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