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Understanding the Meaning of Herbal Properties



The chart below describes the sometimes confusing terms associated with what herbs do. Understanding the termology helps us know if a particular herb is exactly what we require for our health needs. Although this is not a complete list of all herbs it will hopefully provide you with ideas as to what your family needs are for your medicine chest. As well often the herbal action we need can be found by wild crafting and thus saving us money. Often a hard to get herb can be substituted with one that is less expensive or available in the local habitat.





Property & Meaning Herbs with this Property
Alteratives: Alter or purify the blood. Most herbs that purify promote cleaning action of the spleen, liver, kidneys and bowels. Alfalfa, Barberry, Bayberry, Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Burdock Root, Cayenne, Chaparral, Chickweed, Cleavers, Comphrey, Dandelion, Devil's Claw, Echinacea, Elder, Eyebright, Garlic, Gingeng, Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice Root Mandrake, Marshmallow, Nettles, Oregon Grape Root, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Poke Root, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Sarsparilla, Sassafras, St. Johns's Wort, Uva Ursi, Wood Betony, Yellowdock
Anodynes: Relieive pain by lessening the excitability of the nerves and nerve centers Chamomile, Cloves, Echinacea, Ginger, Hops, Juniper berries, Kava kava, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mullein, Passion flower, Pulsatilla, Skullcap, Valerian, Vervain, white willow, Wild lettuce, Wild Yam, Wood Betony
Anthelmintics: herbs that have the capacity to destroy intestinal worms and parasites. There are 2 types. Verminicides:Type 1: destroy worms but do not cause expulsion from the bowels, need to be followed with a laxative. Black Walnut, Garlic, Tansy, Thyme, Wormwood
Anthelmintics: Vermifuges:Type 2: expels worms from the bowels Cascara Sagrada, Gentian, Senna, Tansy, Wormwood
Antacids: agents that correct acid conditions in the stomach, blood and bowels Comphrey leaves, Comphrey root, Flax seed, Hops, Mullein, Red Raspberry, Slippery Elm, Wood Betony
Antibiotics: agents that inhibit the growth of and destroy viruses and bacteria and promote the body's own immunity. Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Hops, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Rosemary oil, Thyme
Anticatarrhals: eliminate mucus conditions Angelica, Anise, Bayberry, Bistort, Cayenne, Coltsfoot, Comphrey, Cranesbill, Cubebs, Elecampane, Figs, Flax Seed, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Irish Moss, Lobelia, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Raisins, Tormentil, Wild Cherry, Yerba Santa
Antiemetics: relieving and preventing sickness of the stomach preventing vomiting Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Goldenseal, Lobelia, Peach leaves, Peppermint, Red Clover, Spearmint, Sweet Basil
Antipyretics: cool the system, used to reduce fevers. Also called refrigerants. Alfalfa, Benzoin, Boneset, Camphor, Chickweed, Cranberries, Elder Flowers, Gotu Kola, Lemon Balm, Lemons, Licorice, Limes, Oranges, Skullcap, Valerian
Antiseptics: prevent the growth of bacteria Anise Oil, Barberry, Beth root, Bistort, Black Walnut, Buchu, Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Nettles, Oregon Grape root, Plantain, Rosemary, Saw Palmetto, Thyme, White Oak Bark, White Willow, Wormwood
Antispasmodics: relieve muscular cramps, spasms, and convulsions Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Calendula, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Crampbark, Fennel, Garlic, Hawthorn berries, Kava kava, Lady's Slipper, Lemon Balm, Lobelia, Motherwort, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mullein, Oat, passion flowers, peppermint, Pleurisy root, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Rue, Sage, Scullcap, Skunk cabbage, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain, Wild Yam
Aperients: mild laxative affects of softening stool without purging Agar-agar, Figs, Flax seed, Fruit, Licorice root, Olive oil, Prunes, Raisins, Rosehips
Aphrodisiacs: correct conditions of impotence and impure sex power Cloves, Damiana, False Unicorn, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Kava kava, Sarsparilla root, Saw Palmetto
Aromatics: fragrant smell and agreeable, pungent taste Anise seed, Barberry, Buchu, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander seed, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper berries, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosemary, sage, Sassafras, Spearmint, St. John's Wort, Wood Betony, Wormwood
Astringents: increase the tone and firmness of the tissues and lessen mucus discharge from the nose, intestines, vagina, and draining sores Bayberry, Beth root, Blackberry, Black Walnut, Bugleweed, Calendula, Cayenne, Cleaver, Comphrey root, Crampbark, Cranesbill, Dandelion, Elecampane, ephedra, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Gravel root, Hawthorn berries, Horsetail, Juniper berries, Mullein, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rosehips, Rosemary, Sage, Shepherd's Purse, Slippery Elm, Squaw Vine, St John's Wort, Stoneroot, Tormentil root, Uva Ursi, Vervain, Wild Cherry bark, Witch Hazel, White Oak bark, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yerba Santa
Cardiacs: increase the power of the heart Black Cohosh, Bugleweed, Hawthorn Berries, Motherwort
Carminatives: stimulate the expulsion of gas Angelica, Anise, Caraway, Cardamon, Catnip, Cayenne, Celery, Chamomile, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pleurisy root, Rosemary, Sarasparilla, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian
Cathartics: create a rapid evacuation from the upper intestines and the bowels Aloe, Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb, Senna
Cholagogues: promote the flow of bile Barberry, Beets, Bistort, Boneset, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Damiana, Dandelion, Elecampane, Gentian, Goldenseal, Hops, Hyssop, Mandrake, Olive oil, Oregon Grape root, Vervain, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yellow Dock
Condiments: season foods and increase digestive activity Bay leaves, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Curry, Dill, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pimento, Sweet Basil
Demulcents: soften & relieve irritations of the mucus membranes Agar-agar, Aloe Vera, Burdock root, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comphrey root, Corn silk, Fenugreek, Flax Seed, Irish Moss, Kelp, Licorice root, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Peach Bark, Psyllium seed, Slippery Elm
Deobstruents: remove obstructions Barberry(liver, gall bladder), Culvers root (bowel), Goldenseal(glands), Gravel root(kidneys), Hydrangea root(kidneys), Plantain (blood, kidneys)
Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Stimulating: Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Buchu, Elder Flowers, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Spearmint, Yarrow
Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Neutral: Horehound, Safflower, Sarsparilla, Sassafras
Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Relaxing: Blue Vervain, Burdock root, Calendula, Catnip, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Mugwort, Passion Flower, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, Vervain, White Willow, Wild yam
Discutients: dissolve and remove tumors and abnormal growths Black Walnut, Burdock Root, Chaparral, Devil's Claw, Garlic, Red Clover
Diuretics: increase the flow of urine Blackberry, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Buchu, Burdock root, Celery Seed, Chaparral, Cleavers, Corn silk, Damiana, Dandelion, Elecampane, Flase Unicorn, Fennel, Gotu Kola, Gravel Root, Hawthorn berries, Horseradish, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper berries, Kava kava, Kelp, Marshmallow, Mistletoe, Mullein, Parsley, Pipsissewa, Plaintain, Pleurisy Root, Rosemary, Sassafras, Saw Palmetto, Senna, Shepherd's Purse, Squaw Vine, St. John's Wort, Stoneroot, Uva Ursi, White Oak bark, White Willow
Emetics: used to induce vomiting Bayberry, Chaparral, False Unicorn, Ipecac, Lobelia tincture, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Poke Root
Emmenagogues: promote menstrual flow Angelica, Beth Root, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blesssed Thistle, Gentian, Blue Cohosh, Chamomile, Damiana, Goldenseal, Horsetail, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Mugwort, Myrrh, Pennyroyal, Prickly Ash, Rue, Safflower, Squaw Vine, Tansy
Emmollients: soften and soothe Almond Oil, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comphrey root, Fenugreek, Flax seed, Irish Moss, Linseed Oil, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Olive oil, Plantain, Slippery Elm, Wheat germ oil
Expectorants: facilitate the excretion of mucus from the throat and lungs Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comphrey, Elecampane, Ephedra, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Horehound, Horseradish, Hyssop, Licorice root, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettles, Parsley, Plantain, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, Vervain, Wild Cherry, Yerba Santa
Febrifuges: used to reduce fevers Boneset, Catnip, Dandelion, Hyssop, Peppermint, Shepherd's Purse, White Willow, Yarrow
Galactagogues: increase milk flow for nursing mothers Anise seed, Blessed Thistle, Cumin, Dandelion, Fennel, Fenugreek, Raspberry, Vervain
Hemostatics: stop internal bleeding and hemorrhaging Bayberry, Beet root, Blackberry, Horsetail, Mullein, Nettles, Tormentil root, White Oak Bark, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Hepatics: tone and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver, used for jaundice and hepatitis Aloe Vera, Barberry, Bayberry, Buckthorn, Carrot, Dandelion, Wild Yam, Wood Betony, Yellowdock
Laxatives: promote bowel action Agar agar, Boneset, Buckthorn bark, Cascara Sagrada, Cleavers, Elder, Flax seed, Goldenseal, Licorice root, Mandrake, Motherwort, Oregon Grape root, Peach bark, Pole root, Psyllium seed, Rhubarb, safflower, Senna, Yellowdock
Lithotriptics: dissolve and discharge urinary and gall bladder stones and gravel Barberry, Buchu, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Corn silk, Dandelion, Devil's Claw, Gravel root, Horsetail, Hydrangea root, Juniper berries, Marshmallow, Oregon Grape root, Parsley, Tormentil, Uva Ursi
Lymphatics: stimulate and cleanse the lymphatic system Black Walnut, Chaparral, Dandelion, Echinacea, Garlic, Oregon Grape root, Poke, Yellow Dock
Mucilages: soothe inflamed parts Agar agar, Chickweed, Comphrey root, Flax seed, Lungwort, Marshmallow root, Mullein, Okra, Slippery Elm
Nervines: tonic to the nerves, relieve pain and regulate the nervous system Catnip, Celery, Chamomile, Crampbark, Gravel root, Hops, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Mugwort, Oats, Parsley, Passion Flower, Peach bark, Pleurisy root, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vervain, Wood Betony
Nutritives: supply a substantial amount of nutrients and aid in building and toning the body Agar agar, Alfalfa, Comphrey leaves, Comphrey root, Horsetail, Irish Moss, Kelp, Marshmallow root, Mullein leaves, Nettles, Red Clover, Rosehips, Slippery Elm. Watercress, Yellow Dock
Opthalmics: used to treat diseases of the eyes Chickweed, Eyebright, Fennel, Mullein, Rue
Oxytocics: assist labour and promote easy childbirth Angelica, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Juniper Berries, Raspberry, Squaw Vine
Parasiticides: kill and remove parasites from the skin Black Walnut, Cojuput Oil, Cassia Oil, Chaparral, Echinacea, False Unicorn, Garlic, Gentian, Rue, Thyme, Wood Betony
Purgatives: have an energetic evacuative effect Buckthorn bark, Castor Oil, Mandrake root, Senna
Rubefacients: used externally to stimulate and promote blood flow to the surface Cayenne, Mustard seed, Peppermint Oil, Prickly Ash, Rosemary Oil, Rue, Thyme Oil
Sedatives: influence circulation, reducing nervous expenditure All mints, Black Haw, Bugleweed, Catnip, Chamomile, Hawthorn berries, Hops, Hyssop, Kava Kava, Lady's Slipper, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Peach Bark, Red Clover, Rue, Saw Palmetto, Skullcap, Sorrel, St John's Wort, Valerian, Wild Cherry bark, Witch Hazel, Wood Betony
Sialagogues: promote an increased flow of saliva Black pepper, Cayenne, Echinacea, Ginger, Licorice, Prickly Ash
Stimulants: natural agent in assisting the functional activity of the body, increasing energy Angelica, Bayberry,Black pepper, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Cardomon, Cayenne, Celery, Cloves, Devil's Claw, Elder Flower, Elecampane, Ephedra, False Unicorn, Fennel, Fo-Ti, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Gravel Root, Horseradish, Hyssop, Juniper berries, mandrake, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Oats, Onion, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Rue, Sassafras, Shepherd's Purse, Spearmint, Tansy, Valerian, Wild Cherry Bark, Yarrow, Yerba Santa
Stomachics: strengthen the functions of the stomach Agrimony, Barberry, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Elecampane, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Hops, Juniper berries, Mugwort, Peach bark, Rhubarb, Rosehips, Rue, Wormwood
Styptics: arrest bleeding, hemorrhaging and draining wounds Beth Root, Bistort, Blackberry, Cranesbill, Horsetail, Plantain leaves, Tormentil, White Oak Bark, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Gall Bladder:
Goldenseal, Oregon Grape Root, Parsley, Wild Yam
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Heart:
Bugleweed, Hawthorn berries, Ginseng (Panax), Mistletoe, Motherwort
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Intestinal:
Barberry, Blackberry leaves, Cascara Sagrada, Cranesbill, Goldenseal, Rhubarb
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Kidney:
Buchu, Burdock root, Celery, Cleavers, Fo-Ti, Horsetail, Kava Kava,, Mistletoe, Parsley, Pipsissewa, Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Liver:
Barberry, Buckthorn bark, Cascara Sagrada, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fo-Ti, Goldenseal, Mandrake, Stoneroot
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Lungs:
Beth root, Comphrey, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Garlic, Irish Moss, Lungwort, Pleurisy root, Wild Cherry
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Nerve:
Celery, Chamomile, Hops, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Oats, Valerian
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Sexual:
Black Haw (female), Damiana (both), Dong Quai (female), Flase Unicorn (female), Ginseng (both), Sarsaparilla (male), Saw Palmetto(male), Squaw vine (female)
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body
Stomach:
Agrimony, Blessed Thistle, Elecampane, Gentian, Goldenseal, Mugwort, Raspberry, Wild Cherry bark, Wormwood
Vulneraries: protect against bacteria in wounds by stimulating cellular growth Aloe Vera, Apricot seed, Black Walnut, Calendula, Comphrey root, Fenugreek, Garlic, Horsetail, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Plantain, Rosemary, Slippery Elm, Yarrow



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