Energetics and actions Flashcards
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 the HPA (Hypothalamus - Pituitary -
Adrenal) Axis and our endocrine system.
Adaptogen
A bit of an old-fashioned term, these herbs Increase the ability of our bodyto detoxify through supporting our own organs of detoxification and elimination such as the liver, lymph, kidneys, and skin. [Examples include: burdock (supports the liver); dandelion leaf (increases urine output); cleavers (supports the lymphatic system)]
Alterative
Pain relieving herb [Examples include: willow, kava kava, wintergreen]
Analgesic
Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria by either direct action or by
encouraging immune response [Examples include: goldenseal (or other berberine containing plants), thyme, yarrow]
Antibacterial
Relieves symptoms of depression [Examples include: mimosa flower,
basil]
Antidepressant
Reduces inflammation through a variety of actions.[Examples
include: turmeric, ginger, chamomile]
Anti-inflammatory
Kills or inhibits the growth of fungus by either direct action or by
encouraging immune response. [Examples include: calendula, lavender, oregon grape]
Antifungal
Breaks up stones in the gallbladder or kidney. [Examples include: gravel
root, parsley]
Antilithic
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. [Examples include: goldenseal, thyme, etc. So many herbs fit this category, if not all, in some way, shape, or form.]
Antimicrobial
Reduces spasms in smooth or skeletal muscles. [Examples include:
wild yam, Pedicularis]
Antispasmodic
Contains essential oils. Often these herbs are also antimicrobial, or
carminative, or diaphoretic. [Examples include: rosemary, lavender, mint, etc.]
Aromatic
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]
Astringent
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]
Bitter
Tonifying and supportive of the cardiovascular system. [Examples include: motherwort and hawthorne]
Cardiotonic (cardiac tonic)
Supports digestion; relieves gas and bloating; often aromatic. [Examples
include: fennel, chamomile and anise]
Carminative
Stimulates bile production and release from the liver and gallbladder.[Examples include: bitter herbs like dandelion and gentian]
Cholagogue
Soothes irritated and inflamed INTERNAL mucosal tissue. [Examples include: marshmallow, okra and oatmeal]
Demulcent
Induces sweating. Used to reduce fevers. [Examples include:
elderflower and ginger]
Diaphoretic
Promotes urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid.
[Examples include: dandelion leaf, motherwort]
Diuretic
Induces vomiting. [Examples include: i.e. lobelia (aka pukeweed)]
Emetic
Stimulates menses [Examples include: yarrow, dong quai, mugwort]
Emmenagogue
Soothing and moistening to EXTERNAL tissues. [Examples include: marshmallow, slippery elm, oatmeal]
Emollient
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]
Exhilarant
Aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs. [Examples include:
hyssop, elecampane]
Expectorant
