Herbal Actions

Question 1

Adaptogen

Answer 1

Herbs that normalize and restore body functions and increase the body’s non-specfic resistance to stress.
Ex: Licorice, nettle, and astragulus.

Question 2

Alterative

Answer 2

Blood purifier, herbs tha gradually restore health and vitality to the body.
Ex: Burdock, red clover, nettle, oregon grape, alfalfa, marshmallow

Question 3

Analgesic/Anodyne

Answer 3

Substance that relives pain.

Ex: Scullcap, valerian, passion flower catnip, chamomile.

Question 4

Antacid

Answer 4

Substances that neutralize excess acid in the stomach and intestinal tract.
Ex: Dandelion, fennel, slippery elm, catnip, mullein and meadowsweet.

Question 5

Antibiotic

Answer 5

Substance that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria, viruses or amoebas.
Ex: Juniper berries, thyme and garlic.

Question 6

Anticatarrhal

Answer 6

Substances that eliminate or counteract the formation of mucus.
Ex: cayenne, ginger, sage, mullein, comfrey, and wild cherry bark.

Question 7

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 7

Herbs that reduce inflammation.

Ex: St Johns’s wor, Calendula, Arnica, licorice, chamomile and wild yam.

Question 8

Antispasmodic

Answer 8

Herbs that prevent or relax muscle spasms.

Ex: lobelie, Black cohosh, Blue cohosh, Scullcap, Valerian, Raspberry leaves and rue

Question 9

Astringent

Answer 9

Herb causing constriction of tissues.

Ex: Witch hazel, White Oak bark, Yellow dock, Uva ursi, Calendula, Myrrh, Horsetail, Blackberry root.

Question 10

Carminative

Answer 10

Promotes digestion, expels gas, and relieves gripping.

Ex: Anise, Fennel, Chamomile, Peppermint, Caraway, Ginger.

Question 11

Demulcent

Answer 11

Soothing substances taken internally that protext and sooth the digestive tract. They trigger the reflux mechanisms that travel through the spinal nerves effectively reducing inflammation and irritation in the respiratory and urinary systems.
Ex: Comfrey, Marshmallow, slippery elm, Corn silk.

Question 12

Diaphoretic

Answer 12

Substances that promote perspiration

Ex: Elder, Yarrow, Osha, Ginger.

Question 13

Diuretic

Answer 13

Substances that increase the flow of urine.

Ex: Dandelion, Couch Grass, Plantain, Horsetail.

Question 14

Emetic

Answer 14

Substances that induced vomiting and causing the stomach to empty.
Ex: Lobelia, ipecac, elecampane, blesses thistle.

Question 15

Emmenagogue

Answer 15

Herbs that promote menstruation

Ex: Juniper berry, Black cohosh, Rue, Wild ginger

Question 16

Emollients

Answer 16

Substances that sooth and soften the skin,

Ex: Marshmallow, Comfrey root, Slippery elm, Chickweed, Plantain

Question 17

Febrifuge

Answer 17

Herbs that assist the body in reducing fevers.

Ex: Catnip, Elder, Peppermint

Question 18

Galactogogue

Answer 18

Substance that increases the secretion of milk

Ex: Anise, Blessed Thistle, Fennel, Vervain

Question 19

Hypnotic

Answer 19

Herbs that have a powerful relaxant and sedative action, and helps induce sleep.
Ex: Hops, Valerian, Wild Lettuce.

Question 20

Laxative

Answer 20

Substances that stimulate bowel movement.

Ex: Cascada Sagrada, Yellow dock, Rhubarb root.

Question 21

Lymphatic

Answer 21

Herbs that support that support the health and activity of the lymphatic system.
Ex: Cleaver, Calendula.

Question 22

Nervine

Answer 22

Herbs that calm nervous tension and nourish the nerves.

Ex: Chamomile, Hops, Oats, Scullcap, St. Johns wart.

Question 23

Pectoral

Answer 23

herbs that generally strengthen and heal the respiratory system.
Ex: Elecampane, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Mullein

Question 24

Rubefacient

Answer 24

Substances that increase the flow if blood to the surface of the skin and produce redness. They draw inflammation and congestions from deeper areas.
Ex: Nettle, Mustard seed, Cayenne, Horseradish, Black pepper, Pine and Thyme oil.

Question 25

Sedative

Answer 25

herbs that quiet the nervous system. | Ex: Valerian, Scullcap, Passion flower, Wood betony, Chamomile, Catnip

Question 26

Stimulants

Answer 26

Herbs that increase the energy of the body, quicken circulation, break up obstructions and congestions. Ex: Cayenne, Ginger, Horseradish, Mustard Wormwood.

Question 27

Styptic

Answer 27

Herbs that arrest or reduce external bleeding due to astringent action on blood vessels. Ex: Yarrow, Horsetail, Cayenne, Plantain.

Question 28

Tonic

Answer 28

Herbs that stimulate nutrition by improving the assimilation of essential nutrients by the organs, they improve systemic tone giving increased vigor, energy, and strength to the tissues of either specific organs of the whole body. Most tonics have and affinity for a particular system.

Question 29

Vasodilator

Answer 29

Herbs that expand blood vessels and allow increased circulation. EX: Ginko, Feverflew, Ginger, Cayenne

Question 30

Vulnerary

Answer 30

Herbs that help the body to heal wounds by promoting cell growth and repair. Ex: Comfrey, Calendula, Chickweed, St. John's wort, Marshmallow, Aloe vera, Rosemary, Thyme, Slippery elm.