CHAPTER 1

How We Use Herbs

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF HERBS! These pages contain endless opportunities for you to learn about the healing arts of herbal medicine. When we learn how to use herbs in our daily lives, we are creating a relationship and a higher level of confidence with our body. Make this book your go-to for how to support and care for a woman’s body. I encourage you to feel safe enough to try the recipes. Even if you haven’t used herbs before, I’m going to give you the guidance you need to jump in.

I’ve been using and practicing herbal medicine for more than twenty-five years. I’ve worked on herb farms, in herb shops, and in practice as a naturopath/acupuncturist/herbalist. But all that began one winter day after I had just moved to the Pacific Northwest. I was a young, interested herbalist simply standing in my kitchen, looking at vitex berries. I’d read they were supposed to help regulate the menstrual cycle, something I’d been struggling with. But now what? I looked at the little plastic bag that had 1 ounce (28 g) of berries in it and decided to dump them into a bowl. I smelled them and even tasted one, and then I decided to make a tea per the instructions I had received from my local herb shop. Mind you, at the time I was used to tea bag tea that came perfectly blended to please my palate. What I quickly learned from drinking this vitex tea is that there was a whole range of taste that I’d never known. And that was it—my first experience with herbs. Your first experience may be that simple, or it may be more like the time I decided to brew hops for a bedtime tea and steeped it for fifteen minutes. It was far too bitter to drink! But it is still a funny experience to think about. You’re not always going to get it right the first time when you are learning something new. But isn’t that the point? It’s the act of trying that’s so important. You can do this, just as I did many, many years ago.

This book is meant to be a resource, a platform upon which to learn to use herbs in a safe and respectful way. It is not meant to cure disease or replace the relationship you have with your health care provider. I’m striving to educate and encourage women to have a deeper relationship with themselves using self-care, herbal medicine, and bodily knowledge. We live in a modern medical era, and most of us have the privilege of living in a developed country with access to health care. Please use it when needed. And for the in-between times, enjoy the process of learning how to better care for yourself on a day-to-day basis.

First, we’ll go through how to use herbs for healing. What is a tincture? A poultice? Knowing the different application types gives you a foundation upon which to build. Then we will discuss the language of herbal medicine. Is an herb a sedative or a stimulant? Does is calm the digestive system? That is a carminative. Knowing these definitions gives you a clear idea of what each herb may or may not do in the body. The table shown here includes the original apothecary terms used during the times of Nicholas Culpepper, the famous herbalist of the 1600s, which are still used today. If you have a background or interest in science, the “Herbal Bio Constituents” section will peak your curiosity; it is a brief introduction to the scientific nature of plant components extracted into their individual parts. It is these individual parts that have been used repeatedly in pharmacology to make modern medications. Having a general idea of all the above gives you a solid background in how plants are studied and most often used. But it is in the herbal materia medica where you will begin to acquaint yourself with the plants. A materia medica is a medical list of healing agents. For our purposes, the materia medica is a list of herbs that are specific to women’s health. It was created to give you a closer glimpse at the herbs that are most often referenced throughout the rest of the book.

POSITIVE FEMININE PRACTICES

Before we get into the education portion of this chapter, I’d like to share with you a group of modalities that I refer to as Positive Feminine Practices. This is a group of practices I’ve collected over the years that I’ve found to be beneficial for balancing women’s health, emotions, and energy. They are things I’ve personally practiced and have offered to others. Herbal medicine is a wonderful tool in our health and healing toolbox, but having an overflowing toolbox gives us an abundance of options to choose from and try.

As we move through life, it gets busy and full, and we often get distracted. I was recently reminded of a truth I often forget. We busy ourselves to keep from having to see, feel, and be who we really are. Finding time to return to daily care, let alone to connect to ourselves and others, can be challenging. Here is my hope for you: Remember your strengths daily. Give thanks for all that you have, even when it doesn’t feel like much. Drench yourself in a feeling of love and radiance for one minute every evening. Get a photo of yourself and collage all around it with healing, healthy words and pictures of things you love. Look at it daily. Make this a meditation. You are beautiful, and it’s time you honor that.

I’ve used several different techniques to help me reconnect over the years. As someone who tends to veer off path when I get overworked, overstressed, or distracted by someone else’s needs, I need gentle practice to reclaim myself and my balance. When I was struggling with my irregular menses cycles, one of the first techniques I used was exercise. (You can read the full story in chapter 3.) I turned to basic forms of yoga in an attempt to create Zen and flexibility—literally and figuratively—in my chaotic life. I didn’t care that I was in sweatpants while everyone else looked like a yoga model; it felt good. In the stretching and pulling of different body parts, I felt as though my body began to breathe again. Through conversations in class I was encouraged to find the book Luna Yoga by Adelheid Ohlig. It’s an incredible little book, originally published in Germany, that features yoga poses specifically for balancing hormones and the menstrual cycle. The practice allowed room for femininity as I stretched to the moon or rang my womb like a bell. The poses were strange, and at times I found myself laughing as I learned to move my hips in ways I never had before—all in the name of bringing vital energy and circulation to the abdomen and pelvic region. I loved it! It also combined the massage of certain acupuncture points in conjunction with the poses. Because I was embarking on my study of Chinese medicine, I was even more motivated to carve time out of my schedule for a daily practice. Although I hadn’t ever imagined doing it before, I now couldn’t imagine living without it.

Another yoga form I really took to was kundalini. I went to my first class on a whim and left feeling like I could breathe one hundred pounds more air per minute. Kundalini involves movement, breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras. Chanting of mantras? Who had I become? But yes; after a few short weeks I was belting them out and feeling phenomenal. Typically, each class would focus on one bodily system, for example the immune system or the digestive system, while doing repetitive exercises for several minutes at a time. This repetitive motion often created a meditation without even trying. Another benefit of kundalini? You rest between each exercise! You actually lie down and just be for a few minutes. Glorious!

Whether it’s a quiet practice such as yoga or a vibrant burst of running, keep in mind that exercise is important for women. I know not everyone likes to “exercise,” but I find it hard to believe that there is someone who doesn’t feel better from even the simplest of daily movements. Walking your dog or taking a walk with a friend after dinner can have powerful effects. I used to walk my dog daily when I lived in the city. I walked that route every day. It allowed me time to reflect on the seasons and my life. And sometimes I walked the entire way on autopilot, obviously processing and clearing out thoughts that needed to be free. Find your movement must-have and commit to it regularly; it truly is one of the best ways to tap into yourself.

If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Vikki Noble, I would highly suggest it. She singlehandedly changed my life through the introduction of Shakti, in her book Shakti Woman. I often think about the opening of that book now, more than twenty years later. In it she describes the moment she told her young children that going forward she would no longer be available in the morning hours because she was beginning a meditation practice. They would be responsible for getting themselves prepared for school. What a brave and defining moment of self-reclaiming. My mornings currently look like someone has just shot the race gun off and I’m already behind. Although I can’t manifest two hours of quiet upon rising, remembering the lessons of the Shakti woman have helped me return to balance over and over throughout the years.

Another tradition I consider myself fortunate to have experienced and trained in is the tradition of Mayan abdominal massage (see chapter 3). Rosita Arvigo, founder of the Arvigo Institute, is an American woman who has led seminars in this healing technique for more than thirty years. I’ll let you discover Rosita’s story on your own, but her practice is founded on the physical centering of the uterus in a woman’s body. It is said that if a woman’s uterus is midline and center, then she herself is acting from a centered place. The techniques are helpful for both physical and emotional ailments centered on the female reproductive system.

Journaling is another way to pull swirls of emotion from the inside to the outside. You don’t need any skill or art to journal; you must only do it. I often find that having no censor is the best way for me to access myself. I’ll begin by free-writing, which manifests most often as a stream of consciousness, simply writing down whatever comes out. Through this process, I can move my thinking brain off the stage and let my subconscious take over. When I get done, it’s as though I’ve just had a therapy session; I’m often surprised at what has been bubbling below the surface. I’ve even taken to blogging anonymously at times for emotional release, particularly during heavy computer project times. If something comes up, I can quickly open a browser tab and spit out whatever is gnawing at me. This makes it easier to move on because I’ve acknowledged it, no matter how pretty or ugly it may be. The simple act of allowing yourself the freedom to feel whatever is going on in your life allows for forgiveness, growth, and self-acceptance.

I love a good collage session and am repeatedly surprised at what manifests from one. Collaging or vision boarding is a way to help you see what is holding you back, what you want out of life, what you hope to achieve—really anything you set your intention to be. Find a piece of paper or poster board and collect lots of magazines from friends and family. Choose a quiet time and make a cup of tea. Sit for a few moments and decide what you want out of the experience. As you move through it, it may change, and that is okay. The exercise itself helps clear the cobwebs of doubt, insecurity, or lack of confidence in what you deserve and can achieve. To begin, cut out pictures and words of what you are focused on. This is a fun activity with kids too, as it gives them a new way to express themselves before their emotional and verbal communication skills have been refined. You can also draw on the board. Sometimes, I’ll create a dream board with the intention of trying to achieve certain things in my life, and as time goes by, I realize what is on my board isn’t quite right. That’s when I find another picture or word and add it to the board. Use collaging to get out of your head—to discover what is holding you back and where you are meant to go.

Now is the time to begin to learn about the magic of herbal medicine and to connect what you learn to who you really are. The two go hand in hand. Together, they encourage self-confidence and the knowledge that you are worth caring for.

HOW DO WE USE HERBAL MEDICINE?

What does it mean to be an herbalist? There is no right answer to this question. You get to decide for yourself what it means. For me, it has meant different things at different times. When I first started learning about herbs, it was a title I never felt good enough for. The term herbalist was reserved for those in the field who had been using and teaching herbs for years. But after some time passed and my friends all kept calling me an herbalist, I realized I was an herbalist. I was using herbs to help my body and mind feel good daily. I could identify herbs in the wild, and I knew how to blend a tea and make a tincture. I’m not sure why I wouldn’t allow myself to be called an herbalist before that. I think our society puts emphasis on certain labels, and I had followed suit, deciding the term herbalist designated only those with a mastery in the field. The truth is, anyone is an herbalist if he or she is studying and using plants as medicine. Claim the title. It’s your right.

Many people I speak with want to know how to work with people as an herbalist. At my shop, Fettle Botanic Supply & Counsel, we often counsel customers with our herbal references. By utilizing our textbooks and herbal references, we work in tandem with our customers to identify the problem and curate an herbal solution, if one is available. Seeing clients as an herbalist is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Many people consider herbs benign and harmless, but education and experience are necessary when working with medicinal plants. That said, if your heart and mind are ready to offer such services, I encourage you to do so. Working with clients in a counseling environment is a great way to offer services to others in regard to their health. I often find that those who seek out herbal treatments enjoy the opportunity to work with a practitioner to create the right blends. For more, check out Margi Flint’s incredible book The Practicing Herbalist, which focuses on how to set up and run an herbal clinic. There are also many online and at-home natural health courses available, but not all of them are what I’d consider a high enough caliber to train you to work with clients. There are, however, many courses that go above and beyond in their trainings, and I’ve listed some later in the book. Should you find your love of herbs bleeding into your passion for helping others heal, offer your gifts to the world. My advice: Listen intently to your clients and never stop your learning path.

In this book, I’ll be focusing on how to use herbs to be the best you can be. This means feeling your best on the inside, which leads to looking your best on the outside. In herbal medicine, we use different application types when using herbs for our body or soul. The application type you choose depends on what you are aiming to accomplish. A topical application is often used for skin, but there are times when an internal treatment such as a tea or tincture is necessary to correct internal imbalance so that the skin can glow. Other times, using two different application types at the same time can result in an efficient, quick result. One example would be when you are experiencing stress: You can combine a tincture for incredibly stressful moments with a daily tea that works on the underlying foundations of stress reduction and nourishment of the stress centers.

Let’s review the different herbal application types to better understand how herbs are used. Although this is not the end-all list of how you can use herbs, these are the most common ways used in today’s households. That said, I know I’m not alone in my love of reading the classic texts of herbalism and learning different and unique ways to experience herbs.

PREPARATION TYPES

• Tea

• Tincture

• Poultice

• Fomentation

• Capsules

• Sitz bath

• Topical wash

• Herbal oil

• Salve

How Long Will It Take?

A tonic recipe—in tea, tincture, or capsule form—is typically taken 6 to 12 weeks. Acute recipes, such as for menstrual cramps, are taken as needed. It is best to give a new recipe a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks to see effectiveness. Hormone recipes may need 6 to 12 weeks.

If you notice side effects soon after beginning a new recipe, stop and reexamine. Is your dosage too high and you perhaps need to start at a lower dose?

If you have diagnosed health conditions, please consult with your health provider before beginning new herbal treatments.

Tea

Tea may be the oldest and most traditional form of herbal use. There is nothing simpler than placing herbs in a cup and pouring hot water over them. These days, the herbs are even conveniently packaged in neat little tea bags. I won’t lie; I have a few herbal teas in tea bags that I just can’t live without, but if I had to choose either bagged or bulk tea, I would most assuredly go with bulk. After all, the bulk has nothing that separates me from my medicine. I can see the herbs, watch them float around and sink to the bottom. I can control how much I want to use, and—my favorite part—there is no packaging waste. Bulk teas are often fresher, better smelling, and much more cost-efficient. There is no reason to be afraid of bulk tea and a tea ball. In fact, my guess is that it won’t take long for you to fall in love with the ritual of using both.

Tincture

Tinctures are herbs that have steeped in what is called a menstruum. A menstruum is a liquid base that works as a solvent to break apart the herb’s cell walls and extract the medicinal components of the plant. Basically, you are turning something solid into a liquid through the process of extraction. The most commonly used menstruum is a mixture of alcohol and water. Many of the medicinal components of herbs are soluble in alcohol; it’s an incredible preservative, and it diffuses directly into our bloodstream for quick effect. You can also use other things, such as apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin (or a little of both combined for fun), but not all plants can successfully extract in either of these. If you are really excited about solubility and the biochemistry of tinctures, I suggest studying the “Herbal Bio Constituents” section to learn what is soluble in what.

Poultice

Poultices are wonderful topical applications with strong effects. I refer to them as herb cakes. They are moistened herbs formed and patted down over the area where needed. Think of them as healing herbal Band-Aids. Most commonly you’ll place whole or powdered herbs in a bowl and add just enough hot water to make them really stick together. Then you’ll apply it topically where needed. Utilizing medical gauze or a bandana to hold the poultice in place is helpful. Poultices are good for stings, bites, wounds, broken bones, infection, boils, in-grown issues, acne, and anything that needs to be drawn from the skin.

Fomentation

Fomentation is another topical application utilizing a steep infusion of herbs, typically much steeper than you would drink. After straining, you soak a cloth in the infusion and apply it to the area where needed. Fomentations are great when you need to wrap a body part or treat a large area.

Capsules

Herbal capsules dominate the market, but they are extremely easy and much more cost-efficient to make at home. They are great for travel and for the beginning herbalist who isn’t yet comfortable with the other application forms. They have no taste, which is a big plus when you are working with powerfully flavored herbs. They are perhaps not the ideal choice if your digestion system is compromised, because you want to break down the capsule and assimilate the herbs through the digestive processes. If you don’t have a healthy digestive system, you won’t be able to break down the capsule and it will simply be flushed out as waste.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is an old treatment in which you submerge your bottom and pelvis region to heal ailments in the area. The basin is filled with a warm herbal infusion that varies depending on what is being treated. I recommend using a footbath or dishwashing basin, but there are also basins that fit into the seat of the toilet. They’re wonderful for postpartum healing, hemorrhoids, pelvic congestion, vaginal infection, lower back pain, and more.

Topical Wash

Topical washes are similar to fomentations, but instead of soaking a cloth and applying it to the area, you actually soak the body part in the infusion. I often use this application with my patients for pink eye (a.k.a. conjunctivitis) and eczema. For the former, I make a steep infusion and then douse the eyes several times a day with it. For the latter, I recommend infusing the herbs, straining them, and then soaking the affected area, often the hands or feet. The direct contact allows the herbs to penetrate in a unique way.

Herbal Oil

An herbal oil is made when herbs are “baked” in a base oil. The base oil is most often olive oil, but you can also use sweet almond, apricot, jojoba, avocado, grapeseed, or hemp oil. You can use fresh or dried plant material, and you can use the sun or the oven as your heat source. The heat works to extract the oil-soluble healing components of the herbs to create a healing herbal oil. Herbal oils are often used to make other herbal products such as salves, lotions, or creams, but they can be used just as well on their own. Remember, herbal oils and essential oils are not the same thing. Essential oils are the pure volatile oil extracted from plants, often through distillation.

Salve

An herbal healing salve is a topical treatment with a consistency similar to that of a balm or an ointment. It is often used to soothe the skin after a burn, bite, sting, abrasion, or other surface problem. Typically, it is made by adding beeswax to an herbal oil until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. I have salves all over my house—one in the kitchen for burns, one in the bathroom for boo-boos, one in the garden for nicks and cuts, and on and on.

UNDERSTANDING HERBAL LANGUAGE

It’s important to learn the verbiage or language associated with any new subject you take up. Without it, your ability to relate to and define the material becomes difficult. Here are two terms to know when it comes to herbal medicine: What the herbs do is defined by their herbal action. Herbal actions (see here) categorize herbs into groupings. Herbal bio constituents (see here) are how herbs are classified by scientific action in the body.

Knowing herbs by their Latin names is also extremely valuable. I can’t tell you how many times someone has come into my shop requesting an herb by a name I’ve never heard of. Herbs are often named regionally, with the same herb growing one state over called something completely different. This is when the Latin name is vitally important. Another advantage to knowing Latin names is communication when you are traveling. Many years ago, I contracted a stomach bug in Budapest. I headed to the nearest herbal pharmacy and asked for Ulmus rubra and Hydrastis canadensis. Knowing slippery elm and goldenseal by their Latin names allowed me to break the language barrier and get the medicines I wanted in my time of need.

Herbal Actions

Again, herbal actions help define herbs by their action in the body. This classification sorts herbs into action groups. Note, however, that blending effective formulas is much more then picking herbs based on their herbal actions. Refer to my book The Herbal Apothecary or other resources to understand the dynamics of herbal formulation. The list below is extensive and includes some older terms rarely used today, but they’re helpful in preserving the art and science of traditional herbal medicine.

Abortifacient	Herbs that terminate pregnancy or induce premature birth
Acrid	Herbs with a hot, bitter taste or that cause heat and irritation when applied to the skin
Adaptogen	Herbs that increase the body’s resistance to biological, emotional, environmental, or physical stressors and promote optimal physiological function
Adjuvant	Herbs added to a mixture to aid the effects of the principal ingredient
Adrenal Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone, histology, and function of the adrenal glands
Alexipharmic	Herbs that ward off disease or the effects of poison
Alterative	Herbs that gradually restore the proper function of the body, usually by improving nutrition and increasing health and vitality
Analgesic	Herbs that reduce or diminish pain
Anaphrodisiac	Herbs that reduce sexual desire or ability
Anesthetic	Herbs that deaden sensation
Anodyne	Herbs that ease or mitigate pain
Antacid	Herbs that counteract or neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract
Anthelmintic	Herbs that expel intestinal worms
Antiallergenic	Herbs that tone down allergic responses, often by stabilizing mast cells
Antiandrogenic	Herbs that inhibit or modify the action of androgens (male sex hormones)
Antianemic	Herbs that prevent or correct anemia
Antiarrhythmic	Herbs that prevent or are effective against arrhythmias (variations from the normal rhythm or rate of the heartbeat)
Antiasthmatic	Herbs that prevent or relieve asthma attacks
Antibacterial	Herbs that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria
Antibilious	Herbs that counteract biliousness or excess bile
Antibiotic	Herbs that destroy or arrest the growth of microorganisms
Anticariogenic	Herbs that reduce the incidence of dental caries (tooth decay)
Anticatarrhal	Herbs that help the body remove excess catarrhal buildups from the sinus cavity area or other areas
Anticoagulant	Herbs that prevent clotting in a liquid (i.e., blood)
Anticonvulsant	Herbs that prevent or arrest seizures
Antidepressant	Herbs that alleviate depression
Antidiabetic (Hypoglycemic)	Herbs that alleviate diabetes or symptoms of the disease
Antidiarrheal	Herbs that alleviate diarrhea
Antidotal	Herbs that act as an antidote, counteracting poison or anything noxious
Antiecchymotic	Herbs that prevent bruising
Antiedematous	Herbs that prevent or alleviate edema (fluid retention)
Antiemetic	Herbs that reduce the feeling of nausea and relieve or prevent vomiting
Antifungal	Herbs that destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi
Antihemorrhagic	Herbs that reduce or stop bleeding when taken internally
Antihydrotic	Herbs that reduce or suppress excessive perspiration
Anti-inflammatory	Herbs that help the body combat inflammation; demulcents and emollient can also act in the same way (see section 29)
Antilithic	Herbs that prevent the formation of stones or gravel in the urinary system, dissolve those already there, and assist with their removal
Antimicrobial	Herbs that help the body to resist or destroy pathogenic microorganisms
Antioxidant	Herbs that protect against oxidation and free radical damage
Antiparisitic	Herbs that inhibit the activity of or kill parasites
Antiperiodic	Herbs that reduce fever
Antiphlogistic	Herbs that reduce inflammation and pain
Antiplatelet	Herbs that reduce platelet aggregation
Antiprostatic	Herbs that reduce symptoms from the prostate gland
Antiprotozoal	Herbs that kill or inhibit the growth or activity of protozoa
Antipsoriatic	Herbs that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis
Antiputrid	Herbs used in states of decay or putrefaction
Antipyretic	Herbs that alleviate fever
Antirheumatic	Herbs that relieve rheumatism
Antiscorbutic	Herbs that prevent scurvy
Antiscrofulous	Herbs that counteract scrofula
Antiseptic	Herbs that prevent putrefaction or infection
Antispasmodic	Herbs that can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the body
Antithyroid	Herbs that reduce the activity of the thyroid gland
Antitussive	Herbs that relieve amount or severity of coughing
Antitumor	Herbs that have action against malignant tumors
Antiulcer	Herbs that relieve ulceration
Antiviral	Herbs that kill or inhibit the growth of viruses
Anxiolytic	Herbs that alleviate anxiety
Aperient	Herbs that promote a mild movement of the bowels
Aphrodisiac	Herbs that stimulate the sexual organs and excite sexual desire
Appetizing	Herbs that increase the appetite
Aromatic	Herbs with an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities
Astringent	Herbs that contract tissue by precipitating proteins and can thus reduce secretions and discharges; contain tannins
Attenuant	Herbs that attenuate (dilute) humors and secretions
Balsam	A resinous substance obtained from the exudations of various trees and used in medicinal preparations
Bitter	Bitter herbs that stimulate the digestive system through a reflex via the taste buds
Bladder Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone and function of the bladder
Bradycardic	Herbs that act against abnormal slowness of the heartbeat
Bronchospasmolytic	Herbs that reduce spasm in the lower respiratory tract
Calmative	Herbs that have a mild sedating or tranquilizing effect
Cancer Preventative	Herbs that prevent the incidence of cancer
Cardiac	Herbs that affect the heart
Cardio-protective	Herbs that protect cardiac tissue against hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and decrease the risk of heart damage
Cardiotonic	Herbs that improve the force of contraction of the heart
Carminative	Herbs that prevent the production and facilitate the expulsion of gas in the gastrointestinal tract
Cathartic	Herbs that produce an evacuation of the bowels; laxative
Caustic	Corrosive herbs capable of burning away tissues
Cephalic	Herbs that act remedially on the head for headache
Cholagogue	Herbs that stimulate the release and secretion of bile from the gall bladder into the intestines; have a laxative effect
Choleretic	Herbs that prevent excess bile
Circulatory Stimulant	Herbs that improve blood flow through body tissues
Coagulant	Herbs that induce clotting in a liquid (i.e., blood)
Cognition Enhancing	Herbs that facilitate learning or memory
Cordial	Herbs beneficial to the heart
Corrective	Herbs that assist in restoring the body to a healthy state
Counterirritant	Herbs that produce irritation in one part of the body to counteract irritation or inflammation in another part
Culinary	Herbs used in cooking
Demulcent	Herbs, usually rich in mucilage, that can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue, particularly mucous membrane
Deobstruent	Herbs that clear away obstructions by opening the natural passages of the body
Depressant	Herbs that lessen nervous or functional activity; the opposite of a stimulant
Depurative	Herbs used to purify the blood
Dermatic	Herbs that act upon the skin
Detergent	Cleansing herbs
Detersive	Herbs that cleanse ulcers or carry off foul matter
Diaphoretic	Herbs that aid the skin in the elimination of toxins and promote perspiration
Digestive Stimulant	Herbs that stimulate the function of the gastrointestinal organs involved in digestion
Disinfectant	Herbs that cleanse infections by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease-producing microorganisms
Diuretic	Herbs that increase and assist with elimination of urine
Dopamine Agonist	Herbs that bind to and activate dopamine receptors
Ecbolic	Herbs that aid childbirth by increasing uterine contractions
Emetic	Herbs that induce vomiting
Emmenagogue	Herbs that stimulate and normalize menstrual flow; can include herbs that act as tonics on the female reproductive system
Emollient	Herbs that soften, soothe, and protect the skin; act externally as demulcents do internally
Estrogen Modulating	Herbs that act subtly to promote estrogen production and effects in the body
Exanthematous	Herbs related to skin diseases or eruptions
Expectorant	Herbs that assist the body in removing excess mucus from the respiratory system
Febrifuge	Herbs that reduce or eliminate fevers
Female Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone, vigor, and function of the female reproductive system
Galactagogue	Herbs that help stimulate and increase milk flow
Gastric Stimulant	Herbs that stimulate the function of the stomach
Hemostatic	Herbs that stop bleeding
Hallucinogen	Herbs that induce hallucinations
Hepatic	Herbs that aid, tone, and strengthen the liver, and that increase the flow of bile
Hepatoprotective	Herbs that protect the hepatocytes (liver cells) against toxic damage
Hepatotrophorestorative	Herbs used to restore the integrity of liver tissue
Hydragogue	Herbs that cause a watery discharge
Hypertensive	Herbs used to decrease blood pressure
Hypnotic	Herbs that promote sleep
Hypocholesterolemic	Herbs that reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood
Hypoglycemic	Herbs that reduce the level of glucose in the blood
Hypolipidemic	Herbs that reduce the lipid level (cholesterol and triglycerides) of the blood
Hypotensive	Herbs that reduce blood pressure
Immune Depressant	Herbs that reduce immune function; used particularly when part of the immune system is overactive
Immune Enhancing	Herbs that enhance immune function
Immune Modulating	Herbs that modulate and balance the activity of the immune system
Insecticidal	Herbs that kill insects
Irritant	Herbs that cause pain or heat
Laxative	Herbs that promote bowel movement and offer relief from constipation
Liniment	A medicine acting as an embrocation (lotion)
Lithotriptic/Antilithic	Herbs that can crush a calculus (an abnormal concretion, usually in the form of mineral salts) within the bladder
Local Anesthetic	A substance that removes sensation or pain when applied locally
Lymphatic	Herbs that assist detoxification by their effect on lymphatic tissue; often also improve immune function
Male Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone, vigor, and function of the male reproductive system
Maturative	Herbs that promote suppuration (pus)
Mucilaginous	Herbs characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency
Mucolytic	Herbs that help break up and disperse sticky mucus in the respiratory tract
Mucoprotective	Herbs that protect the mucous membranes, especially in the context of the gastric lining
Mucous Membrane Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone, vigor, and function of the mucous membranes (particularly of the respiratory tract)
Mydriatic	Herbs that dilate the pupil of the eye
Myotic	Herbs causing an unnatural contraction of the pupil of the eye
Narcotic	Herbs that relieve pain and induce sleep when used in medicinal doses; in large doses, can produce convulsions, coma, or death
Nauseate	Herbs that produce an inclination to vomit
Nephritic	Herbs applicable to diseases of the kidney
Nervine	Herbs that have a beneficial effect—calming, soothing, or strengthening—on the nervous system
Neuro-protective	Herb that helps prevent damage to the brain or spinal cord from ischemia, stroke, convulsions, or trauma
Nutritive	Herbs that nourish the body
Odontalgic	Herbs used for a toothache
Ophthalmic	Herbs used on inflammation of the eye or its appendages
Ovarian Tonic	Herbs used to enhance the tone, vigor, and function of the ovaries
Oxytocic	Herbs that stimulate contractions of the uterus
Parasitic	Herbs that kill parasites
Parturient	Herbs that induce labor and assist in the efficient delivery of the fetus and the placenta
Partus Preparator	Herbs taken in preparation for labor and childbirth (treatment usually begins in the second trimester)
Pectoral	Herbs that strengthen and heal the respiratory system
Peripheral Vasodilator	Herbs that dilate or widen the peripheral blood vessels and thereby improve circulation to the peripheral tissues; may assist in reducing blood pressure
Poison	Herbs that have a harmful or destructive effect when in contact with living tissue
Progestogenic	Herbs that promote the effect or production of progesterone
Prolactin Inhibitor	Herbs that inhibit the secretion of prolactin
Protozoicidal	Herbs that kill protozoa (e.g., amoebae)
Pulmonary	Herbs that strengthen the lungs
Pungent	Hot-tasting herbs that act on a common group of nerve cell receptors, having the effect of warming the body and improving digestion and circulation
Purgative	Herbs that purge the body by emesis or via the bowels
Refrigerant	Herbs that are cooling and/or relieve thirst
Restorative	Herbs that restore consciousness or normal physiological activity
Rubefacient	Herbs that cause redness of the skin when applied topically, helping to increase blood flow and circulation
Sedative	Herbs that calm the nervous system and reduce stress and nervousness
Sexual Tonic	Herbs that improve the tone, vigor, and function of the sexual organs
Sialogogue	Herbs that increase the secretion of the salivary glands
Soporific	Herbs that induce sleep
Spasmolytic	Herbs that reduce or relieve smooth muscle spasm
Specific	Herbs that cure or alleviate a particular condition or disease
Sternutatory	Herbs that provoke sneezing
Stimulant	Herbs that excite or quicken the activity of the physiological process
Stomachic	Herbs that strengthen and stimulate the stomach
Styptic	Herbs that stop bleeding when applied locally
Sudorific	Herbs that produce sweating
Thyroid Stimulant	Herbs that enhance the activity of the thyroid gland
Tissue Perfusion Enhancing	Herbs that enhance the flow of nutrients into a tissue
Tonic	Herbs that strengthen and enliven specific organs or the whole body
Toxic	Herbs of a stimulating, narcotic, or anesthetic nature
TSH Antagonist	Herbs that block the activity of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Urinary Antiseptic	Herbs that inhibit the growth of or destroy microorganisms within the urinary tract
Urinary Demulcent	Herbs that have a soothing effect on mucous membranes of the urinary tract
Uterine Sedative	Herbs that reduce the activity of the uterus
Uterine Tonic	Herbs that increase the tone of the uterine muscle
Vasoconstrictor	Herbs that constrict or narrow blood vessels
Vasodilator	Herbs that dilate or widen blood vessels
Vasoprotective	Herbs that protect the integrity of the blood vessels
Venotonic	Herbs that improve the tones and function of the veins
Vermicide	Herbs that destroy intestinal worms
Vermifuge	Herbs that expel intestinal worms
Vesicant	Herbs that produce blisters
Vulnerary	Herbs that are applied externally to help heal wounds and cuts
Weight Reducing	Herbs that assist in the reduction of body weight

Herbal Bio Constituents

The rise of ethnopharmacology and pharmacognosy led to the scientific labeling and defining of individual herbs’ medicinal parts, called herbal bio constituents or phytochemicals. Use the information below to build upon your herbal knowledge for more in-depth study of herbal medicine from a scientific perspective.

Alkaloids: Ammonia compounds with nitrogen bases. Alkaloids have strong biological effects. Stimulant, narcotic, and toxic by principle, they are extremely bitter by nature. Often concentrated in the seeds and roots of herbs.

Formulation tips: Tannins precipitate alkaloids, so please keep in mind when formulating. Alcohol soluble, rarely water soluble, and nearly insoluble in fixed oils.

Glycosides: Condensation products of sugars. Although not true herbal bio constituents, glycosides easily bind to carbon, nitrogen, alcohol, or sulfur, turning them into something else, including any of the other bio constituent groups. They are sugars by principle and bitter by nature. Due to its bitter nature, this group is often given to correct digestion and stimulate appetite.

Formulation tips: Alcohol and water soluble.

Phenols: Polyphenol extracts. They work with the defense systems of the body.

Flavonoids: Polyphenol type. Known as antioxidants and free radical scavengers. They tend to give integrity to structures. In plants, they play an important role as growth regulators. They are also known to strive for balance when under attack from such things as allergens, viruses, and other foreign invaders.

Tannins: Polyphenol type with a propensity for acidic reactions. Often used as antiseptics and as healing agents. Think astringent when you think of tannins. Used to tighten up vessels, tissues, watery secretions, and the like.

Formulation tips: Alcohol and water soluble.

Saponins: The word is derived from the plant Saponaria vaccaria; it describes its soap-like quality when it’s mixed with water, producing a lather. Similar in structure to many hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. When considering saponins, one must review their toxic effects. They can at times produce an irritation to the respiratory track, digestive track, or mucous membranes of the body. Due to their hemolytic properties, their ability to rupture cell walls of red blood cells, they should never be used intravenously or intramuscularly, such as in IV therapy or injection.

Formulation tips: Alcohol and water soluble.

Terpenes: These consist of chains of carbon and hydrogen units. They are variable in action, from highly stimulating to deeply sedative. Most of them are highly aromatic; some can be broken down and processed extremely quickly, which can lead to strong effects requiring caution. Antimicrobial by principle.

Formulation tips: Alcohol soluble, insoluble in water.

Volatile oils: Synonymous with essential oils, volatile oils are highly aromatic and typically grouped as antimicrobial by principle. Derived by a steam distillation process, they are very different from a simple herbal oil. Used to stimulate or sedate tissues, they are most often phenolic by principle, but they can also produce some alkaloids.

Formulation tips: Alcohol and oil soluble.