Herbalism 101 | Herbal Indications C-V
If you’re new to the world of herbalism, you might have already bumped into some words that seem like a foreign language. What are adaptogen, alterative, and bitter herbs?
Whether you’re looking to learn about herbs to support yourself, your family, or your community, getting to know herbal indications is the first step to decoding the language of our herbal allies.
What is an herbal action/Indication?
In today’s science-backed world it’s important to bridge the “language” gap between how herbs function and what specific actions they may cause in the body. Each plant ally has his or her own special set of indications. Chamomile, for example, is considered an Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Carminative, Sedative, and a Vulnerary. The synergy of these actions supports the healing journey of our bodies as a whole: mind + body + spirit.
Herbal actions are terms used to categorize plants by the effect they cause on the body.
Herbal actions are key pieces of the puzzle herbalists use when creating formulations or prescribing single herbs. Knowing how an herb affects our body will help you understand the plants’ language and take you deeper into the world of herbalism.
Herbal Actions C-V
Choleretic | Demulcent | Diaphoretic | Diuretic | Emmenagogue | Emollient | Expectorant | Galactagogue | Hepatic + Hepatoprotective | Hypnotic | Hypoglycemic | Hypotensive | Laxative | Nervine | Rubefacient | Sedative | Tonic | Trophorestorative | Vulnerary
Choleretic
Choleretic herbs may stimulate the production of liver bile. Stimulation of bile can help the body to release toxins.
Who are these herbal allies?
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)
Dandelion root is especially beneficial for the liver. Historically, dandelion root has been used to improve liver health by enhancing its detoxification function through an increase in bile flow. The vitamins and minerals that come from this plant ally also help cleanse the liver and blood.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B-6, and C. She has also been used for centuries to stimulate liver bile. This is due to one of her constituents, carnosol. Carnosol is a bioactive compound that occurs naturally in rosemary, which may help support the liver's natural detoxification process.
Demulcent
Demulcents are herbs containing mucilaginous compounds that coat and soothe mucous membranes.
Who are these herbal allies?
Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis)
Historically, marshmallow leaves and roots have been used for their demulcent actions in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and urinary tract. She is a great healing agent that can be used both internally and externally and is typically used in cases of irritated and inflamed mucous membranes.
This herbal ally is known for her soothing effect on the throat, lungs, and digestive system (stomach and intestines). She is full of polysaccharides (glucans), which give her her demulcent actions.
Diaphoretic
This class of herbs induces sweating and is often used to reduce fevers.
Who are these herbal allies?
Have you ever had a dash of cayenne pepper and started sweating? That effect is due to capsaicin, one of the main components in cayenne. This constituent is responsible for cayenne’s sweat-inducing effect.
Catnip is a great herbal ally, especially for infants and children. She is gentle, soothing, and great for breaking childhood fevers without increasing internal heat (temperature).
Diuretic
Diuretic herbs increase the amount of urine produced, helping to eliminate excess sodium and water from the body.
Who are these herbal allies?
Nettle increases urination, making her a great herbal ally for the kidneys, allowing the body to naturally flush out toxins from the urinary tract. This herb may help prevent kidney stones and improve kidney function.
Cleavers have been used for centuries by herbalists to soothe bladder and kidney problems. Her diuretic actions help flush out toxins, excess fluid, and waste from the body.
Emmenagogue
Emmenagogues stimulate menstruation, these are ideal herbal allies for those experiencing delayed menses. These herbs should be avoided during pregnancy.
Who are these herbal allies?
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Blue cohosh is a traditional herbal remedy for menstruation and was often used by Native Americans to help stimulate menstrual flow. The saponin content in this herb seems to be responsible for stimulating uterine contractions.
For centuries (as far back as during the Roman empire), mugwort has been considered a helpful herbal ally for women experiencing delayed menses. Mugwort is warming, and increases circulation to the uterus, allowing for the blood to flow more freely.
Pregnant women should stay away from mugwort.
Emollient
Herbs in this category soften, soothe, and protect the skin.
Who are these herbal allies?
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe can be used internally or externally. She has been used to treat gastrointestinal conditions and wounds. Topically, this plant can help soothe irritated skin from sunburn or dry, itchy skin associated with eczema.
In almost all parts of the world, plantain leaves have long been used as a wound-healing remedy, most commonly used for relieving skin issues like insect bites, burns, and stings. The fresh leaves can be chewed into a poultice and applied directly to the affected area.
Expectorant
Expectorants may help to remove mucus from the lungs. There are two types of expectorants: soothing expectorants and stimulating expectorants.
Soothing expectorants: Relaxing or soothing expectorants are more likely to be used when sticky, runny mucus leads to an irritable cough, as these herbal allies soothe bronchial spasms and loosen mucus secretion. Their effects are often owed to the presence of mucilage or volatile oils.
Stimulating expectorants: This group of expectorants tends to stimulate the lining of the bronchioles to help expel excess mucus. The saponins, volatile oils, resins, and alkaloids often found in these herbs give them their stimulating effects.
Who are these herbal allies?
Slippery elm (Ulmus spp.) - soothing expectorant
This herbal ally is indicated for soothing the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract. As an expectorant, she is most often used in cases of dry coughs causing irritation in the respiratory tract.
Elecampane (Inula helenium) - stimulating expectorant
Elecampane may be used in cases of viral or bacterial infections of the lungs. She is thought to strengthen and cleanse the respiratory tract, traditionally used to help people experiencing chronic coughs.
Galactagogue
Galactagogue herbs are used to stimulate milk flow in lactating women.
Who are these herbal allies?
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
This herbal ally is one of the most commonly used galactagogues. It is thought that the constituent diosgenin is responsible for enhancing milk production in lactating women.
Fennel is a sweet and spicy warming herb with a long history of use by women who are breastfeeding to help them enhance their milk supply. Fennel can be taken in capsule form, tossed in salads or food, and can also be enjoyed as a tea.
Hepatic + Hepatoprotective
Hepatic herbs stimulate liver function. Some of the herbs in this class tend to be more protective rather than stimulating. Protective hepatic herbs are called hepatoprotective. Historically, they have been known to help tone and strengthen the liver as well as increase bile production.
Who are these herbal allies?
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Historically, milk thistle has been used to support the liver in cases of liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a primary active constituent that may help to increase glutathione in the liver. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps in the cellular detox system. It may also reduce inflammation in the liver and increase bile production.
Yellow dock may be useful in cases of liver congestion. The glycosides in this plant help to increase bile production. As an herb rich in antioxidants, she may protect against oxidative damage and stress caused by free radicals, especially those within the liver tissue.
Hypnotic
These herbal allies help to induce deep and restorative sleep.
Who are these herbal allies?
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
This herbal ally is widely loved for its soothing properties. Historically, she has been used to help ease insomnia, nervous tension, and anxiety.
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
Wild lettuce has been used for sleep disorders, restlessness, overexcitability (especially in children), and other symptoms caused by an overactive nervous system. The active compounds in this plant are lactupicrin, lactucin, and lactucopicrin, which give wild lettuce its hypnotic effect.
Hypoglycemic
Herbs with a hypoglycemic action have been known to lower blood sugar.
Who are these herbal allies?
Garlic (Allium sativa)
Garlic, an herb most of us use in the kitchen to enhance the flavors of our meals, may also be useful for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Some studies have shown that this herbal ally may help reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
There are studies that show that green tea may be beneficial in the management of blood sugar levels. Camellia sinensis has been associated with reducing glucose and A1C levels.
Hypotensive
This class of herbs may lower blood pressure.
Who are these herbal allies?
For ailments of the emotional heart, hawthorn is indicated for those who have experienced spiritual or emotional heartache by opening the heart center and helping the person with forgiveness of others or forgiveness of past events that are keeping them from healing on an emotional level. Physically, hawthorn may help to improve the overall function of the heart. She acts as a vasodilator, relaxing constricted blood vessels.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort, mostly known for her ability to alleviate cramps and aid in cases of delayed menstruation, this herbal ally is also great for issues of the heart. Historically, she has been used in cases where a person is experiencing high blood pressure due to stress.
Laxative
The stimulating nature of these herbs helps to stimulate bowel movements. There are different types of laxatives that can be used depending on the situation: bulking laxatives, stool moisteners, and stimulating laxatives.
Bulking laxatives: these herbs use fiber to help create a softer stool and support beneficial bacteria that also help to bulk up the stool.
Stool moisteners or softeners: increase moisture in the stool. These herbs are usually mucilaginous herbs or oily seeds. Cholagogue or choleretic herbs that increase bile production also help to provide lubrication.
Stimulating laxatives: These laxatives increase bowel movements by stimulating the contractions of the large intestine. These herbs often contain the plant constituent anthraquinones.
Who are these herbal allies?
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe is considered both a bulking laxative and a stool moistener (softener). The anthraquinone compounds are what give this plant its laxative effects.
Rhubarb (Rheum officinales)
Rhubarb is considered a strong stimulating laxative due to its irritant effects on the large intestine. Rhubarb should not be used for an extended period of time, as it can cause serious issues due to its anthraquinone compounds.
Nervine
Nervines are a class of herbal allies that are beneficial to the nervous system. Nervines can be separated into three categories: nerve tonics, nerve relaxants, and nerve stimulants.
Nerve tonic: These herbs support and nourish the nervous system, helping to "tonify the nerves."
Nerve relaxants soothe and calm the nervous system. These are great allies to use during times of stress and tension.
Nerve stimulants awaken the nervous system, stimulating the nerves. This class of herbs is not recommended for those with anxiety or nervous tension.
Who are these herbal allies?
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This herbal ally has been used for both physical nerve pain and emotional pain. Historically, she has been used to alleviate physical nerve pain from sciatica and other spinal cord injuries. On an emotional level, she may be an ideal ally for those suffering from depression, anxiety, or a sense of isolation and disconnect.
St. John’s wort is contraindicated for those taking MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, blood thinners, oral contraceptives, and other drugs.
Milky oat tops are considered one of the top nerve tonics in the herbal world. This herbal ally has traditionally been used for those with nervous exhaustion, melancholy, anxiety, stress, and insomnia, as well as those who are trying to stop drug addictions like alcohol and nicotine.
Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Not all nervines are calming; some are used to stimulate and awaken the nervous system. Most of us have experienced the effects of Coffea arabica almost immediately after drinking our morning cup. This is because the caffeine in coffee crosses the blood-brain barrier and is absorbed very quickly into our system.
Rubefacient
Increases blood flow to the local area when applied directly to the skin. These herbs increase circulation through vasodilation, drawing out congestion from the affected tissue.
Who are these herbal allies?
Cayenne has been traditionally used in cases of acute or chronic back and joint pain. A poultice or salve of cayenne is applied to the affected area.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish is commonly used as a poultice and applied over aching or sore joints and congested chests
Sedative
Sedative herbs relax the body by calming the nervous system. They are also described as nervine relaxants or hypnotics.
Who are these herbal allies?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Traditionally, valerian has been considered one of the most relaxing nervines in herbal medicine. She may be used to reduce tension, anxiety, and overexcitement. She may also help induce a natural healing sleep for those experiencing insomnia.
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Among the many advantages of California poppy, she may help with insomnia as well as anxiety and depression. This is due to her Isoquinoline alkaloid content, which gives this herbal ally its sedative effects.
Tonic
Tonic herbs nourish and restore normal function to an organ or system in the body. Tonics can be specific to systems like the respiratory, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, urinary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.
Who are these herbal allies?
Red raspberry is often used during pregnancy as a mild uterine tonic. Traditionally, she has been used to strengthen the uterus, ease PMS symptoms, and stabilize irregular periods.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is widely used in Traditional Chinese medicine as an immune tonic. In TCM, this herbal ally is thought to support the immune system and the lungs by protecting the cells against damage.
Trophorestorative
Also known as nootropics, they may help to restore the function of a system or tissue in the body through nutrition, bringing the organ back to a healthy state.
Who are these herbal allies?
Damiana is a nutritive herb that may help restore the nervous system over time. She may be best suited for those with depression or exhaustion.
For thousands of years, the Gotu kola has been used to improve mental clarity and memory. This Trophorestorative herb produces stimulation for the brain via cerebral blood circulation while relaxing the rest of the body.
Vulnerary
These herbal allies are great for skin lesions, as they may help to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of wounds and irritated tissues.
Who are these herbal allies?
Arnica (Arnica spp.)
Arnica is a great herbal ally to have in your home apothecary. She has traditionally been used to promote skin healing in conditions ranging from bruises to sprains. Arnica should not be used on open wounds.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula has been used for decades in folk medicine to help heal skin issues like eczema and burns. Her saponin content and antifungal properties have made her a trusted herbal ally.