Plant "properties" are sometimes referred to as "Plant Actions". By classifying herbs according to their actions on the body , we can better understand and more appropriately use them to achieve the desired effect. It is an unusual combination of science, history, and folk wisdom that have resulted in this classification method. However, the exact nature of the remedy is not known in many incidences -- only the fact that it works.
There are a vast number of terms that have been used in the past and some of the older Herbal's have some interesting and unusual terms, many of which are included in the glossary. The terms defined here are those most commonly used by professional medical herbalists today.
Alterative -- Gradually corrects or alters impure conditions of the body and helps balance body systems by promoting organ homeostasis. Alteratives act to alter the body's metabolism so that tissues can best deal with a range of functions, from nutrition to elimination. Also acts as a blood cleanser.
Anthelmintic -- Destroys and expels worms from the digestive system. Also referred to as Vermifuge.
Anti-Catarrhal -- Promotes the removal of excess mucous or catarrh. Used mainly in ear, nose, and throat infections, but has broader applications throughout the body.
Anti-Emetic -- Reduces the feeling of nausea and help relieve or prevent vomiting. Generally works two ways: settling the digestive process or reducing the vomiting reflex.
Anti-Inflammatory -- Helps counteract or reduce inflammation or its effects, either internally or externally.
Anti-Lithic -- Helps prevent the formation of stones or gravel in the urinary system. Also aids in the removal of those already formed.
Anti-Microbial -- Destroys and helps the body resist pathogenic micro-organisms by strengthening the body's internal resistance mechanisms. Anti-microbial agents gently support the natural immune process.
Anti-Spasmodic -- Prevents or eases spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body. Anti-spasmodics reduce tension and many are also nervines, often easing physiological tension as well.
Aromatic -- A strong and often pleasant odour typically capable of stimulating the digestive system. The oils from these herbs form the basis of Aromatherapy.
Astringent -- Has a binding action on mucous membranes, skin, and other exposed tissue. Also referred to as "styptics" when used to stop external bleeding or "anti-hemorrhagics" for internal bleeding.
Bitter(s) -- A property associated with many herbs that refers to their predominately bitter taste. It is becoming increasingly apparent that "bitters" have a wide-ranging effect on the body, from appetite stimulation to repairing damage of the gut wall through stimulation of self-repair mechanisms. Bitters are known to aid the liver in detoxification and increase the flow of bile. They also have a regulatory effect upon the hormones secreted by the pancreas that regulate blood sugar, insulin, and glucagon.
Cardiac Tonic -- A general classification applied to herbal remedies that have a beneficial action on the heart.
Carminative -- Soothes and settles the gut, easing griping pains and aiding in the removal of gas from the digestive tract. Remedies rich in volatile oils are carminative and their activity stimulates the digestive system to function properly and with ease.
Cholagogue -- Stimulates the production of bile from the liver. The secretion of bile is necessary for proper absorption and elimination of ingested substances. Cholagogues help ensure a strong and healthy liver.
Demulcent -- Refers to herbs rich in mucilage that can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. When used on the skin, they are referred to as "emollients". Generally, all demulcents have the following properties:
- Reduces irritation through the length of the bowel.
- Reduces sensitivity of the digestive system to gastric acids and digestive bitters.
- Eases coughing by soothing bronchial tension.
- Relaxes and eases painful spasms in the bladder and urinary system and sometimes even the uterus.
Diaphoretic -- Produces or promotes sweating, aiding the body in waste removal through the skin. Diaphoretics are also of great support to proper kidney function.
Diuretic -- Increases the secretion and elimination of urine from the body. Diuretics play an important role in the treatment of most illnesses, as they promote waste removal and inner cleansing of the body.
Emetic -- Causes vomiting. A drastic measure that can be useful in some forms of poisoning. NOTE: Vomiting should not be induced when dealing with acidic substances or most acid-based chemicals. You are highly recommended to seek immediate medical attention if treating cases of acute poisoning.
Emmenagogue -- Normalizes and tones the female reproductive system. In its strict sense, "emmenagogue" refers to remedies that stimulate menstrual flow and activity.
Emollient -- Softens, soothes, and protects the skin.
Expectorant -- Helps the body remove excess mucus from the lungs generally in one of two ways:
- By irritating the lining of the bronchials to stimulate the expulsion of mucus. Herbs that work this way are often emetics in large doses.
- By soothing a bronchial spasm and loosening the mucus by thinning it. Useful in treating dry, irritating coughs.
Febrifuge -- Reduces a fever.
Hepatic -- Generally promotes proper liver function -- can tone and strengthen the organ and may also increase the flow of bile.
Hypnotic -- Induces a deep, healing state of sleep. NOTE: Hypnotic herbs are of a separate category/technique from "hypnotic trances".
Laxative -- Actively stimulates the bowels to promote movements. NOTE: Laxatives are not for long term use.
Nervine -- Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Further classified as "nervine relaxants", which help relieve symptoms of stress and tension, "nervine stimulants", used for short term use as direct stimulants on the nervous system, and "nervine tonics", which generally strengthen and promote the repair of the nervous system.
Pectoral -- Refers to a remedy that is beneficial to the lungs. It is a very old term, but still very applicable today. Alternatively referred to as remedies that "strengthen a weak chest".
Rubifacient -- When applied topically (to the skin), rubifacients cause a gentle and localized increase in surface blood flow (vasodilatation). Usually expressed by a reddening of the area.
Sedative -- Induces a calming effect on the nervous system. Soothes and reduces nervousness, distress, irritation, or stress throughout the body.
Stimulant -- Quickens, excites, or stimulates the activity of physiological processes of the body. Most natural stimulants will assist in carrying a normal amount of blood to all parts of the body and will tend to normalize circulation or restore balance to the circulatory system.
Tonic -- Strengthens, tones, or invigorates organs, systems, or the body as a whole, improving function and health.
Vulunery -- Promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, or inflammation. Most often associated with herbs for skin healing but also applies to remedies for internal wounds, such as stomach ulcers, et cetera.
