Herbal Actions

Also known as: vermifuge Can expel or destroy intestinal worms and parasites. What they do Expel or destroy intestinal worms and parasites Clear the intestinal tract of parasitic organisms Anthelmintics should be combined with laxative or cathartic herbs to make sure the parasites are actually eliminated from the intestinal tract, rather than just killed and left behind. How they're used: Anthelmintic herbs are typically taken as teas, tinctures, or capsules, paired with a la

Herbs that correct over-acid conditions Antacid herbs correct over-acid conditions in the stomach and bowels. Many can also be used to alkalize the blood. What they do Correct over-acid conditions in the stomach and bowels Alkalize the blood Soothe the digestive tract when acid is the root of discomfort How they're used: Antacid herbs are commonly taken as teas, extracts, or capsules, often after meals or when symptoms of excess acid appear. When to consider them: Consider th

Reduce inflammation and relieve pain and swelling Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation, which helps relieve pain and swelling. They're used both internally and externally. What they do Reduce inflammation throughout the body Relieve associated pain and swelling Support tissue as it moves through its natural defense or repair process Some work by inhibiting the body's production of inflammatory molecules, similar to how NSAIDs work (Willow for example) How they're used:

Nourish and build body tissue Nutritive herbs nourish and build body tissue, supplying a substantial amount of nutrients and aiding in building and maintaining the body. Because of their broad nourishing action, these herbs can be used for all conditions in the body, and are especially valuable for building and strengthening bones and muscle tissue. What they do: Supply a substantial amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients Build and maintain body tissue generally St

Support and calm the nervous system Nervines support the nervous system, regulate nerve responses, and relieve pain. They generally fall into two groups: nerve tonics, which build and strengthen nerve tissue over time, and nerve sedatives, which calm and relax the nervous system in the moment. Nerve tonics feed, tone, rehabilitate, fortify, and strengthen the nerve tissue. Nerve sedatives work to relax, soothe, and nourish the nervous system to help reduce pain, ease tension,

Calm and relax the cough reflex Antitussive herbs help calm and relax the cough reflex. Wild cherry bark is one of the best-known antitussives — it's where wild cherry cough syrup gets its name and reputation. Antitussives work differently than expectorants or anticatarrhals — instead of helping the body clear mucus, they suppress the cough reflex itself. Because of this, they should only be used when coughing is so severe it's causing real discomfort, disrupting sleep, or le

Mucilaginous herbs that soothe, soften, and protect irritated tissue Mucilaginous herbs that moisten, soften, relieve, and protect irritated or inflamed tissue. A demulcent refers to the action on internal tissue and organs while an emollient refers to topical application for skin related issues. What they do: Moisten and soften irritated or inflamed tissue, internally or externally Coat and calm irritation in the throat, esophagus, and digestive tract (demulcent) Soothe, pro

Herbs that help relieve sinus and nasal congestion Decongestant herbs help relieve congestion in the sinuses and nasal passages. Some work by constricting blood vessels in the mucous membranes to reduce swelling and inflammation, while others rely on warming or aromatic properties that open the airways and ease breathing. What they do Reduce swelling and inflammation in the sinuses and nasal passages Open airways through warming or aromatic action Ease the sensation of stuffi

Also known as: Spasmolytics Antispasmodic herbs relieve irritation, muscular spasms, convulsions, and cramps. In the respiratory system, they are used for constant coughing beyond what's needed to expel mucus, hacking coughs, and asthmatic conditions. What they do: Relieve muscular spasms, convulsions, and cramps Calm hacking or constant coughing that goes beyond productive mucus expulsion Support asthmatic conditions by easing airway spasm Ease general spasm-related pain How

Herbs that break up and discharge mucus from the throat and lungs Expectorant herbs aid the production and elimination of mucus from the throat and lungs. They can promote coughing when needed to help expel mucus, and are usually combined with demulcents to soothe the mucus membrane in the process. Because expectorants can be stimulating or relaxing depending on the herb, it helps to match the herb to the type of cough — a tight, dry cough often calls for something more relax

Herbs that break down and eliminate excess mucus Anticatarrhal herbs break down and eliminate excess mucus in both the respiratory and digestive systems. They counteract the buildup of excess mucus and inflammation in the sinuses and respiratory tract, and are generally used for chronic excess mucus production paired with inflammation These herbs work best when paired with avoiding mucus-forming foods (dairy, sugar, processed foods) and supporting the body's other channels o

Also known as: hypocholesterolemic Hypolipidemics are herbs able to help lower elevated cholesterol in the blood. Many work by supporting liver function — since the liver plays a central role in processing and clearing cholesterol — while others bring antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties that help protect blood vessels from the damage associated with high cholesterol. Herbs support the body's natural processes, but they work best alongside healthy lifestyle practices s

Herbs that support healthy blood pressure Hypotensive herbs are those with the ability to help lower elevated blood pressure. They work in different ways — some relax and dilate blood vessels, some calm the nervous system, and some support the heart's overall rhythm and efficiency. Used together with lifestyle changes, they can be a supportive part of caring for your cardiovascular health. Herbs can support the body's natural ability to regulate blood pressure, but they work

Also called: Stone-Dissolving Herbs Lithotriptic and antilithic herbs work together to dissolve and discharge gall and bladder stones and gravel. Antilithics work to prevent stones from forming in the first place, while some herbs can be taken to actively help discharge existing stones and gravel. Use with demulcents for comfort when discharging stones and with an antispasmodic to ease spasms while flushing. These herbs are only meant for small stones, continue to take 1–2 mo

Also called: Water Herbs - urine flow Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine, helping to cleanse the system, flush the kidneys, and reduce the urgency to urinate. Because diuretics flush fluid and minerals out of the body, they're often paired with demulcent or soothing herbs (like marshmallow) to protect the urinary tract from irritation — especially when acids or gravel are present. Staying well-hydrated alongside diuretic use helps support the kidneys rather than stress

liver support Hepatic herbs strengthen, tone, and stimulate the metabolic and secretive functions of the liver. They help reduce liver damage caused by stressors and disease, supporting the liver as the body's primary filter and detox organ. Many hepatics are also bitters, since bitterness often signals the compounds that stimulate bile flow. What they do: Strengthen and tone liver tissue Stimulate liver metabolic function Support the liver's secretive functions (bile product

Also called: Digestives, Stomachics Bitter herbs promote the flow of digestive juices when tasted, benefiting digestion through a stimulating action. Bitterness triggers taste receptors that signal the body to prepare for digestion — increasing saliva, stomach acid, bile, and enzyme production before food even arrives. What they do: Stimulate the flow of digestive juices when tasted Benefit and stimulate overall digestion Have a direct effect on the nervous system and the gut

Also called: Aromatic Digestives Carminative herbs are aromatics that are used to aid digestion, expel gas, soothe spasms in the GI tract, ease cramping and reduce inflammation. What they do: Ease digestion and support healthy digestive function Soothe irritated or inflamed intestinal walls Relieve cramping and intestinal spasms Reduce digestive inflammation Help expel trapped gas and relieve bloating How they're used: Often made into daily teas, added to meals as culinary h

Also called: Immune Stimulants, Immune Boosters Immune stimulant herbs work by activating and increasing the activity of the immune system, helping the body with a faster, stronger response to invading pathogens. What they do: Increase white blood cell activity and production Enhance the body's ability to recognize and fight pathogens Shorten the duration and severity of colds, flu, and other acute infections Support the body's natural defenses during times of increased expo

Herbs that fight fungal infection Antifungal herbs aid the body in destroying or limiting the growth of fungi. What they do: Directly destroy fungal cells or inhibit their growth Disrupt fungal cell walls or membranes Interfere with the fungus's metabolic processes Break down protective biofilms that allow fungal infections to persist and resist treatment How they're used: Antifungal herbs are most commonly used externally, applied topically to the affected area. They can als