Traditional Western Herbalism Flashcards

Question

What does an astringent taste indicate?

Answer 1

tannins tonic, styptic, antidiarrheal affinity for skin, mucous membranes, digestive tract toning/drying

Answer 2

mucilage demulcent, soothing, laxitive affinity for the skin, mucous membranes, digestive system, inflamed tissue Cooling, moistening

Answer 3

“Excited” tissues are functioning on high speed.“ it is an exaggeration of the normal function-rate of the tissues. Any imbalance preceded by the word “hyper” likely reflects an excited tissue state (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypertension, hypersensitivity). Excitation represents an excess in the innate heat of the tissues. They are red, full, and tender because blood increases cellular activity. Excitation is associated with heat, and symptoms include allergies, sharp pains, fever, swellings, redness, rapid pulse, and increased blood pressure. Characteristic symptoms of excitation include: increase in temperature rise; nervous excitement; restlessness; wakefulness; excessive movement; susceptibility to stimulation; bright eyes; increased allergic response; heightened sensitivity to pain; sharp pain; fever; redness; swelling of the tissues; engorgement of blood; pink-red tissue color; an elongated, flame-shaped, pink-red or carmine tongue; excited vascular movements; capillary fragility; bleeding; tendencies to increased blood pressure; and a superficial, bounding, or rapid pulse. This tissue state especially damages the heart and circulatory system. Herbs with a cooling or anti-inflammatory effect, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower, are indicated.

Answer 4

Depression in tissues is a result of under-stimulation and leads to reduced function; depressed tissue states are often preceded by the word “hypo” (e.g., hypotension, hypothyroid, etc.). Depressed tissues are energetically characterized as being cold, often accompanied by a lack of circulation to the extremities of the body. cellular activity Depression of cellular metabolism, respiration and oxidation results in the deterioration of tissues, and accumulation of waste products and unused foodstuff. Bacteria This creates an opportune acid biochemical environment for bacteria to feed and thrive The immune response The body attempts to deal with the bacteria by increasing white cell production (hence, the high white cell counts). This results in the production of pus (a mixture of dead bacteria and white cells). In a healthier body, these find a vent, a boil or fistula, through which to discharge. In a sicker body, they discharge into the bloodstream, causing systemic poisoning or septicemia. The symptoms of infection There are low-grade fevers and infections with putrefaction, venting of pus, fatigue, exhaustion, and easy infection of wounds. The toll on the immune system The bone marrow, stem cells, and lymphatic system are eventually worn out trying to keep up with the bacteria and toxins, resulting in low immunity. The defenses against aberrant cell growths are down and cancer is more likely. increased oxidative stress Although the oxidation rate in the cells is low, in the spaces between the cells it is higher, because of the scavenging by bacteria. This creates a condition of “heat from cold,” or heat from cellular inactivity. This is the opposite of “heat from heat,” or the heat of cellular over-activity in the irritated tissue state. As a consequence, antioxidants are used antibiotics Antibiotics kill one kind of bacteria, but unbalance the microflora of the colon, creating other types of bacterial imbalance and generation of toxins. They also do not remove the toxins that remain behind in the body after the bacteria are killed. There is a further, very serious side effect of antibiotic treatment. When bacteria are killed they release endotoxins from inside themselves which otherwise would never enter the bloodstream. These cause additional poisoning of the body. In fact, if the bacterial die-off is high enough, there may be a “septic shock” resulting in sudden death. Removing bacteria The appropriate way to kill bacteria is to assist the body in removing the toxins that support bacterial or parasitical life. This is generally the way herbs work. The attempt to kill bacteria with “natural antibiotic” herbs is an entirely misguided imitation of a deeply flawed biomedical model. Poor Circulation In the depressed tissue state, circulation is usually retarded so that there is a lack of circulation to the extremities, resulting in cold hands and feet. Congealing of blood Another result of poor peripheral circulation and low oxygenation of the cells is heavy, thick, coagulated blood. This results in the typical symptoms of “congealed blood” There is often a blue/red, or blue/yellow, or blue/black complexion around the veins, which are more visible. Blood from hemorrhaging or menstruation is thick, clotted, dark, oozing. poor perfusion The extremities include the entire capillary bed, where the force of blood pressure pushes the contents of the blood out into the interstitial fluids surrounding the cells. Blood pressure may be low, though often blockages in the portal vein or elsewhere lead to high blood pressure. Poor nourishment If circulation is weak, oxygen and blood sugar, and even water, will have a hard time getting to the capillaries, and from there to the cells. This causes the depression of cell life. Acidity In the spaces around the cells there is retention of carbon dioxide, since return circulation is also weak. This results in a generally acid condition in the internal tissues. Retrocession When there is a lack of strong peripheral circulation—or a lack of the “determining powers,” in the phraseology of the old doctors—rashes recede to the interior, inflicting themselves on the nerves and viscera rather than coming out through the skin. Retrocession of the rash in smallpox was a very serious problem for the old doctors. Internal cold Cold from the environment will reduce cellular activity. The hypothalamus reacts with shivering and fever to return the organism to health. If the organism does not adequately respond, there will be “internal cold” or depression. Characteristics of cold The characteristic symptoms of depression include a feeling of internal cold, as if one cannot get it out of the body; hands and feet cold; skin cold, dry and inactive, due to poor peripheral circulation; tissue deterioration and bacterial feeding; tendency to secondary, septic or putrefactive heat with discharges that are yellow, green, brown or black; skin color darkish—dusky red, blue, purple, brown, yellow or black; pulse deep, weak, or slow until putrefactive fever sets in, in which case it may become rapid, low, feeble, weak, and nonresistant; tongue usually blue, purple, or darkish in some (not usually all) areas; coating (if any) heavy, congealed, yellow, or yellow/brown. Organs The major organs affected by the depressed tissue state are the colon, liver, pancreas, lymphatic/immune system, blood and cardiovascular system. In extreme cases the nervous system is damaged. The large intestine is subject to toxic secretion from unhealthy bacteria. The liver is subject to poisoning from toxins brought to it from the rest of the body. Excess bacteria and toxins weaken the lymphatic/immune system (which has to break down pathological cell growths). Diseases The great scourges of health—cancer, heart disease, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes—are more often found in association with this tissue state. Aberrant tissue growth and cancer are more likely when the immune system is depressed. Eventually, there is blood poisoning, with destruction of the blood and nerves. Other symptoms include low blood pressure, a deep and slow pulse, bluish color to the skin, and poor immune function. Because tissue depression is associated with cold in the body, warming herbs that stimulate circulation, such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) bark and ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome, are indicated.

Answer 5

This tissue state is the result of “abnormal contraction (clonic spasm) of the neuromuscular system” When nerves are stimulated they contract. If they remain too long in this condition there will be constriction or tension in the organism. Constriction may result from psychological stress such as teh inability to relax and switch from sympathetic (awake, alert) to parasympathetic (rest, digest) is a common cause. or physiological stress such as over exposer to cold to the point where the body sends a signal to the hypothalumus to start the shivering process and makes thehair stand on end If these mechanisms get stuck (which is often the case after influenza or malaria), the body remains too much on the sympathetic side or alternates back and forth between tension and relaxation. Alternating chills and fever are a characteristic symptom of the tensive tissue state. These were called “intermittent chills” in the old literature. Constricted tissues are tense, and related imbalances may result in spasming, twitching, intermittent symptoms (e.g., diarrhea followed by constipation), nervousness, and/or indigestion. Characteristic symptoms of constriction are neuromuscular tension; spasm; rigidity or convulsion; symptom changes which are sudden, intermittent, irregular, or alternating; chills alternating with fever; diarrhea with constipation; pain with freedom from pain; and a pulse wiry, tense, resistant, hard, blocked, or obstructed. Usually, there is aggravation from getting chilled, drinking cold water, or a draft of cold air. Tension especially affects the digestion, gall bladder, and liver. Because Constricted states are typically caused by tension in the nervous system. Herbs that relax the body (nervines, diaphoretics, sedatives), such as lavender (Lavandula spp.) bud and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) aerial parts, are indicated.

Answer 6

The relaxed tissue state Relaxed tissues lack tone and are less able to hold in fluids so there is excessive fluid loss. This is called free "secretion" Secretions Discharges of saliva, mucus, urine, sweat, and diarrhea are thin, clear, watery, and copious. The mucus tends to be dilute, clear, or white, while that of stagnation is heavy, thick, yellow, green, or catarrhal. Astringents Astringents are called for in such conditions because they coat the membranes with proteins that stop free secretion. They also improve the tone and stop the sagging and prolapse. Bone atrophy Flaccid tissue not only loses fluids but minerals. When we are at rest, calcium is moved from the bones to the serum, but when we are active it is moved in the other direction—hence the importance of exercise in the prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium helps magnesium sedate the muscles so it is needed in extra dosage when the muscles are in a relaxed state. As a consequence, the relaxed tissue state is associated with a generally alkaline condition of the blood, fluids, and urine, yet with demineralization, bone loss, and weakness of the bones. bony growths The alkalis may deposit out of the fluids, into the tissues, forming bony growths, swellings, arthritis, gouty deposits, indurated and nodulated glands, impediments to hearing, and cataracts. Low immunity The bone marrow may be weakened, leading to poor production of white cells and red cells, low immunity, poor bone growth, anemia, and developmental problems. Poor maturation of white blood cells also seems to occur in the bone marrow, so that there are symptoms of what we would today call “low immunity”: recurrent upper respiratory infections, chronic swollen glands, and a tendency to tuberculosis. The “consumptive taint” or tubercular tendency was associated with thin, poorly nourished, pale persons with low calcium levels. Relaxation has low available calcium levels and it is calcium the body uses to wall off the tubercle. hardening of skin Keratin may leak out of the skin, causing hardness and roughness of the palms. high blood pressure Initially, blood pressure may be low, but the conitnues the loss of potassium and the accumulation of sodium may lead to high blood pressure Passive congestion The arteries and veins are relaxed, leading to passive congestion of blood in the more easily dilated veins. There is congestion in the liver, lungs, and right side of the heart. High blood pressure accompanies this condition; there is excess sodium and not enough potassium. The complexion is blue from excess venous blood, or the veins are prominent or swollen. In addition to a tendency to blue complexion, the relaxed tissue state has a tendency to a pale complexion. When kidneys are congested there is poor signaling to the bone marrow to produce replacement red blood cells. This results in “kidney anemia,” or what the old doctors called “poor blood.” The blue veins are usually prominent through the pale skin and the skin and mucosa are moister than in iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms Symptoms may include pale, cool, and moist skin, with a tendency toward visible, prominent veins. Cysts, prolapsed organs, Free secretion of clear, thin mucus, sweat, urine, and diarrhea. Glands, tonsils, and adenoids are swollen, what the old authors often refer to as “relaxed tonsils.” Chronic swollen glands eventually become hard, indurated, and calcified. Calcifications cause cataract and hearing problems, but there are weak, decalcified bones, teeth and tendon weaknesses, poor bone formation, and unhealthy bone marrow. The last causes low white and red cell counts and low immunity. Renal anemia from poor kidney signaling to the marrow. Muscles are at first relaxed, but, due to loss of calcium to assist the magnesium, they can become twitchy. The tongue is moist, often clear, with foamy streamers down the sides. Pulse is languid, nonresistant, or tense from venous obstruction. Indications Astringent herbs such as lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) aerial parts and raspberry (Rubus spp.) leaf are indicated.

Answer 7

Stuck fluids The fluids get stuck and collect in the tissues, the tissues become swollen, weak, infiltrated with water and ill-nourished, since stuck water becomes a barrier to nutrition. the water thickens The fluid itself is inactive, it stagnates, collects material and begins to thicken into humor, catarha, or canker impedes nutrition, metabolism and elimination Membranes associated with such stagnation and catarrh do not secrete or excrete as they should. This causes impeded nutrition, metabolism, and elimination.It is also possible that the reverse is true: weakened nutrition, metabolism, and elimination cause stagnant fluids. Bad blood The thickening of fluids are also associated with toxins. Toxins are substances that burden the body because they need further elaboration or breakdown. The accumulation of toxins was called “bad blood,” “impure blood,” “toxic blood” or “toxemia.” sometimes called “toxic liver” since the liver is the center for non-cellular detoxification or catabolism.The standard remedies for this condition are the “blood purifiers” or alteratives Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism also leads to a thickening of the "waters" or bad blood. Hypothyroidism can be caused by toxins or a deficiency of thyroxine Symptoms Symptoms may include swollen tissues, dull/achy pain, slow metabolism, and excessive mucus. “The patient is dull and apathetic, the eye dull, the face expressionless, the tongue somewhat full, and the pulse lacks sharpness in the wave—oppressed” (Scudder, 1874, 303, 314). Lack of expression is one of the most characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism. The leading symptom of bad blood is a tendency to hangover conditions and feelings, because the liver and lymph system cannot handle heavy or toxic foods and excesses of various kinds, including exercise. A leading symptom of hypothyroidism is fatigue. With low metabolism, water builds up and thickens. There are often swollen lymphatics with low immunity or resistance to disease. Heavy, thick, adhesive mucus forms and clings to surfaces. Peripheral circulation is weak, with poor oxidation, leading to skin lesions and poor wound healing. Arthritic or rheumatic pains are common. The tongue is usually flabby, apathetic, or atonic with a thick, turbid, and adhesive coating. treatment This is the key to treating “bad blood.” Most of the blood purifiers or alteratives are bitters that increase secretion in the digestive tract, liver, and eliminative channels. This promotes tissue activity and nutrition. Excretion from the colon is also improved. Most of the old laxatives and cathartics are also bitter alteratives. Several thyroid active remedies are included among the old list of alterative. Herbs that help move the blood and lymph, such as mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) aerial parts and calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower, are indicated.

Answer 8

Atrophic tissues are withered and under-functioning typically because they are dry and undernourished. Atrophy or withering is associated with dryness because fluids carry food. Without them, there is no nutrition. This includes both water and oil, both of which move foodstuffs to the cells and waste products out of them. Well-nourished tissue holds more water and oil. Without water and oil, cells dry, harden, and lose their function. Tissues become sclerotic or scarred due to lack of nutrition. Hormonal functions are reduced. Dryness and malnutrition affects the nerves as well as the endocrine system. A common symptom of atrophy is nervous exhaustion. Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century literature would frequently use the words asthenic (thin, weak) or neurasthenic (weak nervous system) to describe this condition. In neurasthenia the person is exhausted from stimulation. They do not have the reserves to recover easily from mental or physical exertion. AKA burnout Symptoms include a weak pulse, dry skin, nails, and hair, eczema or psoriasis, and dry, creaky joints. Because atrophy is associated with dryness and lack of nourishment, moist, nutritive herbs such as violet (Viola spp.) aerial parts and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root are indicated. The characteristic symptoms of atrophy include a dry tongue. In advanced cases, it may be narrow, thin, withered, or cracked, but it will always be dry. It can also be red from heat caused by a lack of fluids, or pale from lack of nutrition. The pulse is usually weak, enfeebled, low, uneven (scrapes along), and sometimes weakly tense on the patient’s left wrist. The skin is dry and rough, lacking oil, or water, or both. Skin conditions (acne, eczema, and psoriasis) are very common. There may be oozing from the skin as it cracks and opens up, but the general condition is one of dryness. The sensation given by dry, atrophic skin is like that given by running a finger across the end of a book. Dryness giving rise to heat: When tissues are dehydrated the lack of fluids can give rise to heat. This is called “hectic fever” in the old Western literature. It is described in traditional Chinese medicine as “phantom,” or “false heat,” or “yin deficiency.” The characteristic symptoms are a rapid, nonresistant pulse and red flushing across the checks—the hectic or malarial flush. Dryness giving rise to tension: Tension can also arise from lack of fluids. This is another symptom of “uprushing yang” from “lack of yin,” or “yin not holding down the yang.” Cold

Answer 9

pharmacological therapy opposes disease or symptoms, whereas physiological therapy supports healthy functioning and vitality of the underlying body systems and tissues as well as the vital force or energy Where pharmacological therapy will prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria, physiological therapy will change the biochemical terrain that provided an opportunity for the bacteria in the first place, by opening the emunctories or organs of elimination

Answer 10

A healing crisis is the bodies attempt to heal itself and to restore the ecological system to a healthier state

Answer 11

Continuously suppressing symptoms will eventually force the body to give up its fight for health. For example: laxatives will ease the symptoms of constipation, but will eventually damage the process of peristalsis (lazy gut) Stimulants will initially provide energy, but will eventually exhaust the adrenal glands Antibiotics will kill bacteria, but long term use will lead to antibiotic resistance and a damaged microbiome. And because underlying biochemical terrain hasn't changed the person will just become susceptible to future infections.

Answer 12

An organism consumes food to build their inner fire (metabolism), which in turn radiates heat outward to keep the organism cleansing and eliminating. When the fire becomes week or dim, digestion and elimination will become less successful, which leads to the generation of disease.

Answer 13

Food when improperly digested produces and increases ama, canker, humor in the blood (toxic waste products, like mucopolysaccharides) which coats and obstructs the fire within and thickens the internal waters.

Answer 14

Thyroid which regulates the rate of cellular metabolism and the liver which breaks down toxins and food.

Answer 15

The law of contraries and the law of similar, combinedly known as the law of action and reaction Herrings law of direction The law of healing crisis

Answer 16

Every biological action creates an equal and opposite reaction, therefore, both contraries and similar restore the organism

Answer 17

Restores balance by applying the opposite principle. Hot/cold, Moist/Dry etc

Answer 18

Orginally based on the doctrine of signitures, stating that like heals like. In homeopathy the same substance that in large dose causes the symptoms in a healthy organism, will heal it in a sick person in small doses. An example of this is vaccinations where the body is stimulated by a similar to fight against the orginal agent. when there is a correspondence between two things, the correspondence is represented. When a person is in a happy state of mind, they smile. Eventhough we cannot see their state of mind directly, we can infer from their smile that they are happy, because the smile is an outward representation that corresponds to the inner state of mind. Similar should be related by the internal characteristic or correspondence, rather than the outward appearance or representation of the plant According to homeopathic doctrine, foods work upon the system by contrary while poisons cure by similarity. Thus, if the organism is short on iron it needs to consume iron in some friendly food. However, if there is a sickness in the organism that causes it to reject, or eliminate, or not pick up iron, then a remedy is needed which operates by similar, one which creates the same imbalance in the healthy.

Answer 19

That sickness or imbalance be addressed along the same axis that it developed on. Hot/cold, dry/moist, tens/relaxed. In short disease is cured along the same axis it develops.

Answer 20

If the cooling agent is applied to fever in a way that helps the struggling organism, it will strengthen the organism to remove fever. On the other hand, if the similar causing the fever is administered in a small dose, it will stimulate the body to renew and reinvigorate the fight against the pathogenic factor, strengthening the powers of resistance and leading to cure.

Answer 21

Heat is the “active power that takes away, destroys, or eliminates what has a foreign or alien nature, so that the residue is more rarefied or porous, thereby allowing things that are of the same class to become more associated.” At the same time, things that are dissimilar are removed. Heat possesses the power of purification and refinement that intensifies the native identity.

Answer 22

Cold is the “active power that aggregates, condenses, or packs things more closely together, whether they are of the same or different class; it is a compressive and cohesive power.” It can bind together properties that are opposite and incompatible. Even if similar in nature they are brought together in a way which is not comfortable for them.

Answer 23

Damp is defined as the “passive capacity” which allows for pliancy, bendability, and coercibility. Because it is completely coercible, it can easily be “contained or confined by external limits or boundaries.” However, by itself it will not remain within these boundaries. It requires another power to keep it there. Spreading in all directions available to it, damp does not stop until it meets a boundary, where it collects. If no boundary appears, it flows away. Damp lacks the capacity for the “creation of pores or empty spaces” so it collects substances dissimilar to its nature and to each other.

Answer 24

Dry is the “passive capacity” that is not pliable but incoercible. It sets boundaries and limitations. “Through its capacity for self-limitation or self-articulation, it admits of the creation of pores or empty spaces.” Thus, entities similar or dissimilar can pass through it without changing its nature. Because it is incoercible, dryness allows for the creation of structure and function.

Answer 25

All natural substances are rarified or dense, pliable or rigid.

Answer 26

Opens pores to expel moisture by perspiration or other channels.

Answer 27

Thins fluids so that they can better pass through pores and channels.

Answer 28

Increases the internal heat of digestion and metabolism, so that the body stays warm and the perspiration is driven outward toward the surface. (Note the relationship to Aristotle’s idea of heat being rarifying and making things more porous).

Answer 29

Burns the skin. These agents are used externally to awaken organs and functions that are blocked or inactive (cold, depressed) and to burn away tumors.

Answer 30

Lessen heat from exposure to the sun. Salad greens are considered cold in the first degree.

Answer 31

Thickens fluids and reduces internal heat.

Answer 32

Restrains the outward flow of fluids and matters.

Answer 33

Prevents “vapors” from rising upwards. Vapors are analogous to “rebellious qi” in traditional Chinese medicine. They are energy that is rising upward against the flow of nature. They include excessive coughing, vomiting, and menstrual cramps. Dizziness, fainting, swooning, hysteria, and PMS can be caused by vapors. Agents cold in the fourth degree stupefy the senses to ease violent pain and reduce mania, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia.

Answer 34

Causes substances to move through internal passages.

Answer 35

Moistens and lubricates surfaces.

Answer 36

Reduces hardness.

Answer 37

Nourishes the flesh.

Answer 38

Restrains the outflow of fluid when it is too extreme.

Answer 39

Removes excess fluids when there is too much dampness.

Answer 40

“Comforts and strengthens nature.” This phrase means that they protect the surface against wind and cold by closing the pores. Open pores cause sweating and chilling.

Answer 41

Stops continuous, life threatening discharges, as in tuberculosis and dysentery.

Answer 42

Remedies that are temperate (equal with regard to one of the two polarities: hot/cold or damp/dry) help to maintain the body in a condition where there is no apparent excess. They are not graded by degree. Remember that the Hippocratic physicians sought out bland substances. The temperate degree is virtually the opposite of wind.

Answer 43

They are not graded by degree. Remedies that are temperate (equal with regard to one of the two polarities: hot/cold or damp/dry) help to maintain the body in a condition where there is no apparent excess.

Answer 44

Hot. Red, swollen, tender, hot tissues; excess of blood to an area, producing redness, heat, and fullness; excessive function, accelerated function, from richness of blood, hence excessive pain from over-stimulation and swelling; pulse rapid and superficial; tongue red, elongated, flame-like. It should be observed that since heat is rarifying and purifying, as a pathological condition it is producing an intense expression of self-identity and is similar to what we would today call auto-immune over-activity.

Answer 45

Tissues cool, flaccid, pale or darkish, inactive, insensate; diminished circulation resulting in pallor or dark complexion from stagnation, cold, and lack of sensation from lack of stimulation; depression of senses and functions; pulse deep, slow; tongue dark red, blue, purple, gray, black or pale. Cold weakens the innate type or identity of the organism, bringing it into contact with forces and substances which are in opposition or unfriendly.

Answer 46

In Greek medicine there are two kinds of dampness. The first corresponds to a state where the tissues are saggy, inelastic, pores open, with active discharge of fluids; pulse relaxed; tongue damp. In the second state the dampness is stuck so that tissues are soggy, flabby, damp, and the fluids are thickened and phlegmy; pulse obscure (from dampness obscuring the beat); tongue coated.

Answer 47

The condition is one of dryness, withering, weakness, and (frequently) pallor from lack of fluids to moisten and bring in food; functions are reduced, energy deficient, tissues dried, withered, and finally hardened; pulse weak, slightly tense; tongue dry. The dry quality produces rigidity and brittleness. In health, dryness creates the opportunity for different functions to occur, since it sets boundaries and limitations, but in disease these functions become weak and ineffective.

Answer 48

medicinal plants are described according to three basic classes: physiological imbalance (tissue state), physiological function, and organ-affinity. The first category includes astringents, stimulants, sedatives, antispasmodics, and aromatics. The second includes diaphoretics, antifebriles, diuretics, emmenagogues, and anodynes. The third includes stomachics, nephretics, nervines, and pectorals.

Answer 49

1. Excited/sour/ refrigerant, sedative 2. Depressed/Aromatic, Spicy, Pungent, Pine Oils/ Stimulant, Carminative, Fragrant Bitters, Antiseptic , Volatile Oils 3. Constriction / Acrid, bitter / relaxant, antispasmodic 4. Relaxation/ Astringent / Astringent 5. Atrophy / Oily Mucilage Sweet, Salty, Bitter / Mucilage, Tonic 6. Stagnation /Bitter / Alterative, detoxifyer, laxative

Answer 50

When an herb is used by itself to heal it is called a simple. When several herbs are combined together they are called a compound.

Answer 51

an energetic imbalance

Answer 52

the complexion, the tongue, the pulse, and salient symptoms

Answer 53

The pulse does not just represent the condition of the circulation, but of the nervous system, blood, and tissues as a whole. The tongue shows a graphic picture of the mucous membranes, as well as tissue nutrition, innervation, blood, and fluids. The complexion and expression indicate the condition of the entire organism and the psychological state. By careful observation, the physician sees the “wrong of life” shining through, from its core into its peripheral expressions.

Traditional Western Herbalism Flashcards

To Learn the tenents and phillosophy of TWH (77 cards)