Herbcraft - Herbal Properties & Actions...

Herbal Properties and Actions

I'm in the process of re-tweaking this to better convey how herbal actions indicate the energetic framework of western herbalism. I have no idea how efficient I'll be at this, but, while I work (or procrastinate) the changes I make will be here... jim

I don’t think I could possibly overstate how important it is to understand the properties by which herbs work. This knowledge is what separates a mediocre herbalist (someone who memorizes the name of a problem and the name of the herb that is listed next to it and says use this for that) from a good herbalist (someone who says, “Ah… dry, enflamed tissues… which mucilaginous herb should I use for this?”). Understanding these properties opens up new worlds of possibility to the herbal student. It allows one to more deeply understand the herbs they’re using, and see patterns in both plants and people more clearly. It also clears up that head scratching that occurs when you’re reading herbal books and have no idea what they’re referring to when they say “anticatarrhal”.

While you could go through this list and try to memorize terms and definitions, the best way to gain an understanding of this material is to do so experientially. You can read what an astringent is, or you can chew on a green banana peel and know from experience. Or you can understand that a mucilage is a viscid, slippery carbohydrate, but making a strong infusion of Marshmallow or Slippery Elm and playing around with the resulting goo will allow you to not only understand with your head, but with your body as well. And who would want to pass up the opportunity to compare and contrast the varying degrees of bitter?

So… learn this stuff. Years later, you’ll either be glad you did, or wish you had.

Primal Energetics

hot ~ cold

It is clear that some herbs are warming and some are cooling. Give anyone some cayenne pepper and, given the two options, they're sure to pick correctly. Same goes for iceberg lettuce, or cucumbers... they're just clearly cooling, and you're likely to find wide agreement on this fact. But, as you move in from the extremes to the middle ground, you'll start to see differences of opinion, even among the wisest of plant people. To me, that just makes sense, in the same way that everyone will agree that Palm Springs, California in July is hot and Lake Superior in late March is really very cold. But put them in a "room temperature" hotel and any group of two or more will often disagree as to whether its a bit warm or a bit chill. When learning to apply the ideas of "heating" and "cooling" to herbs, start with the obvious extremes and work you way in.

Still, there are some general observations about these two categories that can be clarifying and offer insight:

Heating herbs...

Cooling herbs...

damp ~ dry

Imbalances in the body are often characteristically dry or damp. This applies throughout the body, but nowhere, perhaps, is it as readily discernable as in the respiratory tract, since when someone coughs, you can often clearly hear which end of the spectrum is manifest. Likewise, the herbs we use tend to possess either a drying or moistening action.

As it turns out, most herbs are drying, though they can vary greatly in degrees. Drying herbs tend to cause dryness via one of two processes:

1.) They result in the release of fluids from the body, like diuretics (fluid lost through pee), diaphoretics (fluid lost through sweat), bitters (fluid lost through bile), galactagogues (fluid lost through breastmilk), emmenogogues (fluid lost through blood), sialogogues (fluid lost through drool), expectorants/decongestants (fluid lost through mucous), emetics (fluid lost through vomit), you probably get the picture.

But, of course, we need to thicken the plot a bit...

The same drying herbs that release fluids from the body in some ways moisten tissues as the fluids are released. For example, the skin will go from dry to moist with the use of an appropriate diaphoretic. This, though, is a local and transient phenomenon, one to be utilized for a limited duration of time; if it makes you secrete a fluid or stimulates some type of evacuation, it’s still constitutionally drying, because there is less fluid in the body as a result of its action.

2.) Astringents are considered drying. This is both a correct and misleading way to understand what they do. Astringent herbs don't really cause the loss of fluids from the body. In fact, they often are used to help retain fluid from being lost (for example, blackberry root being used to stop diarrhea or shepherd's purse to staunch uterine bleeding). But a simple taste of an astringent leaves the mouth (i.e. the mucous membranes) dry (think about the dryness you get from sipping green tea, or from taking a bite of a too green banana). What astringents do is restore tone to tissues by causing them to constrict. This constriction - generally of the outer surface of the tissues - causes dryness. In western herbalism, these herbs were referred to as "tonics" - herbs that restored tone to tissues. In most cases, short term use of astringents causes a localized dryness, while helping to preserve fluids constitutionally. Prolonged use, however, or the use of very strong astringents (like, say, hemlock spruce bark) starts to constrict tissues too much (and not just on the surface), and in doing so impairs their proper function by both robbing them of fluids and impairing hydration.

We might say of drying herbs that those that cause loss of fluids from the body a constitutionally drying while sometimes moistening locally, and astringents are locally drying while they initially help to retain fluids.

Moistening herbs generally come in four types:

1.) Demulcent/emollient herbs that moisten via mucilage. We should be aware, though, that this is not always a direct effect of the mucilage coming into contact with tissues. In the GI tract, there's a moistening effect via contact, but this isn't the case with, say, the lungs. Still, mucilages almost universally moisten mucous membranes, even if they don't come into contact with them. Degrees to which mucilaginous herbs moisten is roughly proportional to how mucilaginous they are; slippery elm and marshmallow a very mucilaginous and very moistening, plantain is mildly mucilaginous and mildly moistening. Sassafras and violet leaves are in the middle.

2.) "Sweet tonics" are mildly moistening. Think of tonic in the TCM sense - herbs like Astragalus, American Ginseng, Codonopsis, licorice.

3.) Herbs rich in oils, especially fixed oils (think of most seeds and nuts), or that affect oil utilization are moistening. Some herbs may not actually contain a lot of fixed oils, but somehow help in there optimal utilization. Burdock is an example of an herb that affects oil utilization. Also, we should consider the incredibly important role of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids found in wild fatty fish, wild game, and other animals with a free ranging wild eating lifestyle.

4.) Some warming aromatics can moisten. Angelica and Osha are examples. This may seem strange, because these are herbs that are generally used to treat wet coughs (and they do). But they are really oily herbs, and the moisture they offer is oil moisture, not water moisture. So, if someone needs water moisture, they won't help much and might aggravate, but if someone needs oil moisture they can be very helpful. I (who tends to be dry) can use these without much aggravation, but their potential to aggravate if there's water dryness can be tempered by adding a bit of mucilage.

constriction/spasm/tension~relaxation/atony/laxity

Tissues can either be...

diffusive/permanent

In William Cook's Physio-Medical Dispensatory, he discusses the difference between herbs he calls "diffusives" and "permanents":

"Impressions made upon the nerves are conveyed with rapidity. Sometimes, this rapidity may be so great as almost to resemble a shock. Hence agents that are principally conveyed by the nerves, manifest themselves speedily; while those that act principally by absorption, are more tardy in working their effects. A great many agents act through both media, and that in every conceivable ratio; hence these may first manifest a prompt, sudden action, which will apparently have passed away, and subsequently be absorbed, and make a renewal of the original impression in a less intense but more persistent manner. Agents acting principally on the nerves are, therefore, more diffusive and transient, while those relying upon the slower process of absorption are more permanent. These terms are, of course, merely relative; for some agents which are absorbed (as capsicum) may first make a diffusive impression through the nerves, and follow this by an influence of a slower and more persistent kind through the entire frame. But, while this nomenclature is not absolute, it is sufficiently explicit to warrant its general use - employing the terms only as referring to time, and not to extent."

An interesting example of this relationship is found in Burdock; the seeds are diffusive, while the root is permanent.

Primary Actions

Adaptogen

Adaptogenic herbs increase the ability of the body to cope with and respond to stress. They tend to act on the adrenals and the endocrine & immune systems. This is the class of herbs people think of when they hear the word “tonic”. The term was originally coined to describe Siberian Ginseng, and other herbs compared to Ginseng. There is much academic debate about what can and should not be called an adaptogen. For my part, if an herb relaxes tension, increases one's resilience to the stress they are exposed to, and, if taken over time, helps replenish their vital energy, then the herb is acting as an adaptogen, whether or not we can pinpoint and verify that its actions are manifested via the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal axis.

Alterative

These herbs act on the body to promote a healthy and balanced state of functioning by supporting the liver, kidneys, lymphatic & immune system and adrenals. They are often referred to in herb books as “blood purifiers, though their affect on the blood is really the result of their action on the metabolic organs. Alteratives might be more accurately be called "metabolic tonics", as they coordinate and improve the efficacy of our metabolism. Most Alterative herbs also special "niches" they excel in addressing. Cleavers and Red Root, for example, are excellent lymphatic tonics, while Dandelion and Yellow Dock act more strongly on the lower gastrointestinal tract. Nettles and Milky Oats improve adrenal processes, and Burdock seems to have a balanced action on all metabolic organs and processes.

Aromatic

Herbs that contain volatile oils, and are used to expel intestinal gas. Aromatics also tend to be antimicrobial, and disperse congestion (of every imaginable kind). Examples are innumerable… Sage and Fennel are a couple.

Astringent/Styptic/Hemostatic

Astringents tighten and restore tone to tissues, which in turn lessens oversecretions. They may be used to stop bleeding (In which case they are called styptics/hemostatics) if tissues are injured, or to restore the strength of tissues that are weak and can’t hold in their fluids. They also help relieve inflammation. Cranesbill, Sumach, Oak, and most of the rose family are examples.

Bitter

Bitter herbs stimulate the secretion of digestive acids, juices and enzymes, which generally improve appetite & digestion, especially of fats/oils/lipids. You must taste bitters to receive their medicinal virtues. There are aromatic bitters (Calamus), bittersweet bitters (Celastrus), and just plain bitter bitters (Boneset).

Carminative

Carminatives are aromatic herbs that contain volatile oils and initiate the expulsion of intestinal gas. They often relieve cramping as well. Catnip, Fennel and Chamomile are carminatives.

Demulcent/Emollient/Mucilaginous

A Mucilage is a carbohydrate contained in a number of plants, that when exposed to water yields a slippery, viscid, sort of gooey liquid. Mucilages coat, soothe and moistens dry, irritated and inflamed tissues. Taken internally, mucilaginous herbs are considered “demulcents”. Applied externally, they are called “emollients.” Slippery Elm and Marshmallow are archetypal.

Diaphoretic/Sudorific

Diaphorectics are used to open the pores and promote perspiration. They are usually used in the treatment of fevers, but can be used to advantage in colds & flus as well. Diaphoretics act on the hypothalamus, which controls the body’s thermostat by directing the actions of peripheral circulation and the pores. It also provides the link between emotional stimuli and physical responses, and diaphoretics may be of value in addressing problems arising from this cause as well. Yarrow, Elderflower, and most mints are diaphoretic. See “febrifuge/antipyretic” to compare/contrast (though nowadays they’re often all lumped up under the same definition...). Sudorifics force perspiration, and the term is really better applied to more toxic substances such as Antimony.

Diuretic

Diuretics increase the quantity of urine expelled from the body. Some do this by increasing the blood flow to the kidneys (like Scotch Broom and caffeine containing herbs), others affect the secretion or reabsorbtion of fluids in the kidneys (Dandelion), while still others irritate the renal tissues and the kidneys produce more urine to try to “flush out” the irritant (Juniper being an example of this). Nowadays, laxness of terminology has led to people using the word “diuretic” to refer to any herb affecting the kidneys in any way (alas…).

Expectorant

Expectorant refers to herbs that help expel mucous/phlegm from the lungs. Generally, warming, drying herbs (like Angelica) are used for wet/damp/dank coughs, while mucilaginous herbs (like Marshmallow) are used for dry coughs.

Relaxants

”Relaxant” is a term commonly used in Eclectic and Physiomedical herbal texts. It does not refer to herbs that are sedative, but rather herbs that relax contracted tissues, such as antispasmodics. This doesn’t seem confusing, but when you look up and herb in Cook’s Physiomedical Dispensatory and it says “this herb is stimulating and mildly relaxing”, you get kind of disoriented. What such a sentence means is that the herb stimulates activity and relaxes tissues. Lobelia is a famous one.

Nervine/Sedative/Hypnotic/Soporific

Nervines are herbs that act on the nerous system. Technically, there are stimulating nerviness (such as Kola Nuts and other caffeine containing herbs) and relaxing nerviness (Scullcap, Valerian…). Nowadays, though, the term most often refers to nervous system relaxants. To further delineate, there are herbs considered to be “tonic” nervines (herbs that when taken long term improve nervous conditions, such as Wood Betony) and “sedative” nerviness (herbs that actively sedate the central nervous system, and should be used short term to manage acute problems, like California Poppy). Both “soporific” and “hypnotic” are terms that specifically refers to herbs that induce sleep (hypnotic does not refer to hypnotic trances). To make matters confusing, “sedative” may also be used to refer to herbs that sedate activity of tissues (and not necessarily the central nervous system)… so an anti-inflammatory herb might be called a sedative in an old Physiomedical book. It should be noted that the word “sudorific” is not the same as “soporific”… even though they look the similar and rhyme. Sudorifics promote sweating, and while some may be soporific as well, not all are.

Stimulant

Here’s a doosey of a term. Obviously, stimulants stimulate activity. However, while nowadays people almost always associate stimulants with caffeine, Ephedra and other cerebral or metabolic stimulants, most old herbal texts use the word stimulant to describe an herb that stimulates activity of any sort of tissue or process... sialagogues are therefore stimulants.

Tonic

Herbalist Matthew Wood, in a draft copy of his Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism, offers the one of the best definitions of the word “tonic”, unique in that it allows for all the different manifestations this vague category may take: “A tonic is usually an herb or food that acts on the body in a slow, nutritive fashion to build up the substance of the body. In this sense, the term "tonic" might be considered synonymous with "trophorestorative". It can also be defined as a substance which (like an astringent) restrains loss from the body by "toning" tissues. Matt offers the following categories tonics may fall into: Bitter tonics were used to strengthen and nourish the liver and metabolism (alteratives, for the most part), Sweet tonics acted primarily on the immune system and adrenals (adaptogens). Oily tonics supplied fixed oils and essential fatty acids to tissues to ensure hydration, cell permeability and to prevent atrophy. Mineral tonics (do I really need to say?) provide essential minerals, and sour tonics are rich in bioflavinoids. Protein tonics are rich in protein… not lots of plants here, for the most part, but Nettle is a good example.

Secondary Actions

An herb's secondary actions are those properties attributed to it that owe their effect to one or more of the plant's primary actions. As an example, people often refer to an herb as possessing an "anti-inflammatory action". While this tells us something of what might be achieved by using the plant, it really tells us very little else. Is the herb anti-inflammatory because it contains a mucilage that coats and soothes enflamed tissues? Or perhaps its astringent? Maybe the anti-inflammatory agent resides in the plants aromatic oils, or maybe it contains salicin or some other compound that inhibits inflammation...

It is in all of these differing possibilities that the answer to the question, "How do I choose the right anti-inflammatory for this person expressing these specific symptoms lies. So, if you know a plant possesses some secondary action, try to understand which primary actions lead it to this end.

Absorbents

These herbs “absorb” swellings of various sorts, more or less via lymphatic action. Mullein is an example… see lymphatics.

Analgesic/Anodyne/Narcotic

Analgesics and anodynes describe herbs that ease or relieve pain. They may do this through a variety of mechanisms; for example, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories and herbs containing salicylic acid are all anodynes. Willow & Black Cohosh are examples of analgesic/anodyes. Narcotics inhibit central nervous system activity, and are generally dangerous in excess. Opium and Henbane are examples… not for the home herbalist.

Antacids

Antacids are herbs that contain constituents that bind with and neutralize acids. These herbs are usually used in the treatment of heartburn, and include Chamomile, Fennel and Peach. Some, such as Meadowsweet, are also astringent, and have the added benefit of strengthening a weakened sphincter that is allowing stomach acids to escape into the esophagus, as well as helping to heal any ulcerations that have resulted from this.

Anthelmintic/Vermifuge

These herbs kill worms and parasites. They should be used when they are needed, and not based upon the mistaken belief that we’re all full of parasites that are causing all of mankind’s ills. Black Walnut is probably the most widely used.

Anticatarrhal

These herbs help resolve congestion arising from excess mucous production (“catarrh” being mucous), as in sinusitis. Often, they are astringents (which tighten tissues to lessen secretions) and/or contain volatile oils (which disperse congestion). Goldenrod and Goldenseal are anticatarrhal.

Anti-fungal

Herbs that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. Cedar, Wild Bergamot and Black Walnut come to mind. They most often require consistent, long term use to work curatively.

Anti-inflammatory

Obviously, herbs that help resolve inflammation. This action may be the result of mucilages that coat and soothe inflamed tissues (Slippery Elm), astringents that tighten tissues (Vinca), or of constituents like salicylic acid (Meadowsweet).

Anti-lithic

”Lithiasis” refers to the production of stones, either in the kidneys or gallbladder. Anti-lithics are believed to either hinder the formation of stones or “dissolve” stones. Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace seeds are considered anti-lithic.

Antimicrobial

Nowadays, people refer to “antibiotics” and “antivirals”. Antimicrobial is a more general term that refers to herbs that kill or inhibit invading microorganisms, without specifically referring to which type of microorganism the herbs are active against. The mechanisms by which they work are too varied to list.

Antineoplastic

Herbs that help inhibit the growth of tumors. Red Clover is considered antineoplastic.

Antiseptic

Herbs that prevent bacterial growth. “Septic” infections are usually considered “damp”, being purulent (having puss)… staph-type infections. Echinacea and Wild Indigo are antiseptics.

Aphrodisiac

Hey… fun! Aphrodisiacs increase one’s interest in sex… or are supposed to. Some stimulate blood flow to the genitalia (Yohimbe), some act as antispasmodics to relax tense muscles and tissues (Skullcap), some act as nourishing tonics, usually to the adrenals (Milky Oats), and some inhibit inhibitions (think: alcohol).

Cardiac Tonic

A very broad term referring to herbs that improve the function of the heart and circulatory system. “Tonic” implies that long term use will yield optimal benefit, and not weaken the system. Hawthorne is an example.

Emetic/Anti-emetic

Emetics induce vomiting (Lobelia, syrup of Ipecac), and anti-emetics help relieve nausea (Ginger, Peach leaf, most mints).

Emmenagogue/Oxytocic

Emmenogogues stimulate menstrual flow, and are used to help bring out scanty or suppresses menstruation. They should not be used during pregnancy. Oxytocic herbs stimulate uterine contractions, mimicking the action of naturally produced hormone oxytocin. Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Motherwort come to mind.

Pectoral

”Pectoral” is a general term referring to herbs that affect the lungs.

Febrifuge/Antipyretic

Febrifuge and Antipyretic refer to herbs used to treat fever by lowering body temperature. While these may refer to diaphoretics, they also include herbs containing Salicylic Acid (Wintergreen/Willow Bark) and Echinacea, that lower body temperature through methods other than encouraging perspiration.

Galactagogue

Galactagogues increase the supply of breast milk in nursing mothers (not gonna work for the guys…). Fennel, Borage and Fenugreek are examples.

Hepatic/Cholagogue/Antibilious

Hepatic is a general term for an herb whose sphere of activity influences the liver. Cholegogues stimulate the production and release of bile (acting on both the liver and gallbladder, and usually acting as aperients), while antibilious herbs help the body deal with an excess of bile (this may be done through releasing it, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably). Most often these are bitter herbs, such as Dandelion or Yellow Dock.

Hypotensive/Hypertensive

Herbs that lower blood pressure (like Hawthorne) are hypotensive, while herbs that raise blood pressure (like Ephedra) are hypertensive.

Laxative/Cathartic/Aperient

Laxatives stimulate (or force) evacuation of the bowels. Laxatives – even herbal laxative use – can be habit and dependence inducing. Cathartics (like Cascara Sagrada and Senna) do this forcefully, while Aperients are gentle laxatives; usually bitter herbs that stimulate the production and release of bile, which lubricates the digestive tract. Dandelion, Oregon Grape and Yellow Dock are aperients.

Lymphatic

“Lymphatic” herbs relieve lymphatic congestion, usually evidenced by swollen glands. No one really knows how they work, but “experience hath shown” (as Culpepper used to say) that when used, the swollen glands resolve. One theory is that they increase the solvency of lymphatic fluids, which helps break up and disperse metabolic debris within the lymph system. Red Root, Echinacea and Cleavers are lymphatic herbs.

Rubefacient/Counter Irritant

These herbs are applied topically and have an irritating and/or heating effect on the skin. By causing local irritation, these plants draw the attention of the body (usually via blood) to the area they are applied, and so initiate a healing response. Cayenne and Arnica are popular counter irritants. Some plants that have been used as counter irritants, such as Buttercups, are exceedingly strong and will blister the skin.

Sialagogue

These herbs provoke the production and flow of saliva. Prickly Ash is an example.

Stomachic

These are herbs that generally have a beneficial action on the stomach. They may be antispasmodics, they may affect acid levels, they may be astringents… Fennel, Chamomile, Peach, & Meadowsweet come to mind.

Vasoconstrictors/Vasodilators

Vasoconstrictors (Ephedra) narrow blood vessels (usually causing and increase in blood pressure); Vasodilators (like Hawthorne) expand them (usually lowering blood pressure)

Vulnerary

Theses are herbs that have been used to treat wounds… most often they are astringents/styptics, but herbs such as Arnica and St. John’s Wort are oft included here.