Herbal Actions

Question 1

Adaptogen

Answer 1

In general, these kinds of herbs 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 on the HPA (Hypothalamus - Pituitary - Adrenal) Axis and our endocrine system.

These herbs can also have specific affinities for different systems and functions of the body.

[Examples include: Tulsi Basil, Ashwagandha, Astragalus]

Question 2

Alterative

Answer 2

A bit of an old-fashioned term, these herbs increase the ability of our body to detoxify through supporting our own organs of detoxification and elimination such as the liver, lymph, kidneys, and skin.

[Examples include: burdock, dandelion leaf, cleavers]

Question 3

Analgesic

Answer 3

Pain relieving herb.

[Examples include: willow, kava kava, wintergreen]

Question 4

Antibacterial

Answer 4

Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria by either direct action or encouraging immune response.

[Examples include: goldenseal (or other berberine containing plants), thyme, yarrow]

Question 5

Antidepressant

Answer 5

Relieves symptoms of depression.

[Examples include: mimosa flower, basil]

Question 6

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 6

Reduces inflammation through a variety of actions.

[Examples include: turmeric, ginger, chamomile]

Question 7

Antifungal

Answer 7

Kills or inhibits the growth of fungus by either direct action or by encouraging immune response.

[Examples include: calendula, lavender, oregon grape]

Question 8

Antilithic

Answer 8

Breaks up stones in the gallbladder or kidney.

[Examples include: gravel root, parsley]

Question 9

Antimicrobial

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Antispasmodic

Answer 10

Reduces spasms in smooth or skeletal muscles.

[Examples include: wild yam, chamomile]

Question 11

Aromatic

Answer 11

Contains essential oils. Often these herbs are also antimicrobial, or carminative, or diaphoretic.

[Examples include: rosemary, lavender, mint]

Question 12

Astringent

Answer 12

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]

Question 13

Bitter

Answer 13

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]

Question 14

Cardiotonic (cardiac tonic)

Answer 14

Tonifying and supportive of the cardiovascular system.

[Examples include: motherwort and hawthorne]

Question 15

Carminative

Answer 15

Supports digestion; relieves gas and bloating; often aromatic.

[Examples include: fennel, chamomile, and anise]

Question 16

Cholagogue

Answer 16

Stimulates bile production and release from the liver and gallbladder.

[Examples include: bitter herbs like dandelion and gentian]

Question 17

Demulcent

Answer 17

Soothes irritated and inflamed INTERNAL mucosal tissue.

[Examples include: marshmallow, okra, oatmeal]

Question 18

Diaphoretic

Answer 18

Induces sweating. Used to reduce fevers.

[Examples include: elderflower and ginger]

Question 19

Diuretic

Answer 19

Promotes urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid.

[Examples include: dandelion leaf, motherwort]

Question 20

Emetic

Answer 20

Induces vomiting.

[Examples include: ie. lobelia (pukeweed)]

Question 21

Emmenagogue

Answer 21

Stimulates menses.

[Examples include: yarrow, dong quai, mugwort]

Question 22

Emollient

Answer 22

Soothing and moistening to EXTERNAL tissues.

[Examples include: marshmallow, slippery elm, oatmeal]

Question 23

Exhilarant

Answer 23

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]

Question 24

Expectorant

Answer 24

Aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs.

[Examples include: hyssop, elecampane]

Question 25

Galactagogue

Answer 25

Increases the flow of breast milk. [Examples include: fenugreek, hops]

Question 26

Hepatic

Answer 26

Tonifies and detoxifies the liver. “Hepa” comes from the Greek “hêpar” meaning liver. [Examples include: dandelion root, milk thistle]

Question 27

Hypnotic

Answer 27

Powerful sedative, specifically causes sleepiness. [Examples include: valerian at high doses, opium poppy, corydalis]

Question 28

Hypertensive

Answer 28

Raises blood pressure through various mechanisms. [Examples include: licorice, salt]

Question 29

Hypotensive

Answer 29

Lowers blood pressure through various mechanisms. [Examples include: hawthorne berry, dandelion leaf, hibiscus]

Question 30

Immunomodulators

Answer 30

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. 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]

Question 31

Laxative

Answer 31

Stimulates bowel movement, moistens, or loosens the stool. There are several types of laxatives — stimulating or purgative (senna), bulk (psyllium husk), and moistening (Epsom salt).

Question 32

Lymphatic

Answer 32

Encourages lymphatic flow to relieve congestion. Used often in immune support following illness. [Examples include: cleavers, calendula, red root]

Question 33

Mucilaginous

Answer 33

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]

Question 34

Nervine

Answer 34

Herbs that strengthen, relax or stimulate the nervous system. [Examples include: skullcap, oats] (See also: Hypnotic, Relaxant, Sedative, Stimulant)

Question 35

Relaxant

Answer 35

Eases constriction and contraction of tissues. [Examples include: chamomile, valerian, passionflower]

Question 36

Rubefacient

Answer 36

Produces redness of the skin by dilating the capillaries and increasing blood circulation to stimulate healing response. [Examples include: ginger compress, cayenne]

Question 37

Sedative

Answer 37

Reduces irritability or excitability. Slows energy in the body. [Examples include: hops, passionflower, lavender]

Question 38

Stimulant

Answer 38

Increases activity at the cellular level through various mechanisms. [Examples include: coffee, ephedra]

Question 39

Tonic

Answer 39

An herb that has restorative properties, used to strengthen organ function and increase energy. [Examples include: hawthorne as cardiotonic and raspberry leaf as uterine tonic]

Question 40

Trophorestorative

Answer 40

Nourishing and balancing to a particular system. [Examples include: Cardiovascular - hawthorne; Nervous System - milky oats]

Question 41

Vulnerary

Answer 41

Used to promote the healing of wounds of the skin, mucosa, or other body tissues. [Examples include: calendula, comfrey]