HERB AL ACTIONS

A DA P TO G E N
An herb that aids the body through a nonspecific boost in resistance to external stressors, supports the body’s ability to
adapt to change, and may stimulate or modulate immunity. Herbalists use adaptogens to improve immune response,
increase stamina, and normalize sexual function, among other things.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) root Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) root
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) aerial parts

A LT E R AT I V E
Herbs that work on a general level to tonify the systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal.
Alteratives may specifically promote elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin, or lungs. Alteratives are typically
used for skin issues, arthritis, chronic conditions, and as a general “tune-up” for the body.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaf Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf

Burdock (Arctium lappa) root Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) root
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf and root Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root

ANALGESIC
Herbs that diminish pain without inducing unconsciousness.
Analgesics are commonly used for headaches, cramps, toothaches, arthritis, and other causes of pain.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) whole plant Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) aerial parts
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud Willow (Salix spp.) bark

A N T I C ATA R R H A L
Herbs that thin and promote the flow of mucus/phlegm associated with such conditions as allergies, colds, or the flu.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit Elder (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) flower
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) fruit Sage (Salvia officinalis) aerial parts

A N T I M I C RO B I A L
An herb that aids the body in destroying or resisting pathogens.
Antimicrobials are further divided into more specific categories (such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, etc.)
depending on the pathogens against which they are effective.

ANTIMICROBIAL ANTIVIRAL
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) leaf and rhizome Elder (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) berry
Sage (Salvia officinalis) aerial parts Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aerial parts
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) aerial parts Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root

ANTIB ACTERIAL ANTIFUNGAL

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) aerial parts Black walnut (Juglans nigra) hull
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) root Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) aerial parts
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ANT I OX I DA NT
An herb that prevents damage from free radicals, molecules in the body that can cause damage to healthy tissues and cells.
Free radicals are formed in the body when we are exposed to environmental toxins,
waste products of our own metabolism, and ultraviolet radiation.

Elder (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) berry Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) aerial parts Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) aerial parts
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry and aerial parts Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome

A S T R I NG E NT
An herb that causes tissues to contract, typically due to its high tannin content.
The skin-tightening sensation that occurs after an application of witch hazel is due to the astringent nature of the plant.
Astringents are used for hemorrhoids, swollen tonsils, and excess secretions.

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) aerial parts Oak (Quercus spp.) bark

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) root Rose (Rosa spp.) petal
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower Witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.) bark

BI T T E R
An herb that has a bitter taste and stimulates the release of digestive secretions through a taste bud reflex.
Bitters are used to promote the digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) root Gentian (Gentiana lutea) root

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) aerial parts
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf and root Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) aerial parts

C A R MI NAT I V E
An herb that aids the body in expelling gas, eases bowel griping, and soothes intestinal discomfort.
Carminative plants are typically high in aromatic oils and are useful in a variety of digestive disorders.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) seed Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seed Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome
Dill (Anethum graveolens) seed Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf

D E MU L C E NT
An herb that soothes and protects irritated, damaged, and inflamed tissues.
Demulcents typically have a slimy or gooey texture and are used internally for sore throats,
lung irritation, and gut and urinary tract inflammation.

Burdock (Arctium lappa) root

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) leaf and root
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root
Flax (Linum spp.) seed

DIAPHORETIC
An herb that, when taken hot, induces perspiration. Herbalists use diaphoretics to encourage fevers to “break”
and to aid the body in expelling pathogens through the skin.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aerial parts Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts BA
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Elder (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) flower Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) aerial parts
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DIURETIC
An herb that increases the flow of urine. Increased urine flow is useful in conditions such as
water retention, kidney stagnation, and urinary tract infections.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) aboveground parts Juniper (Juniperus communis) berry

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) leaf and stem Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

E MME NAG O G U E
Emmenagogues encourage menstruation, both by stimulating menses and increasing flow.
Emmenagogues should be avoided in pregnancy.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) root Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) aerial parts

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) root Rue (Ruta graveolens) leaf
Gentian (Gentiana lutea) root Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aerial parts

E X P E C TO R A NT
An herb that helps expel excess or stuck mucus from the respiratory system.
Expectorants are used for colds, the flu, and other sources of lung congestion.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) seed Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root

Elecampane (Inula helenium) root Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaf
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) aerial parts Wild cherry (Prunus serotina) bark

H E PAT I C
An herb that supports the function of the liver in a range of ways; the term hepatic is best understood as
a description of a general function, rather than a specific mechanism of action.
Hepatics are often further classified by specific effects on liver function—for example,
hepatoprotectives prevent damage to the liver on a cellular level.

Barberry (Berberis spp.) root Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) root

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) fruit
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root

NE RV I NE
An herb that can have a nourishing, calming, or stimulating effect on the nervous system.
Nervines are used for anxiety, panic, nervous tension, and headaches.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) aerial parts Linden (Tilia spp.) leaf and bract
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) aerial parts
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aerial parts Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root

TO NI C
An herb that strengthens the body through a general tonifying effect or through specific affinities for certain organs.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root - immune tonic

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaf - lung tonic
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root - liver tonic
Oat (Avena sativa) milky seed - nervous system tonic
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry, leaf, and flower A L
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf - uterine tonic
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