What Are Herbal Actions and Their Effects on the Body?

Herbal actions is a terminology used to describe types of herbs and the effects they have on the body. For instance, if you catch a cold, you may have been told to have some ginger for it. But what is the ginger actually doing to the body and how does it work?

Learning these actions of herbs help see the bigger picture. Oftentimes, an herb can have more than one action, and it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right one. I say don’t panic (there’s an herb for that though). It’s always easier to choose the herb that has the strongest actions related to the issue you’re trying to support.

This is a short master post for the Herbal Actions I've learned along the way. I’ll be posting more in the future that go into each action and the herbs associated with them. Refer to this if you ever need a quick cheat sheet!

Adaptogens 

Helps with stress and coping. Effects the HPA system Axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal) and Endocrine system. Allows the body to bring itself back into balance. Good for cPTSD.

Alterative 

Increases the ability for our body to detox on its own. Helps our organs get support to detox and eliminate. Good for kidneys, liver, lymph, and skin.

Analgesic

Pain relievers. Pain is subjective so it affects everyone differently. Most of the time Analgesics help calm you down which in turn improves your pain. Good for headaches or injuries.

Antibacterial

Kills or prevents the growth of bacteria. This can be done by either directly targeting or boosting the immune systems response. Good for cuts or bacterial infections. (Warning: Sometimes using antibiotics too much can actually make certain bacteria resistant. Herbs are less likely to do that. Consult a doc.)

Antidepressant

Relieves symptoms of depression. Good for moods and stabilizing sadness due to chemical imbalances in brain.

Anti-inflammatory 

Relieves inflammation in the body or on the skin. Good for inflamed joints, etc.

Antifungal 

Kills or prevents growth of fungus by either direct targeting or encouraging immune response.

Antilithic

Breaks up stones in the kidney or gallbladder. Good for passing stones when in pain.

Antimicrobial 

Umbrella term for microorganisms (anti-viral, anti-fungal, antibacterial) Good for preventing general infections.

Antispasmodic

Reduces spasms in muscles, smooth or skeletal. Good for Charley horses, etc.

Aromatic

Essential Oils. Aromatherapy. Can be antimicrobial, carminative, or diaphoretic. Good for headaches

Astringent

Causes tissues to tighten and contract. Pulls water from tissues and aids in swelling. Good for Blisters

Bitter

A taste that helps with digestion. Stimulates digestive secretions for breaking down heavier meals. Good for supporting the stomach.

Cardiotonic

Tonics used for supporting the cardiovascular system. Good for Blood Pressure, etc.

Carminative

Supports digestion by relieving gas and bloating. Good for the gut-brain connection.

Cholagogue

Increases bile production from the liver and gallbladder. Good for digestion health

Demulcent

Supports internal mucosal tissues. Good for irritated throats, etc.

Diaphoretic

Induces Sweating, usually to reduce fever. Good for detoxifying body.

Diuretic

Promotes urine production to help eliminate excess fluid built up. Good for kidneys.

Emetic 

Induces vomiting. Good for poison and drug overdose

Emmenagogue

Stimulates menstruation. Good for late periods or PCOS

Emollient

Soothes and moisturizes the external tissues, opposite of demulcent. Good for sunburns.

Exhilarant

Uplifts vital centers of the body. Heart & Mind. Used for psychiatric disorders. Good for Depression.

Expectorant

Aids in expulsion of mucus from lungs. Good for congestion from colds.

Galactagogue

Increases breast milk. Good for lactation health and calming new mothers.

Hepatic

Strengthens and detoxifies the liver. Good for liver fat and alcoholism.

Hypnotic

Powerful sedation may cause sleepiness. Good for insomnia, pain, and tension.

Hypertensive

Increases blood pressure. Good for blood circulation and cognitive function.

Hypotensive

Decrease blood pressure. Good for reducing stroke/heart attacks.

Immunomodulators

Has an effect on the immune system. Up or down regulation system. Good for illness or allergic reactions.

Laxative

Stimulates the bowels or moistens or softens stool. Good for constipation.

Lymphatic

Helps flow to relieve congestion stuck in lymphatic system. Good after an illness.

Mucilaginous

Umbrella term for Demulcent and emollient. These herbs are slippery when wet. Good for protecting tissues.

Nervine

Strengthens, relaxes, repairs, or stimulates the nervous system. Good for anxiety.

Relaxant

Eases constriction and contraction of muscle. Good for restlessness.

Rubefacient

Increases blood circulation to an area to promote healing, often turning it red. Good for faster healing.

Sedative

Reduces irritability or excitement. Slows the energy down in the body. Good for hyperactivity.

Stimulant

Increases activity at a cellular level. Good for ADHD and fatigue.

Styptic

Slows down bleeding. Good for nosebleeds.

Tonic

Restorative properties. Strengthens organ functions and increases energy. Good for supporting body systems.

Trophorestorative

Nourishes and balances a particular system. I.E. Cardiovascular. Good for focused healing.

Vulnerary

Promotes healing of wounds of the skin, mucosa, and other tissues. Good for skin regeneration

· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·