Herbal Action: Diaphoretic

Also called sudorifics - increase perspiration

Diaphoretic herbs increase perspiration and influence the entire circulatory system. They promote increased perspiration and dilate capillaries, increasing elimination through the skin — helping the body eliminate viruses and break a fever.

Diaphoretics fall into three classes, matched to the person's state:

1. Stimulating — for when the overall state is sluggish or unresponsive

2. Neutral — safe for general use

3. Sedative — for acute distress, or when there is hypertension

What they do:

• Increase perspiration

• Dilate capillaries, increasing elimination through the skin

• Help eliminate viruses

• Break a fever

How they're used:

Diaphoretic herbs are best consumed as a hot tea, since the warmth itself supports the sweating response the herbs are working to encourage.

When to consider them:

Fevers, colds, flu, edema (swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues) and skin conditions.

Stimulating Diaphoretic Herbs

• Angelica

• Bee balm

• Blessed thistle

• Boneset

• Buchu

• Capsicum

• Elder flowers

• Ephedra

• Eucalyptus

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Horseradish

• Hyssop

• Pennyroyal

• Peppermint

• Sage

• Spearmint

• Yarrow

Neutral Diaphoretic Herbs

• Horehound

• Safflower

• Sarsaparilla

• Sassafras

Sedative Diaphoretic Herbs

• Blue vervain

• Burdock

• Calendula

• Catnip

• Chamomile

• Goldenrod

• Lemon balm

• Linden

• Motherwort

• Mugwort

• Passion flower

• Pleurisy root

• Thyme

• Vervain

• White willow

• Wild yam