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The world of herbalism is a unique combination of art, science, history, and modern medicine that speaks of an ancient relationship between people and plants. Whether you learn your craft from a family member, a collection of online courses, or good old-fashioned books, understanding the language of herbalism is essential for creating safe, effective herbal formulations.
In the face of modern medicine, many of our plant allies have been left behind, but in learning herbal actions, we can begin to understand which plants perform the same functions as common Western medicines. After all, many current-day pharmaceuticals are made up of plant properties that have been chemically synthesized for mass production and profit.
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What are Herbal Actions?
The term “herbal action” refers to a plant's specific medicinal effect on the human body. Learning these common categories allows us to recognize patterns that can aid our understanding of a new herb and help us create more effective formulas. They can also come in handy when we require a substitute ingredient for one of our go-to preparations.
Often, a plant will exhibit several distinct herbal actions, making single ingredient or “simple” preparations into perfect remedies all on their own. Below is a helpful list of basic herbal actions, including examples of several herbs for each category. You may find that some of these definitions vary from one herbalist to the next, but this simplified guide is a great place to start your herbal action learning journey. We also have a printable Herbal Actions Chart that can be bought in our Etsy shop at the link below if you would like a handy reference.
Adaptogen
These herbs improve the body’s ability to deal with or adapt to stress caused.
Ashwagandha
Ginseng
Reishi
Tulsi
Anthelmintic
Anthelmintic herbs are antiparasitic and can destroy or expel worms from the digestive system.
Black Walnut
Oregano
Oregon Grape
Wormwood
Anticatarrhal
Herbs in this category can help to remove excess mucous from the body.
Elecampane
Antiemetic
These herbs can help settle the digestive system, reduce feelings of nausea, and relieve or prevent vomiting.
Fennel
Meadowsweet
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory herbs can help to reduce inflammation within the body.
Turmeric
Ashwagandha
Rosemary
Antimicrobial
Anti-microbials help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms and strengthen the body's natural immune process.
Cloves
Oregano
Antispasmodic
Herbs in this category can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body.
Astringent
Astringent herbs help to tighten, tone, and dry tissues. They are also often high in tannins.
Bitters
Bitter herbs stimulate the digestive system by increasing salivation, pancreatic hormones, and enzyme release.
Dandelion
Gentian
Burdock Root
Fennel
Cardiotonic
These herbs have an overall beneficial action on the heart and circulatory system.
Motherwort
Hawthorn
Turmeric
Carminative
Carminative herbs help to relieve the discomfort of excess gas in the intestines.
Demulcent
Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage that soothes and protects irritated or inflamed mucus membranes.
Diaphoretic
Herbs with this action, produce or promote sweating to help break fevers or eliminate toxins or waste through the skin.
Feverfew
Elecampane
Elderflower
Diuretic
These herbs help to flush excess water from the body by encouraging increased urination.
Dandelion
Hibiscus
Stinging Nettle
Emollient
Emollients are herbs that soften, soothe, and protect the skin, similar to demulents’ internal effects.
Rosehip
Aloe
Chickweed
Expectorant
Expectorants are herbs that help expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract.
Thyme
Mallow
Febrifuge
Febrifuge herbs can help to reduce fevers.
Feverfew
Hyssop
Hemostatic
Hemostatic herbs are also called Styptic or Astringent, and their function is to stop bleeding.
Hypnotic
Hypnotics are plants that can help to induce deep, restorative sleep.
Lavender
Ashwagandha
Valerian
Laxative
Herbs with this action can help to clear the bowels and loosen or soften stool.
Slippery elm
Dandelion root
Aloe
Buckthorn
Nervine
A nervine is any plant that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system in some way.
Skullcap
St Johns Wort
Schisandra
Milky Oat
Sedative
Sedative herbs calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and induce sleep.
Lavender
Ashwagandha
Stimulant
In herbal medicine, stimulants are plants that quicken or enliven the body's physiological activity in some way.
Asian Ginseng
Ginkgo
Rhodiola Rosea
Lion's mane
Tonic
Tonic herbs help to strengthen and enliven a specific organ or system. These herbs are typically foundational for herbal formulation and safe for long-term usage.
Schisandra
Hawthorn
Dandelion
Vulnerary
Vulnerary herbs help to heal wounds by promoting and stimulating cell division.
Where Can I Buy Medicinal Herbs?
We wild forage or home-grow most of the herbs used in our apothecary line, and we offer limited quantities for sale in our Apothecary Shop. When we do have to purchase an herb, we trust Starwest Botanicals (use code “CONNIE10OFF” for a 10% discount) or Mountain Rose Herbs.
Now You Know All About Herbal Actions, What’s Next?
It’s time to start formulating! Use your new knowledge to hone your herbalist skills and make more effective herbal preparations. From formulating therapeutic herbal teas to soothing salves or making tinctures to support overall health, familiarizing yourself with basic herbal actions will help you to advance your herbalism journey. Keep an eye out next month for our new Beginners Guide to Herbal Formulary blog post. If you have questions, drop them in the comments below, and until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is informational and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing and some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research them, speak to a professional about any significant concerns, and seek medical advice when needed.