Herbs

Adaptogens aid the body through a non-specific boost in resistance to external stressors, support the body’s ability to adapt to change, and may stimulate or modulate immunity.

Examples = ashwagandha, astragalus, gotu kola, tulsi

Alterative herbs generally nourish and restore the body systems associated with nutrient assimilation and waste removal.

Examples = bee balm, black pepper, cleavers, chickweed, dandelion, echinacea, elder, garlic, gotu kola, plantain, stinging nettle, tulsi, turmeric

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

Examples = aloe vera, arnica, cayenne, clove, echinacea, elder, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, willow bark

Anticatarrhals are herbs that thin mucus and promote the flow of mucus/phlegm associated with conditions like allergies, colds, or flu. They are mainly used to support ear, nose, and throat symptoms.

Examples = black pepper, catnip, garlic, goldenrod, ginger, sage, thyme, yarrow

Anxiolytics and anti-depressants are herbs that support and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and easing symptoms.

Examples = ashwagandha, catnip, elderflower, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower, rosemary, tulsi

Antihistamines and anti-allergenics are herbs that reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the release of histamine and reducing inflammation.

Examples = marshmallow root, stinging nettle

Anti-inflammatories are herbs that help reduce inflammation in the body through various mechanisms, supporting the natural healing process without completely inhibiting it.

Examples = aloe vera, arnica, astragalus, bee balm, black pepper, calendula, cinnamon, cleavers, chamomile, chickweed, elder, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, gotu kola, hawthorn, lavender, marshmallow root, mullein, plantain, raspberry leaf, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric

Antimicrobials are herbs that aid 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.

Examples* = aloe vera (B,V), bee balm, black pepper, calendula (F,B,V), cinnamon (B,F), chickweed (B,V), clove (F,V), echinacea (B,V), elder (V), eucalyptus, garlic (F,V), ginger (V), lavender (F,V), lemon balm (B,V), oregano (F,B,V), peppermint, plantain (B,F), rosemary (F,B), sage, sweet basil. thyme (B,V), tulsi
*B = antibacterial, F = anti-fungal, V = antiviral (if there is no designation, it is a generalized antimicrobial)

Antiseptics are herbs that inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. They are great ingredients in DIY cleaners and can be used topically on the body.

Examples = arnica, cayenne, clove, plantain, rosemary, thyme

Antioxidants are herbs hat prevent damage from free radicals, molecules in the body that can cause damage to healthy tissues and cells. Free radicals form in the body when we are exposed to environmental & dietary toxins, waste products of our own metabolism, and ultraviolet radiation.

Examples = astragalus, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, elder, hawthorn, lemon balm, marshmallow root, oregano, raspberry leaf, rosemary, sage, thyme, tulsi, turmeric

Antispasmodics are herbs that relax muscle spasms and tension.

Examples = bee balm, calendula, chamomile, clove, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, marshmallow root, mullein, passionflower, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rosemary, sweet basil, thyme, tulsi

Aromatics are herbs that have a strong and often pleasant aroma. The oil-based aroma can stimulate and relax the body via the digestive and/or nervous systems, and is the basis for much of aromatherapy.

Examples = black pepper, cinnamon, clove, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, thyme

Astringents are herbs that cause tissues to tighten, typically due to high tannin content.

Examples = calendula, cinnamon, cleavers, clove, elder, eucalyptus, hawthorn, plantain, raspberry leaf, sage, stinging nettle, thyme

Bitter herbs have a bitter taste and stimulate the release of digestive enzymes through a taste bud reflex, which promotes digestion and assimilation of nutrients. They can also help the liver with detoxification and can support digestive/gut health.

Examples = aloe vera, chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, sage, wormwood, yarrow

Carminatives aid the body in expelling gas and soothe intestinal discomfort. Carminatives are typically high in aromatic oils and are useful in a variety of digestive complaints.

Examples = bee balm, black pepper, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, sweet basil, thyme, tulsi

Circulatory stimulants are herbs that stimulate the flow of blood throughout the body.. Cardiotonics are herbs that strengthen, support and restore function of the cardiovascular system. Vasodilators are herbs that dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, potentially reducing blood pressure.

Examples* = astragalus, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, clove, ginger, gotu kola, hawthorn, sage, tulsi
*S = circulator stimulant, C = cardiotonic, V = vasodilator

Decongestants are herbs that relieve nasal congestion by lowering inflammation and reducing mucus production.

Examples = elder, eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint

Demulcents are herbs that soothe and protect irritated, damaged, or inflamed tissues. They typically have a slimy or gooey texture and are used internally for sore throats, lung irritation, and gut or urinary tract inflammation.

Examples = aloe vera, calendula, cinnamon, cleavers, chickweed, marshmallow root

Diaphoretics are herbs that, when taken hot, induce perspiration. Diaphoretics are used to encourage fevers to “break” and to aid the body in expelling pathogens through the skin.

Examples = bee balm, black pepper, calendula, cayenne, cinnamon, clove, elder, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, sweet basil, thyme

Digestive stimulants are herbs that stimulate proper function of the digestive system. Digestive tonics are herbs that strengthen, support, and restore healthy function of the digestive system. Laxatives are herbs that stimulate the movement of the bowels.

Examples* = aloe vera (L), bee balm (T), black pepper (S), cayenne (S), cinnamon (S), chickweed (L), dandelion (S, L [mild]), plantain (L), raspberry leaf (D)
*S = stimulant, T = tonic, L = laxative, D = anti-diarreal

Diuretics are herbs that increase the flow of urine. Increased urine flow is useful in conditions such as water retention, kidney stagnation, and urinary tract infections.

Examples = bee balm, black pepper, cayenne, cleavers, chickweed, dandelion, garlic, gotu kola, marshmallow root, plantain, rosemary, stinging nettle, thyme

Emollients are herbs that soften, soothe, and protect the skin. They are the skin’s version of a demulcent.

Examples = aloe vera, chickweed, marshmallow root, plantain

Expectorants are herbs that help expel excess or stuck mucus from the respiratory system. They are used for colds, flu, or other sources of lung congestion. They are particularly helpful for dry, irritating, non-productive coughs.

Examples = black pepper, clove, eucalyptus, garlic, marshmallow root, mullein, oregano, plantain, sage, thyme, tulsi

Hepatics are herbs that support the function and overall health of the liver in a variety of ways and hepatoprotectives protect the liver from damage/support recovery from damage.

Examples = astragalus, black pepper, calendula, dandelion, marshmallow root, turmeric

Anti-glycemic herbs help to promote balanced blood glucose levels and support improved insulin sensitivity.

Examples = ashwagandha, astragalus, cinnamon, clove, tulsi

Immune stimulant herbs stimulate the immune system and are especially helpful when taken at the onset of illness. Immune modulant herbs generally tone and strengthen the immune system. Immune tonic herbs generally nourish and support healthy immune function.

Examples* = arnica (S), ashwagandha (S), astragalus (M), calendula (T), cleavers (M), echinacea (S,M), elder (S), garlic (S), gotu kola (S), plantain (S,M), tulsi (M)
*S = stimulant, M = modulant, T = tonic

Lymphatics are herbs that can increase lymphatic flow moving fluid and protein away from areas of inflammation so that fresh lymph (rich in oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair) can replace it, playing a vital role in helping the body fight infection and relieve inflammation, swollen glands, and edema, while supporting the health of the body as a whole.

Examples = calendula, cleavers, chickweed, bee balm, sweet basil

Nervines are herbs that can have a nourishing, calming, or stimulating effect on the nervous system. They are used to support anxiety, panic, nervous tension, and headaches.

Examples = ashwagandha, bee balm, cleavers, chamomile, gotu kola, hawthorn, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, sweet basil, thyme, tulsi

Neuroprotectives are herbs that protect the brain and nervous system from damage, often by lowering inflammation and promoting nerve health.

Examples = astragalus, gotu kola, marshmallow root, sage, tulsi

Nutritives are herbs that provide essential nutrients, containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals. Nutritives nourish the body and support overall health.

“Let thy food by thy medicine.” – Hippocrates

Examples = cleavers, chickweed, dandelion, marshmallow root, plantain, raspberry leaf, stinging nettle

Radioprotectives are herbs that reduce harmful effects of radiation on the body. Anti-tumor herbs support the fight against tumor growth.

Examples = astragalus, black pepper, cleavers, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, plantain, rosemary, tulsi

Sedatives are herbs that calm the nervous system, can reduce stress and nervousness throughout the body, and promote restful sleep.

Examples = ashwagandha, chamomile, lavender, passionflower

Tonics are herbs that strengthen the body through a general energizing & restoring effect or through specific affinities for certain organs. Some tonics are generalized for use in the whole body, other tonics have affinities for specific organs:

ashwagandha (adrenal)
astragalus (immune & lung)
bee balm (digestive)
cleavers
dandelion (liver)
gotu kola (connective tissue)
hawthorn (heart)
lavender
lemon balm
mullein (lung)
oregano
plantain (connective tissue)
raspberry leaf (uterine)
rosemary (brain)
sage
tulsi
turmeric (liver)

Vulneraries are herbs that have an affinity for the skin. They are anti-inflammatory and support wound healing.

Examples = aloe vera, arnica, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, elder, gotu kola, plantain, turmeric