Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Herbal Studies > Herbal Actions > Flashcards

Herbal Actions Flashcards

To memorize the Herbal actions and associated herbs

1
Q

What are Herbal Actions?

A

Herbal Actions are the effect Herbs have on the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an Adaptogen?

A

Herbs that help the body adapt to more efficiently to stress in the environment, by maintaining homeostasis through stressful shifts. The improve resistance and recovery from stressors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Are Adaptogens Safe?

A

Adaptogens are generally safe?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What organs to Adaptogens work on?

A

have non-specific activity (instead of affecting one area of the body, they have a general effect on increasing the resistance to stressors on the body as a whole)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

When are Adaptogens indicated?

A

During times of increased stress, stressful changes and while recovering from stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

name 3 Adaptogenic herbs

A

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root
Asian Ginseng (Pinax ginseng) root
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What action do these herbs have in common?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root
Asian Ginseng (Pinax ginseng) root
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root

A

Adaptogen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Name the Action:

Herbs that help the body adapt to more efficiently to stress in the environment, by maintaining homeostasis through stressful shifts. The improve resistance and recovery from stressors.

A

Adaptogen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is an Alterative?

A

herbs that work on a general level to tonify the systems, of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal. They may specifically promote the elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin, or lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are some specific indications for Alteratives?

A

Alteratives are indicated when the body needs to detox.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the action:

herbs that work on a general level to tonify the systems, of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal. They may specifically promote the elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin, or lungs.

A

Alterative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What organs to Alteratives work on?

A

Alterativess are generally non-specific, but some may have a specific channel for elimination like the kidneys, lungs, skin or colon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name 3 Alterative herbs

A 
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf
Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are Analgesic/Anodyne herbs?

A

Analgesic herbs, also known as anodynes, reduce the
sensation of pain perceived by the brain(nociception) or reduce the inflammation that causes pain. analgesic/anodyne herbs can be used internally or externally.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the herbal action?

herbs that reduce the sensation of pain perceived by the brain(nociception) or reduce the inflammation that causes pain. Can be used internally or externally.

A

Analgesic/Anodyne

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

When are Analgesic/Anodyne herbs indicated?

A

Anytime a person suffers from pain or inflamation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What organs do Analgesic herbs act on?

A

taken internally they act on they can act on the nervous system to reduce the sensation of pain and generally reduce inflamation.

Applied topically they act to reduce inflammation and pain locally at the site of application

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Name three Analgesic/Anodyne herbs

A

clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud
ginger (Zingiber officinale) root
catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial part

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are Antibacterial herbs?

A

Antibacterial herbs aid the body in

destroying bacteria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

herbs that aid the body in

destroying microbes.

A

Antibacterial

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Name 3 herbs that are antibacterial

A

goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root,
hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) aerial parts,
spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) whole plant,
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

When are antibacterial herbs indicated?

A

For bacterial infections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are Anticatarrhal herbs?

A

Anticatarrhal herbs help the body remove excess

mucus, especially from the sinuses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is this herb’s actions?

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

A

Anticatarrhal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What organs do anticatarrhals act on?

A

lungs and sinuses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Name 3 herbs that are Anticatarrhals

A 
black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit, 
catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts, 
ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome, 
goldenrod (Solidago spp.) aerial parts, 
red clover (Trifolium pratense) aerial parts, 
sage (Salvia officinalis) aerial parts,
thyme (Thymus vulgaris) aerial parts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are antifungal herbs?

A

Antifungal herbs aid the body in

destroying fungi.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are the Action of these herbs?

herbs that aid the body in
destroying fungi.

A

Antifungal herbs aid the body in

destroying fungi.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Name 3 herbs that are antifungal

A

calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower,
cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seed,
spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) whole plant,
wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) aerial parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What action do these herbs have in common?

calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower,
cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seed,
spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) whole plant,
wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) aerial parts

A

Antifungal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What are anti-inflammatory herbs?

A

Herbs that support the efficiency of the bodies inflammatory response

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which organs do anti-inflammatory herbs act on?

A

Some anti-inflammatory herbs have a local effect like mucilaginous herbs that soothes inflammation of the surface mucous membranes

Others, like willow, work directly on the certain receptor sites in the body to inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Name 3 Anti-inflammatory herbs

A

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower
Ginger (Zingeber officianale) rhizome
Turmeric (Circuma longa) rhizome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Which class of herbs are these:

Herbs that support the efficiency of the bodies inflammatory response

A

Anti-inflammatory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Which class of Actions do the following herbs belong to?:

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower
Ginger (Zingeber officianale) rhizome
Turmeric (Circuma longa) rhizome
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) root

A

Anti-inflammatory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are Anti-microbial herbs?

A

Aids the body in destroying pathogens such as Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Which organs to Anti-microbial herbs act on?

A

Unless applied locally, they are general in their action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Which herbs are Anti-microbial?

A

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) aerial parts
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) aerial parts
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) aerial parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What are Antioxidant herbs?

A

Herbs that inhibit oxidative damage to cells by scavaging the free radicals produced by metabolic waste

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Which class of herbs are these?

Herbs that inhibit oxidative damage to cells by scavaging the free radicals produced by metabolic waste

A

Antioxidant

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Which herbs are antioxidants?

A

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome
Ginger (Zingeber officianale) rhizome
Ginko (Gingkgo biloba) leaf

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are antispasmodic herbs?

A

Herbs that relax the autonomic nervous system, reducing spasms in both the skeletal and smooth muscle systems, without causing drowsiness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Name 3 antispasmodic herbs

A

chamomile (maticaria chammmilla) flower
lemon balm (Melissa officinallis) aerial parts
peppermint (Mentha x peperita) leaf
Lavender (lavandula spp) bud

44
Q

Which organs do antispasmodics act on?

A

the autonomic nervous system, muscular system (both smooth and skeletal)

45
Q

What are antiviral herbs?

A

Herbs that aid the body in destroying viruses

46
Q

Name 3 antiviral herbs

A

elder (Sambucus nigra) berry
lemon balm (Mellissa Officinalis) aerial parts
st.johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) aerial parts

47
Q

What are Anxiolytic herbs?

A

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

48
Q

Name 3 Anxiolytic herbs?

A

Kava (Piper methysticum) root
Skulcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) aerial parts
Valerian (valeriana officinallis) root
st.johns wort (hypericum perforatum) aerial part

49
Q

What are Aromatic herbs?

A

Herbs that contain volatile oils that act on the nervous and digestive system, by stimulating or relaxing the body

50
Q

Name 3 Aromatic herbs?

A

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) aerial parts
Sage (Salvia officinalis) aerial parts

51
Q

What are bitter herbs?

A

Herbs that taste bitter. Bitter herbs, though a reflex action, has a direct effect on the nervous and digestive system, they activate the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids.

52
Q

Name 3 bitter herbs

A 
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root
Burdock (Artium lappa) root
yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root
53
Q

What are carminative herbs?

A

Herbs that eases digestion, by soothing the wall of the digestive tract, easing cramps and expelling gas

54
Q

Name 3 carminative herbs?

A

cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seeds
chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower
peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf

55
Q

What are cholagogue herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile into the duodenum

56
Q

What are choleretic herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the production of bile by the liver

57
Q

Name 3 cholagogue herbs?

A

artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf,
gentian (Gentiana lutea) root
lavender (Lavendula spp.) aerial parts

58
Q

Name 3 choleretic herbs

A

artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf,
dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root,
gentian (Gentiana lutea) root

59
Q

What are cirulatory stimulant herbs?

A

Herbs that increase the flow of blood throughout the body and increase tissue perfusion.

60
Q

Name 3 circulatory stimulant herbs?

A

cayene pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit
cinnimon (Cinnamomum spp) bark
ginger (Zingeber offininale) rhizome

61
Q

What are Demulcent/Emollient herbs

A

Demulcent herbs sooths and protects irritated internal tissue. Emollient herbs sooths and protects irritated external tissue. These herbs conain mucolaginous substances that coats the tissue.

62
Q

Name 3 Emulcent/Emollient herbs

A

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) root
Marshmallow (Altheae offininallis) root
Chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds

63
Q

What are diaphorectic herbs?

A

promote the elimination of waste through the pores of the skin, via perspiration. They also help break fevers

64
Q

Name 3 diaphoretic herbs

A

catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts,
ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome,
peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf

65
Q

What are diuretic herbs?

A

Herbs that increase the flow of urine

66
Q

Name 3 diuretic herbs

A

dandilion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf
corn (Zea mays) silk
nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf

67
Q

What are Emmenagogue Herbs?

A

Herbs that impact the mestrual process by stimulating and regulating the menstrual flow and balancing hormones, often through their actions on the liver.

68
Q

Name 3 Emmenagogue herbs

A

motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) aerial parts
mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) aerial parts
rosemary (Rosemarinus officinallis) aerial parts
parseley (Petroselinum crispum) root

69
Q

What are expectorant herbs?

A

Herbs that aid in the removal of mucous from the lungs and sooth bronchial spasms.

70
Q

When are expectorants indicated?

A

For dry, irritating and non-productive coughs

71
Q

Name 3 expectorant herbs

A

thyme (Thymus vulgaris) aerial parts
orange (Citrus sinensis) peel
elecampane (Inula helenium) root

72
Q

What are galactogogue herbs?

A

Herbs that increase the production of breast milk

73
Q

Name 3 galactogogue herbs

A

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed
Milk thissle (Silybum marianum) seed
Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf

74
Q

What are Hypocholesterolemic herbs?

A

Herbs that help to decrease the levels of cholesterol in the blood

75
Q

Name 3 Hypocholesterolemic herbs

A

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf
turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom

76
Q

what are hypoglycemic herbs?

A

Herbs that lower blood glucose levels

77
Q

Name three hypoglycemic herbs

A

cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp) bark
bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) leaf
tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum) aerial parts

78
Q

What are hypotensive herbs?

A

Herbs that help to lower blood pressure by either, dilating blood vessels, decreasing blood volume, reducing oxidative stress, acting on hormones

79
Q

Name 3 hypotensive herbs

A

Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb
passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) aerial parts
valerian (valeriana officinallis) root

80
Q

What are immune stimulant herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the immune system by inducing or increasing the activity of one or more of its components.

Furthermore, the innate immune response triggers the adaptive immune response, resulting in enduring protection

81
Q

When are immune stimulating herbs indicated?

A

at the onset of the flu or a cold, or during high exposure to viruses, like during flu season

82
Q

Name 3 immune stimulating herbs?

A

boneset (Eupatorium Perfoliatum) aerial parts
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) root
Usnea (Usnea spp.) lichen

83
Q

What are immunomodulant herbs?

A

Herbs that change the immune response (as by the stimulation of antibody formation or the inhibition of white blood cell activity)

84
Q

Name 3 immunomodulating herbs?

A

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom
turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushroom
astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root

85
Q

What are laxative herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the movement of the bowel.

86
Q

What is an aperient?

A

A mild laxative

87
Q

Name 3 laxative herbs

A

dandilion (Taraxacum officinale) root
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root

88
Q

What are lymphatic/lymphagogue herbs?

A

Herbs that aid in the flow of lympht through the lymphatic system

89
Q

Name 3 lymphatic herbs

A

burdock (Arctium lappa) root
calendual (Calendula officinalis) flower
cleavers (Galium apparine) leaf

90
Q

What are Nervine herbs?

A

Herbs that calms the nervous system. They can be both relaxing and tonifying.

91
Q

Name 3 nervine herbs

A 
lavender (lavendula spp.) bud
lemon balm (Melissa offinicinalis) aerial parts
passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) aerial parts
92
Q

What are orexigenic herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the appetite

93
Q

Name 3 orexigenic herbs

A

angelica (Angelica spp.) root,
orange (Citrus spp.) peel,
wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) aerial parts

94
Q

What are styptic herbs?

A

Herbs that helps to stop bleeding

95
Q

Name 3 styptic herbs

A

lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) aerial parts, raspberry (Rubus spp.) leaf,
shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) aerial parts, usnea (Usnea spp.) lichen,
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

96
Q

What are tropho-restoritive herbs?

A

Herbs that nourish and build tissue, often has an affinity for a specific tissue.

97
Q

Name 3 Vunerary herbs

A

calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower,
comfrey (Symphytum officinale) root,
lavender (Lavandula spp.) bud,
plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf,
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

98
Q

What are Vulnerary herbs?

A

Herbs that promote wound healing

99
Q

Name 3 Vulnerary herbs

A

calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower,
comfrey (Symphytum officinale) root,
lavender (Lavandula spp.) bud,
plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf,
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

100
Q

What are rubefacient herbs?

A

Herbs that brings blood supply to the skin, easing inflammation and congestion

101
Q

Name 3 Rubefacient herbs

A

peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) leaf
cayenne (Capsicum Annuum) fruit
rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) aerial parts
ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) rhizome

102
Q

What are sedative herbs?

A

Herbs that calm and induce sleep

103
Q

Name 3 sedatives

A

California poppy (Eschscholzia Californica) whole
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) aerial parts
velarian (Velariana officinallis) root
hops (humulus lupulus) strobiles

104
Q

What are Sialogogue herbs?

A

Herbs that stimulate the production and flow of saliva

105
Q

Name 3 sialogogue herbs

A

black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit
ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) rhizome
cayenne (Capsicum Annuum) fruit

106
Q

What are Vasodilatory herbs?

A

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

107
Q

Name 3 Vasodilatory herbs

A

ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) rhizome
cayenne (Capsicum Annuum) fruit
Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb

Herbal Studies (21 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions