APPENDIX 1
Properties and Actions of Herbs
Included here are descriptions of some of the many properties and actions of herbs, with examples of specific herbs to follow.
Abortifacient: Can cause expulsion of the fetus, and if not, can cause other damage to fetus.
Blue cohosh, mugwort, pennyroyal.
Adaptogen: Helps our body adapt to and deal with stress in all areas—body, mind, spirit. Helps keep balance and conserve energy.
Astragalus, ashwaganda, ginseng, eleuthero.
Alterative: Blood purifiers, cleansers, builders, tonics. Helps the body deal with toxic substances, and to assimilate nutrients.
Burdock, comfrey, nettle, plantain.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Chamomile, skullcap, valerian.
Anodyne: Relieves pain (see Analgesic).
Antiarthritic: Relieves inflammation and joint pain. Protects joints from degeneration.
Turmeric, juniper, black cohosh.
Antibacterial: Inhibits the growth of, or destroys bacteria and viruses.
Echinacea, elecampane, garlic, goldenseal.
Anticatarrhal: Decreases mucous production.
Elder, mullein, sage.
Antipyretic: Cooling to reduce or prevent fever.
Boneset, basil, chickweed.
Antidepressant: Relieves depression, supports the nervous system.
Lemon balm, oat tops, St. John’s wort.
Antiemetic: Prevents vomiting.
Chamomile, ginger, peppermint.
Antifungal: Inhibits or destroys growth of fungi.
Garlic, tea tree, yarrow.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Cayenne, chamomile, turmeric, yarrow.
Antilithic: Prevents kidney stones.
Corn silk, gravel root, hydrangea.
Antimicrobial: Reduces microbial growth, same as antibacterial.
Antioxidant: Prevents damage from free radicals.
Astragalus, ginger, sage, turmeric.
Antiparasitic: kills parasites. Not to be used in excess.
Clove, elecampane, wormwood, garlic.
Antiseptic: Cleansing to the skin topically to prevent microbes and infection.
Calendula, sage, plantain, yarrow.
Antispasmodic: reduces muscle spasm, relaxes muscles.
Chamomile, cramp bark, kava, valerian.
Antitussive: Relieves coughing.
Elecampane, coltsfoot, poppy, thyme.
Antitumor: Suppresses growth of tumors.
Astragalus, burdock, echinacea, garlic, red clover.
Antiviral: Supports the immune system and suppresses the growth of viruses.
Elder, lemon balm, garlic, echinacea, osha.
Aphrodisiac: Tones reproductive organs, and/or stimulates sexual desire.
Astragalus, ginseng, damiana, burdock.
Astringent: Constricting of tissues, used to bind swellings, bleeding, and mucous membranes.
Mullein, red raspberry, sage, yarrow.
Bitter: Stimulates digestion, by increasing production of bile.
Burdock, dandelion, motherwort, yarrow.
Bronchodilator: Relaxes bronchial muscles, to create easier breathing.
Chamomile, elecampane, peppermint, thyme.
Calmative: Calming to the nervous system.
Chamomile, hops, lavender, valerian.
Carminative: Relieves gas and griping.
Fennel, ginger, peppermint.
Cholagogue: Promotes bile flow from the gall bladder. These herbs also have laxative properties.
Burdock, dandelion, goldenseal.
Choleretic: Stimulates bile production in the liver. (See Bitter and Cholagogue herbs).
Demulcent: Soothes and heals mucous membranes.
Marshmallow, comfrey, slippery elm, burdock, fenugreek.
Diaphoretic: Induces sweating.
Elder, peppermint, yarrow.
Diuretic: increases and stimulates urination.
Burdock, dandelion, elder, nettle, parsley.
Emmenagogue: Stimulates suppressed menstruation.
Blue cohosh, pennyroyal, yarrow.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Bloodroot, ipecac, lobelia.
Emollient: Protects, soothes and softens the skin.
Oils of almond, apricot, sesame, and olive.
Comfrey root, slippery elm, chickweed.
Expectorant: Expels mucous.
Comfrey, elecampane, coltsfoot, mullein, horehound.
Galactagogue: Increases milk flow.
Blessed thistle, fennel, dandelion, alfalfa, oat tops.
Heart tonic: Supports and strengthens natural functions of the heart.
Hawthorne, motherwort.
Hemostatic: Stops bleeding.
Cayenne, mullein, goldenseal, yellow dock.
Hepatoprotective: Supports normal liver function.
Burdock, dandelion, turmeric.
Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure.
Garlic, ginger, hawthorne, motherwort.
Immunomodulator: Assists the body’s defense system, by strengthening the immune system.
Astragalus, echinacea, garlic, St. John’s wort.
Laxative: Promotes bowel movements.
Dandelion, yellow dock.
Lymphagogue: Helps lymph system to cleanse and strengthen.
Burdock, calendula, mullein, red clover.
Nervine: Calms the nerves.
Chamomile, motherwort, valeri...