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Herbal Actions
If you are just entering the amazing world of herbs, things can get a bit overwhelming. The way we shape our “intake” of knowledge often depends on slimming down the information in a way that we can make more sense of what we seek to learn – and how we seek to put that information to use in our everyday lives.
The entire point of many people, perhaps you, dipping into the world of herbs is for the potential relief that they provide – and they do provide relief! So, perhaps you have friends or coworkers or relatives who are familiar with specific herbs, and you hear that this herb or that herb might be good for this issue or that issue; but you just don’t know enough about these herbs to head out to the store (or, preferably, visit a professional herbalist) and pick up an herb for that sore throat or that undue work stress you need to adapt to in order to function at your highest level.
Well, one of the very first things to know about herbs is what “herbal action” they provide; that is, how they specifically affect the body. Basically, herbal actions are used as a sort of shorthand (instead of saying: “elecampane assists the body in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract,” one can say “elecampane is an expectorant”).
Perhaps you are having an issue with constipation and are looking for an herb that will help ease this issue; then it is good to know that you should seek out a “demulcent.” Demulcents are herbs that help soothe irritated and inflamed internal tissues (such as the mucous membrane that lines our entire digestive tract from our esophagus to our colon). Then, after doing some research (or, preferable, visiting a professional herbalist), you see that marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a demulcent and has been shown to help with constipation.
Herbs have a wide range of “actions” that can affect the body. A single herb can also have numerous actions; most plants have several herbal actions that work in synergy with one another. For example, an herb that is considered “anti-inflammatory” may also be an antioxidant; and may help with specific heart issues. Or an herb with a “nervine” action may also be a sedative (both of these actions relate to the nervous system). Or two herbs may have the same action properties, but work differently within the body. For example, cacao (Theobroma cacao) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californicaare) nervines, but cacao is stimulating to the nervous system while California poppy is relaxing.
That is why learning what action areas herbs fit into is a critical first step in learning more about herbs. As mentioned, herbs have many healing properties and a wide range of actions. They can have many actions that benefit the body as a whole or they can have a single property with a very targeted action on a specific system of the body.
The following chart is NOT comprehensive coverage of the various herbal actions; however, it is a good place to start when seeking support and assistance from our herbal allies! And the six “example” herbs listed are some of the most well-known and well-used herbs for each area. AND PLEASE, before using an herb, consult with your physician!
If you are just entering the amazing world of herbs, things can get a bit overwhelming. The way we shape our “intake” of knowledge often depends on slimming down the information in a way that we can make more sense of what we seek to learn – and how we seek to put that information to use in our everyday lives.
The entire point of many people, perhaps you, dipping into the world of herbs is for the potential relief that they provide – and they do provide relief! So, perhaps you have friends or coworkers or relatives who are familiar with specific herbs, and you hear that this herb or that herb might be good for this issue or that issue; but you just don’t know enough about these herbs to head out to the store (or, preferably, visit a professional herbalist) and pick up an herb for that sore throat or that undue work stress you need to adapt to in order to function at your highest level.
Well, one of the very first things to know about herbs is what “herbal action” they provide; that is, how they specifically affect the body. Basically, herbal actions are used as a sort of shorthand (instead of saying: “elecampane assists the body in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract,” one can say “elecampane is an expectorant”).
Perhaps you are having an issue with constipation and are looking for an herb that will help ease this issue; then it is good to know that you should seek out a “demulcent.” Demulcents are herbs that help soothe irritated and inflamed internal tissues (such as the mucous membrane that lines our entire digestive tract from our esophagus to our colon). Then, after doing some research (or, preferable, visiting a professional herbalist), you see that marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a demulcent and has been shown to help with constipation.
Herbs have a wide range of “actions” that can affect the body. A single herb can also have numerous actions; most plants have several herbal actions that work in synergy with one another. For example, an herb that is considered “anti-inflammatory” may also be an antioxidant; and may help with specific heart issues. Or an herb with a “nervine” action may also be a sedative (both of these actions relate to the nervous system). Or two herbs may have the same action properties, but work differently within the body. For example, cacao (Theobroma cacao) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californicaare) nervines, but cacao is stimulating to the nervous system while California poppy is relaxing.
That is why learning what action areas herbs fit into is a critical first step in learning more about herbs. As mentioned, herbs have many healing properties and a wide range of actions. They can have many actions that benefit the body as a whole or they can have a single property with a very targeted action on a specific system of the body.
The following chart is NOT comprehensive coverage of the various herbal actions; however, it is a good place to start when seeking support and assistance from our herbal allies! And the six “example” herbs listed are some of the most well-known and well-used herbs for each area. AND PLEASE, before using an herb, consult with your physician!