to promote the production and flow of saliva.

Answer 37

Sialogogue

Question 38

Herbs that help to stop bleeding.

Answer 38

Styptic

Also known as hemostatics

Question 39

Herbs that nourish and build tissue and often have an affinity for specific tissues.

Answer 39

Trophorestorative

Question 40

Herbs that dilate the blood vessels improving circulation to the periphery and reducing blood pressure.

Answer 40

Vasodilatory

Question 41

Herbs that promote wound healing.

Answer 41

Vulnerary