~HERBAL ACTIONS~

On this page a list of actions has been put together and the most useful herbs in each category indicated. The more important of the herbs are underlined. They are in alphabetical order, not necessarily in order of importance. Each herb has its own spectrum of actions, so it is important to take care in combining the herbs to cover a range of related problems and to treat the cause as well as symptoms.

Alterative: These are herbs that will gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality. They are at one time known as "blood cleansers".

Analgesic, Anodyne: These are herbs that reduce pain and are either applied externally or taken internally.

Anthelmintic: These herbs will destroy or expel worms from the digestive system.

Anti-bilious: These herbs help the body to remove excess bile and can be beneficial in cases of biliary and jaundice conditions.

Anti-catarrhal: These herbs help the body to remove exces catarrhal build-ups, whether these occur in the sinus area or in other parts of the body.

Anti-emetic: These herbs can reduce a feeling of nausea and can help to relieve or prevent vomiting.

Anti-inflammatory: These herbs help the body to combat inflammations. Herbs mentiones under demulcents, emollients and vulneraries will often act in this way, especially when they are applied externally.

Anti-lithic: These herbs prevent the formation of stones or gravel in the urinary system and can help the body in their removal.

Anti-microbial: These herbs can help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms.

Anti-spasmodic: These herbs can prevent or ease spasms or cramps.

Aromatic: These herbs have a strong and often pleasant odour and can stimulate the digestive system. They are often used to add aroma and taste to other medicines.

Astringent: These herbs contract tissue by precipitationg proteins and can thus reduce secretions and discharges. They contain tannins.

Bitter: Herbs that taste bitter act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system through a reflex via the taste-buds.

Carminative: These herbs are rich in volatile oils and by their actions stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive system and relax the stomach, thereby supporting the digestion and helping against gas in the digestive tract.

Cholagogue: These herbs stimulate the release and secretion of bile from the gall-bladder, which can be a marked benefit in gall-bladder problems. They also hav a laxative effect on the digestive system since they increase the amount of bile in the duodenum and bile is our enternally produced, all-natural laxative.

Demulcent: These herbs are usually rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue.

Diaphoretic: These herbs aid the skin in the elimination of toxins and promote perspiration.

Diuretic: these herbs increase the secretions and elimination of urine.

Emetic: These herbs cause vomiting. Most of the herbs listed cause vomiting only when taken in high dosage. Check out each thourghly before using.

Emmenagogue: These herbs both stimulate and normalize menstral flow. The term is often employed in the wider context of remedies that act as tonics to the female reproductive system.

Emollient: These herbs are applied to the skin to soften, soothe or protect it. They act externally in a manner similar to the way demulcents act internally.

Expectorant: These herbs support the body in the removal of excess amounts of mucus from the respriratory system.

Febrifuge, Anti-pyretic: These herbs help the body to bring down fevers.

Hepatic: These herbs aid the liver. their use tones and strengthens it and increases the flow of bile.

Hypnotic: These herbs will induce sleep, not a hypnotic trance.

Laxative: These herbs promote the evacuation of the bowels.

Nervine: Theres herbs have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and tone and strengthen it. Some act as Stimulants and some as relaxants.

Oxytocic: These herbs stimulate the contraction of the uterus and can thereby help in childbirth.

Pectoral: These herbs have a general strengthening and healing effect on the respiratory system.

Rubefacient: When these herbs are applied to the skin they cause a gentle local irritation and stimulate the dilation of the capillaries, thus increasing circulation on the skin. The blood is drawn from deeper parts of the body into the skin and thus often internal pains are relieved.

Sedative: These herbs calm the nervous system and reduce stress and nervousness throughout the body. They can thus affect tissue of the body that has been irritated by nervous problems.

Sialagogue: These herbs stimulate the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands.

Stimulant: These herbs quicken and enliven the physiological functions of the body.

Tonic: These herbs strengthen and enliven either specific organs or the whole body.

Vulnerary: These herbs are applied externally and aid the body in the healing of wounds and cuts.

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