Herbal Actions And Properties Flashcards
Tonic
An herb that has restorative properties
Used to strengthen organ function and increase energy
Examples:
Hawthorne—cardiotonic
Raspberry leaf—uterine tonic
Aromatic
Contains essential oils
Often these herbs are also anti microbial, carminative, or diaphoretic
Alterative
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
Bitters
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
Relaxant
Eases constriction and contraction of tissues
Example:
Chamomile
Nervine
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
Antispasmodic
Reduces spasms in smooth or skeletal muscles
Examples:
Chamomile
Wild yam
Pedicularis
Analgesic
Pain relieving
Example
Willow, kava kava, wintergreen
Emmenagogue
Stimulates menses
Examples:
Yarrow
Bitter herbs
Emollient
Soothing and moistening to external tissues
Example:
Marshmallow
Stimulant
Increases activity at the cellular level
Example:
Coffee
Hypnotic
Powerful sedative
Depresses heart rate and respiration
Causes sleepiness
Example:
Valerian in high doses
Antidepressant
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
Antibacterial
Kills or inhibits growth of bacteria by either direct action or by encouraging immune response.
Example
Goldenseal (or other berberine containing plant)
Amphoretic
Normalizing the function of an organ or system in the body
Creating more integrity in the immune system.
See also: immunomodulators
Styptic
Slows bleeding
Example:
Yarrow
Yarrow and shepherds purse to reduce heavy period
Hypotensive
Lowers blood pressure
Example:
Hawthorne berry
Emetic
Inducing vomiting
Example:
Lobelia
Diaphoretic
Induces sweating
Used to reduce fevers
Example:
Elder flower
Hepatic
Tonifies and detoxifies the liver
Example:
Dandelion root
Astringent
Causes tissues to contract.
Tightens the weave.
Example:
Rose
Laxative
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
Immunomodulators
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
Hypertensive
Raises blood pressure
Example:
Licorice (anti-diuretic)
Carminative
Supports digestion
Relieves gas and bloating
Often aromatic
Examples:
Fennel
Anise
Cholagogue
Stimulates bile production and release from the liver and gallbladder
Examples:
Bitter herbs like dandelion and fringe tree
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation through a variety of actions
Example:
Turmeric
Diuretic
Promotes urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid
Example:
Dandelion leaf
Mucilaginous
Contains a carbohydrate (mucilage) which is “slippery when wet”
Emollient when used externally
Demulcent when used internally
Examples:
Marshmallow root
Okra
Antifungal
Kills or inhibits growth of fungus by either direct action or by encouraging immune response.
Generic term that could also mean antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial.
Rubefacient
Produces redness of the skin by dilating the capillaries and increasing blood circulation
Pain relief for stagnant and cold
Example:
Ginger
Adaptogen
- 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
Galactagogue
Increases flow of breast milk.
Example:
Fenugreek
Hops
Demulcent
Soothes irritated and inflamed mucosal tissue internally
Examples:
Marshmallow
Okra
Expectorant
Aids in expulsion of mucus from the lungs
Examples:
Hyssop
Elecampane
Lymphatic
Encourages lymph flow to relive congestion
Used often in immune support following illness
Examples:
Cleavers
Red root
Sedative
Reduces irritability or excitability
Slows energy in the body
Example:
Passionflower
Vulnerary
Used to promote healing of wounds of the skin, mucosa, or other body tissues.
Examples:
Calendula
Comfrey
Marshmallow
