Herbal Actions And Properties

Question 1

Tonic

Answer 1

An herb that has restorative properties
Used to strengthen organ function and increase energy

Examples:
Hawthorne—cardiotonic
Raspberry leaf—uterine tonic

Question 2

Aromatic

Answer 2

Contains essential oils

Often these herbs are also anti microbial, carminative, or diaphoretic

Question 3

Alterative

Answer 3

Increases body’s ability to detoxify through supporting the liver, lymph, kidneys and skin

Examples:
Burdock-liver
Dandelion leaf-increased urine output
Cleavers-support lymphatic system

Question 4

Bitters

Answer 4

A taste that aids in digestion.
Stimulates digestive secretions such as bile to aid in fat digestion.
Downward energy.
Not to be used in pregnancy.

Examples:
Dandelion root
Reishi 
Turmeric
Yarrow
Goldenseal

Question 5

Relaxant

Answer 5

Eases constriction and contraction of tissues

Example:
Chamomile

Question 6

Nervine

Answer 6

Herbs that’s strengthen, relax or stimulate the nervous system

Examples:
Skullcap
Oats
Lavender 
Mimosa 
Rose
Rosemary 
Seaweed
Tulsi basil
Coffee 
Passion flower
Chamomile
Hot seaweed bath

Question 7

Antispasmodic

Answer 7

Reduces spasms in smooth or skeletal muscles

Examples:
Chamomile
Wild yam
Pedicularis

Question 8

Analgesic

Answer 8

Pain relieving

Example
Willow, kava kava, wintergreen

Question 9

Emmenagogue

Answer 9

Stimulates menses

Examples:
Yarrow
Bitter herbs

Question 10

Emollient

Answer 10

Soothing and moistening to external tissues

Example:
Marshmallow

Question 11

Stimulant

Answer 11

Increases activity at the cellular level

Example:
Coffee

Question 12

Hypnotic

Answer 12

Powerful sedative
Depresses heart rate and respiration
Causes sleepiness

Example:
Valerian in high doses

Question 13

Antidepressant

Answer 13

Relieves symptoms of depression

Examples:
Stagnant depression- lavender which moves things
Heavy depression- mimosa flower
Agitated/Frustrated depression-citrus
Flatline depression- jumpstart with exhilarating herbs like cardamom, rose, basil

Question 14

Antibacterial

Answer 14

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

Example
Goldenseal (or other berberine containing plant)

Question 15

Amphoretic

Answer 15

Normalizing the function of an organ or system in the body
Creating more integrity in the immune system.

See also: immunomodulators

Question 16

Styptic

Answer 16

Slows bleeding

Example:
Yarrow
Yarrow and shepherds purse to reduce heavy period

Question 17

Hypotensive

Answer 17

Lowers blood pressure

Example:
Hawthorne berry

Question 18

Emetic

Answer 18

Inducing vomiting

Example:
Lobelia

Question 19

Diaphoretic

Answer 19

Induces sweating
Used to reduce fevers

Example:
Elder flower

Question 20

Hepatic

Answer 20

Tonifies and detoxifies the liver

Example:
Dandelion root

Question 21

Astringent

Answer 21

Causes tissues to contract.

Tightens the weave.

Example:
Rose

Question 22

Laxative

Answer 22

Stimulates bowel movement
Moistens or loosens the stool
Often used in immune support following illness

Examples:
Stimulating/purgative—senna
Bulk—psyllium husk
Moistening—epsom salt

Question 23

Immunomodulators

Answer 23

Up or down regulation of the immune system.
Encourages proper immune response.
Stimulates immune system to respond to illness and also reduces inappropriate and overactive responses seen in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

Example:
Reishi mushroom

Question 24

Hypertensive

Answer 24

Raises blood pressure

Example:
Licorice (anti-diuretic)

Question 25

Carminative

Answer 25

Supports digestion
Relieves gas and bloating
Often aromatic

Examples:
Fennel
Anise

Question 26

Cholagogue

Answer 26

Stimulates bile production and release from the liver and gallbladder

Examples:
Bitter herbs like dandelion and fringe tree

Question 27

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 27

Reduces inflammation through a variety of actions

Example:
Turmeric

Question 28

Diuretic

Answer 28

Promotes urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid

Example:
Dandelion leaf

Question 29

Mucilaginous

Answer 29

Contains a carbohydrate (mucilage) which is “slippery when wet”
Emollient when used externally
Demulcent when used internally

Examples:
Marshmallow root
Okra

Question 30

Antifungal

Answer 30

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

Generic term that could also mean antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial.

Question 31

Rubefacient

Answer 31

Produces redness of the skin by dilating the capillaries and increasing blood circulation
Pain relief for stagnant and cold

Example:
Ginger

Question 32

Adaptogen

Answer 32

• works through the endocrine system to support the body’s stress response to return to balance
• builds fibers of the trampoline
• safe to take everyday
• tonic

Examples:
Tulsi basil-blood sugar
Ashwagandha-low iron/low energy
Astralagus-improves immune function

Question 33

Galactagogue

Answer 33

Increases flow of breast milk.

Example:
Fenugreek
Hops

Question 34

Demulcent

Answer 34

Soothes irritated and inflamed mucosal tissue internally

Examples:
Marshmallow
Okra

Question 35

Expectorant

Answer 35

Aids in expulsion of mucus from the lungs

Examples:
Hyssop
Elecampane

Question 36

Lymphatic

Answer 36

Encourages lymph flow to relive congestion
Used often in immune support following illness

Examples:
Cleavers
Red root

Question 37

Sedative

Answer 37

Reduces irritability or excitability
Slows energy in the body

Example:
Passionflower

Question 38

Vulnerary

Answer 38

Used to promote healing of wounds of the skin, mucosa, or other body tissues.

Examples:
Calendula
Comfrey
Marshmallow