Definitions of Herbal Actions
Definitions Of Common Herbal Actions
Herbs possess a wide range of effects that allow them to maintain and support your health and wellbeing, and understanding herbal actions is an important part of understanding how herbs work in your body.
We made a list of definitions of key herbal actions used in herbal medicine to be used as a reference when studying herbs. We suggest bookmarking this page and keeping it handy for when you need it next!
Multiple Herbal Actions
It is important to keep in mind that while many herbs are popular or commonly known for one specific action, most herbs will have multiple effects in varying strengths, and it’s important not to pigeonhole an herb as having only one use.
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Adaptogens:
An adaptogen helps your body better cope with physical, mental, and environmental stress by increasing its ability to adapt and resist stressors. Adaptogens work by supporting the body's normal physiological response to stress by modulating hormones in order to restore balance and optimize functioning. Typical adaptogenic herbs and roots include ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca, and holy basil.
Alteratives:
Alteratives (also known as depuratives) are herbal remedies or treatments used to improve your health and create homeostasis. Although they are not well understood, they work primarily through detoxification - helping to clear away accumulated waste and toxins. These substances also promote proper metabolism and a healthy balance between energy and nutrients in the body. Common alterative herbs include burdock, dandelion, nettles, and red clover.
Analgesics:
Analgesics are herbs used to reduce pain and discomfort. They usually work by blocking nerve signals from being sent to the brain, preventing the sensation of pain. Analgesics are commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by headaches, arthritis, muscle soreness, and menstrual cramps. When taken and used properly, analgesics are an effective way to quickly address pain and discomfort. Some analgesic herbs include valerian root and wild lettuce.
Anti-catarrhals:
Anti-catarrhals are herbs used to reduce the symptoms of catarrh, which is an inflammation of the mucous membranes, often in the nose and throat. They can help to reduce the production of mucus, as well as the associated swelling and irritation. Common anti-catarrhals include goldenseal, goldenrod, plantain leaf, and peppermint. The use of these herbs can help to reduce congestion, reduce sinus pressure, and alleviate other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Anti-emetics:
An anti-emetic herb is any natural plant or herb that can help reduce nausea, vomiting, and related symptoms. These herbs work through a variety of natural mechanisms, including calming the stomach, boosting digestive function, improving circulation, and promoting the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins. Commonly used anti-emetic herbs include chamomile, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, and peppermint. These herbs can be used to effectively alleviate the symptoms of nausea, motion sickness, and digestive issues, as well as some chemotherapy-induced side effects. When taken as part of an overall health and wellness plan, these herbs provide a natural and effective remedy for those experiencing stomach distress.
Anti-inflammatories:
Anti-inflammatory herbs are natural components used to reduce inflammation in the body. The most common anti-inflammatory herbs include turmeric, ginger, devil's claw, frankincense. These contain properties that work to relieve inflammation and pain, helping to heal tissue and protect against further damage. They are often used to reduce inflammation in the joints, muscles, and other parts of the body that are associated with chronic pain. By consuming anti-inflammatory herbs daily, inflammation can often be managed effectively and naturally.
Anti-lithics:
Anti-lithic herbs are medicinal plants with properties that can help dissolve or prevent the formation of gallstones and kidney stones. These herbs are often also natural diuretics, pain relievers, and may help the body break down fatty foods. Common anti-lithic herbs include celery seed, gravel root, and hydrangea root.
Anti-microbials:
An anti-microbial is an herb that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This type of herb is often used in disinfectants, antifungal treatments, and sore throat remedies. Antimicrobial herbs help destroy or slow the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, reducing the risk of infection and protecting the health of individuals. Some of the best-known anti-microbial herbs include garlic, echinacea, osha root, and thyme.
Anti-pyretics:
An anti-pyretic herb is a plant used to reduce fever and provide relief from symptoms associated with fever, such as headache, sweating, and chills. Some examples of anti-pyretic herbs include elderberry and elderflower, meadowsweet, peppermint, white willow bark, and yarrow. These herbs usually also contain compounds that are known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, which can further help to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of a fever.
Anti-rhuematics:
Anti-rheumatic herbs are used to reduce joint pain and relieve other symptoms associated with rheumatic diseases. These natural treatments have been used for centuries to help soothe sore joints, improve flexibility, and reduce inflammation in people with arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatic conditions. Common anti-rheumatic herbs include celery seed, devil’s claw root, and turmeric. These herbs are often highly anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce swelling.
Antispasmodics:
Anti-spasmodic herbs are used to reduce or relieve muscle spasms, tension, and cramping. These herbal remedies often work by reducing the nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract and create symptomatic spasms. Anti-spasmodic herbs also often target related issues such as pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Through their calming effects, anti-spasmodic herbs can help bring relief from such conditions as chronic muscle pain, muscular tension, colic, menstrual cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome. Popular herbs in this category include chamomile, ginger, hops, and passionflower.
Aperients:
Aperient herbs increase digestive activity, hunger, and can also act as a gentle laxative. They can help with bloating, water retention, constipation, and improving overall digestive health. Popular aperient herbs include dandelion root, Oregon grape root, and yellow dock root.
Aromatics:
Aromatic herbs are plants with fragrant leaves, flowers, roots, or stems that are used in cooking or medicine. These herbs range from common culinary herbs like thyme and rosemary to less common herbs such as star anise and cardamom. Aromatic herbs are known for their distinct flavor and smell, and they are often used as an ingredient in both foods and medicine to improve or enhance flavor. Most aromatic herbs have additional medicinal properties, making them a valuable item in any home apothecary.
Astringents:
Astringent herbs are plants with special compounds in their leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits that cause proteins in skin or mucous membranes to move closer together, resulting in a tightening sensation. Astringent herbs are known for their ability to tighten and tone, reducing inflammation and helping to prevent infection. Common astringent herbs include red raspberry leaf and white oak bark. Many astringent herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and in topical and internal skin care treatments due to their natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and healing properties.
Bitters:
Bitter herbs are edible plants or herbs with a bitter taste. They have long been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy or as part of a cleansing diet. Common examples of bitter herbs include burdock root, dandelion root, gentian root, wormwood, and yellow dock. Bitter herbs are known for their ability to promote digestion, stimulate hunger, and detoxify the body. Additionally, they are often used as flavoring agents in cocktail bitters and herbal recipes.
Cardiac-Tonics:
Cardiac tonics are a type of herb used to strengthen heart function. They can help to strengthen the heart muscle, increase circulation, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Cardiac tonic herbs include hawthorn leaf and berries, as well as motherwort.
Carminatives:
Carminatives are herbs that have the ability to disperse gas from the gastrointestinal tract, thereby relieving flatulence and other digestive discomforts. They are used to settle the stomach, relieve abdominal cramping, and improve digestion. Examples of carminatives include anise, caraway, chamomile, cinnamon, fennel, and peppermint.
Cholagogues:
A cholagogue is a type of natural remedy used to promote the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. This process can help to decrease the symptoms of bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues. Some herbs known to have cholagogue properties include dandelion root, gentian root, and turmeric root.
Choleretics:
Choleretic is a term used to refer to herbs that increase the volume of bile produced by the liver. Many choleretics are also cholagogues, and the action of each is quite similar. Choleretic herbs are often used to address many different health issues such as liver disease, digestive problems, and gallstone formation. Many herbs are considered to be choleretic, including some common plants like goldenseal and turmeric root.
Connective Tissue Tonics:
Connective tissue tonic herbs are a group of herbs used to support healthy connective tissue in the human body, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. They work to nourish and protect these tissues, preventing or reducing damage, and aiding in the healing process when injuries occur. This tonic category includes herbs such gotu kola and horsetail, which can help rebuild and maintain connective tissue elasticity, and as well as reduce inflammation.
Demulcents:
A demulcent is a type of herb used to soothe and protect irritated and inflamed tissues on the inside of the body, like the lining of stomach or intestines. When used topically, demulcent herbs are referred to as emollients. Demulcent herbs contain substances that work to coat and protect the affected tissues while decreasing inflammation and promoting healing. Examples of demulcent herbs used in natural medicine are licorice root, marshmallow root, and slippery elm bark.
Diaphoretics:
A diaphoretic is an herb stimulates perspiration or sweat production. Popular diaphoretic herbs include cayenne, ginger, yarrow, and catnip. Diaphoretic herbs are often used to support the body's natural cooling mechanism in cases of fever, or to help detoxify the body by releasing accumulated toxins through the skin. If you have eaten something spicy and felt an increase in your peripheral circulation, you have felt diaphoretics in action. They are typically used for circulatory and respiratory ailments, as well as colds and flu. Usage of diaphoretics should be accompanied by adequate hydration and nutrition to ensure the best possible results.
Diuretics:
A diuretic is an herb that increases the amount of urine produced by the body. Diuretic herbs such as celery seed, dandelion leaf, and yarrow are often used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and fluid retention. When used correctly, diuretics can be a useful tool for helping to prevent kidney stones, reducing swelling caused by fluid retention, and decreasing blood pressure.
Emetics:
An emetic herb is one that induces vomiting. These herbs are not as commonly used in herbal medicine today. An example of an emetic herb is lobelia, which can cause vomiting when taken in large quantities.
Emmenagogues:
An emmenagogue is an herb that induces or increases menstrual flow. Emmenagogues have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for the treatment of menstrual cramping, irregular periods, or missed periods. They are sometimes used as a remedy for other conditions, including infertility, hormonal imbalance, pelvic inflammatory disease, and menopause. Emmenagogues work by stimulating blood circulation to the uterus and by facilitating the production of hormones that regulate menstruation. Popular emmenagogues include black cohosh, mugwort, and yarrow.
Emollients:
Emollient herbs are herbs that are known for their soothing and calming effects when applied topically. They are often used in skincare products and healing balms to help soothe irritated and inflamed skin, as well as for itching and rashes. Some of the most popular emollient herbs include chickweed and plantain leaf. When used internally, emollient herbs are referred to as demulcents.
Expectorants:
An expectorant is an herb that helps to thin, loosen, and remove mucus buildup in the airways that could otherwise cause coughs and difficulty breathing. By reducing the viscosity of mucus, expectorants can help reduce coughing and chest congestion to make breathing easier, as well as help to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Expectorants are a popular type of herb during cold and flu season, and include elecampane, horsetail, and plantain leaf.
Febrifuge:
A febrifuge herb has a fever-reducing or cooling effect on the body. These herbs help to reduce body temperature, stave off infection, and aid in the recovery from all sorts of ailments, such as flu, cold, fever, and other infectious diseases. Popular febrifuge herbs include meadowsweet, peppermint, and white willow bark.
Galactagogues:
A galactagogue is an herb that helps increase a nursing mother's milk supply. Galactagogues act by stimulating the hormones responsible for lactation (prolactin and oxytocin) and may also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can affect milk production. Common herbs used as galactagogues include alfalfa, fennel, and fenugreek.
Hemostatics:
Hemostatic herbs are known for their ability to stop or reduce bleeding. They can be used to treat various health conditions including excessive menstrual flow, uterine bleeding, and hemorrhoids. Hemostatic herbs are believed to work by constricting blood vessels, shrinking tissues, and promoting clotting to stop the flow of blood. A popular hemostatic herb is ginkgo leaf.
Hepatics:
Hepatic herbs support liver function. They can tone, protect, and even detoxify the liver. Common hepatic herbs include dandelion root, milk thistle, and Oregon grape root. Many hepatic herbs offer a range of benefits including protecting and regenerating liver cells, improving liver function, and protecting the liver from free radical damage. Often, hepatic herbs will contain flavonoids, antioxidants, minerals, and other compounds which additionally contribute to the promotion of healthy liver function.
Hormone Balancers:
Hormone balancing herbs are natural plant-based remedies that work to support and restore balance in the body's endocrine system. They help to reduce hormonal imbalances and alleviate their associated health symptoms in both men and women. These herbs can work both internally and topically to promote proper hormonal levels and help promote a healthy endocrine balance. Some common hormone regulating herbs include red clover, dong quai, and ashwagandha.
Hypnotics:
Hypnotic herbs are plants with natural compounds that work in a variety of ways to help induce sleep, relaxation, and inner calm. They are often used as a sleep aid, as well as for anxiety and meditation. Some common herbal hypnotics include passionflower, valerian root, and wild lettuce.
Immuno-modulators:
Immunomodulating herbs are used to balance, strengthen, and support the body’s natural immunological response. These herbs help to regulate the immune system and enhance its ability to react to foreign invaders, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Immunomodulating herbs are often used to treat autoimmune disorders, allergies, and other immune-related issues. Popular examples of immunomodulating herbs include astragalus root, usnea, and licorice root.
Immuno-stimulants:
Immunostimulant herbs are used to help boost the immune system. These herbs aim to stimulate the body to defend itself from foreign invading pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, which may cause illness or disease. By increasing the efficiency of the immune system, immunostimulant herbs can help to prevent illnesses, increase resilience to infection, and can also assist in recovery from more serious illnesses. The most well-known immunostimulant herb is echinacea.
Laxatives:
Laxative herbs are consumed to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. They are often used to promote regularity and digestive health, and their strength is often dependant on dosage. Common laxative herbs include burdock root, cascara, and senna leaf.
Lymphatics:
Lymphatic herbs are plants that help support the body's lymphatic system by promoting detoxification and cleansing. Common lymphatic herbs include calendula, cleavers, and red clover, which can help to support the body's lymphatic circulation and drainage of toxins. A well-functioning lymphatic system helps your body to fight infection and relieve inflammation.
Nervines:
Nervine herbs support and nourish the nervous system. They can have a relaxing, toning, or stimulating effect depending on the specific nervine herb. Often, nervines are used to help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve insomnia, and improve cognitive function. Common nervine herbs include gotu kola, lavender, lemon balm, and passion flower.
Nutritives:
Nutritive herbs have especially high nutritive value. These herbs are packed with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds to promote overall health. Common examples of nutritive herbs include alfalfa leaf, dandelion leaf and root, oat straw, and nettle leaf. Nutritive herbs can help supplement modern diets and can even play a role in managing and preventing some chronic health conditions. Additionally, these herbs often offer a wide range of additional benefits such as boosting immunity, improving digestion, providing pain relief, and reducing stress.
Oxytocics:
Oxytocic herbs are herbs that stimulate contractions of the uterus. These herbs are also known as uterine stimulants. Common oxytocic herbs include angelica root and goldenseal. When used appropriately, oxytocic herbs can be a safe and effective tool for making the birthing process easier.
Rubefacients:
Rubefacient herbs are plants that when applied topically, produce an increase in circulation that is local to the area that they are applied. These herbs are often used for their ability to stimulate blood flow, and can be useful tools for alleviating muscle stiffness, joint pain, respiratory issues, and more. Some common rubefacient herbs include cayenne, garlic, and ginger. When using these herbs, it is important to remember to avoid contact with the eyes as they may cause irritation.
Sedatives:
Sedative herbs help to calm the body and mind, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep. Commonly used sedative herbs include wild lettuce and valerian root. Sedative herbs work to relax the central nervous system, allowing for a sense of peace and relaxation during times of stress and tension. Herbs in this category are often used to help improve sleep quality, and to decrease anxiety, depression, and headaches.
Stimulants:
Stimulant herbs stimulate the body in some way. This can be an increase in energy caused by a nervine stimulant such as coffee, or it can be stimulation of other parts of the body such as the immune or circulatory system.
Tonics:
Tonic herbs are plants that increase vitality, nourish, and strengthen the body. Tonic herbs can support the entire body or have an organ or body system that they work especially well in supporting. Common immune tonics include astragalus root and reishi mushroom. Adrenal tonics include ashwagandha root, licorice root, and rhodiola root. Other categories of tonic herbs include those with an affinity for connective tissue, respiratory function, liver function, and more.
Vulneraries:
A vulnerary herb is used to help heal wounds, relieve inflammation, and promote the quick regeneration of tissue. Common vulnerary herbs include calendula, comfrey, and plantain. Vulneraries can aid in the natural healing process and sometimes even help to reduce the amount of scarring that occurs after a wound has healed.