HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Yes we know there are thousands of Different herbs but those herbs also belong to a group themselves. The different TYPES of herbs are :

Alteratives- herbs that slow down the action of another herb because if one is in a dis ease state curative herbs can shock the body so its important to have an alternative herb in the mix to slowly introduce the medicinal properties to the system. dis eases must exit the body as slowly as they were created

• burdock root, sarsaparilla, chaparral, fennel, nutmeg, valerian, ginger, catnip, cloves, peppermint, eucalyptus, yellow dock, red clover, nettle, garlic, cinnamon, anise, cumin, echinacea root

Anthelmintics- herbs that remove intestinal worms

• pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, Senna, wormwood, garlic, elecampane, pomegranate.

Antiperiodics-  herbs that reduce seizures caused by fevers or nervous disorders like epilepsy 

• arnica, vervain, red raspberry, skullcap, Senna, rue eucalyptus, st johns wort

Anti-inflammatory herbs- reduces inflammatory dis ease

• arnica, cayenne, wormwood, lobelia, hops, burdock, chaparral, garlic, slippery elm, feverfew, cats claw

Antipyretics- herbs used to reduce fever

• feverfew, eucalyptus, indian hemp

Antiseptics/disinfectant- herbs that kill the growth of germs or bacteria

• Anise, myrrh, wormwood, cassia, thyme, peppermint, clove, garlic, comfrey, cayenne, eucalyptus, witch hazel

Astringents- herbs that cause internal and external skin to tighten and allow heat to stay inside the body by closing mucous membrane pores reducing excessive fluid secretion

• barberry, congo root, wild indigo, witch hazel, kola nuts, shepherds purse

Bitter Tonics- herbs used to aid in digestion. They increase saliva and digestive fluids 

• chamomile, hops, dandelion, wormwood, gentian, blessed thistle, goldenseal

Calmatives- herbs used to stimulate the body through smell and taste and relaxes the body

• valerian, hops, chamomile, catnip, skullcap, passion flower

Catharics (laxatives / purgatives)-  these herbs are used for constipation and should not be used too often or by pregnant women 

• cascara sagrada, rhubarb, Senna, aloe, buckthorn

Demulcents- have a slimy texture by nature and are used  to protect and soothe and coat internal organs

• licorice, agar, flaxseed, marshmallow, Irish moss, comfrey, okra pods, psyllium

Diaphoretics- open pores and increase perspiration 

• hyssop, yarrow, ginger, sage, blessed thistle, Indian hemp, penny royal, Angelica, lobelia

Diuretics- herbs that increase urination. Taken for kidney and bladder problems and should be taken with demulcent herbs

• burdock, corn silk, cleavers, juniper berry, kava, parsley

Emollients- naturally oily herbs. Used topically for soothing and softening skin irritation externally and internally 

• marshmallow, oatmeal, comfrey, slippery elm, flaxseed

Expectorants- causes one to spit up phlegm from the lungs. These herbs speed up the cleansing of toxins from respiratory system and should be combined with demulcent herbs

• mullein, echinacea, marshmallow, comfrey, elecampane, chickweed

Nervines (relaxants)- these herbs are good for stress and fatigue and induces relaxation

• valerian, hops, Passion flower, yarrow, catnip, skullcap, chamomile, betony

Stimulants (nerve)- these herbs speed up nerve reactions. These are allopathic. 

• yohimbe, guarana, yerba mate, coffee beans, cocoa beans

Refrigerants- herbs that cool the body down

• mint leaves, lemon grass, sorrel, tamarind, licorice, eucalyptus

Sedatives- herbs that calm pain. Usually used for menstrual  pain . These herbs hide cause of pain so should not be used to hide pain caused by unknown sources because pain is the bodies way to signal alarm that there is some sort of dis ease in the body and so should be dealt with accordingly 

• yarrow, cramp bark, chamomile, catnip, motherwort, black cohosh

Stimulants- these herbs excite and increase the action of bodily systems. Should be used in small amounts to be effective. if one has an overload of mucus ( colds or bronchitis) this will help body react faster to curative herbs 

• pennyroyal, cinnamon, cloves, sarsaparilla, nutmeg, foti root, bayberry leaves, yohimbe, ginseng, schizandra, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne, prickly ash, mustard

Vulnerary-  these herbs are applied to open wounds. They cause the body to heal faster by delivering nutrients directly and decreases scarring

• aloe vera gel, calendula oil, horsetail, comfrey, marshmallow, plantain, goldenseal