Basic Actions of Herbs and Pharmaceuticals
Actions reflect the ways in which remedies affect human physiology. The following is a list of basic actions, describing properties of the substance, with some herbal examples
| Action | Description | Uses | Herbal Examples |
| Astringents | Substances that are drying, drawing and constricting | Pulling out infections from a wound, stop bleeding, tone mucous membranes | White Oak, Willow, Witch Hazel, Plantain, Blackberry |
| Aromatics | Contain volatile essential oils with strong odors | Stimulate the digestive system, reproductive system | Peppermint, Cardamom, Fennel |
| Aphrodisiacs | Stimulate sexual arousal | Damiana, Maca | |
| Alteratives | Restore proper function of the body | Supports the body’s natural defenses | Echinacea, Oregon Grape, Yellow Dock, Red Clover |
| Adaptogens | Helps the body face and cope with stress | Eleuthero, Rhodiola, Schisandra | |
| Anodyne | Substances that relieve pain | Meadowsweet, Willow bark, Skullcap, Cayenne | |
| Antibiotic | Substances that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria | Echinacea, Goldenseal, Honey, Lemon Balm, Garlic | |
| Antidepressant | Substances that raise the mood | Depression | St. John’s Wort, Passionflower |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Substances that help the body fight inflammation | Turmeric, Mallow, Willow Bark, Goldenseal, Evening Primrose, Boswellia | |
| Antioxidant | Substances that reduce damage from free radicals | bioflavonoids | Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Olive Leaf |
| Antispasmotic | Substances that induce muscle relaxation | Ease muscle spasms | Astragalus, Hawthorne, |
| Antiviral | Substances that kill viruses | Astragalus, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Yarrow | |
| Astringent | Binds mucous membranes, shrinks tissue and reduces secretions | Useful in wound healing and digestive issues. Not for long term use. | Witch Hazel, Plantain, Carnesbill, Eyebright, Raspberry, Wild Cherry |
| Bitters | Substances that stimulate appetite and digestion | Constipation, gas, and related cramping | Gentian, Yellow Dock, Skullcap, Hops |
| Calming | Substances that support the nervous system | Relieve muscle tension and spasm, insomnia | Skullcap, Chamomile, Hops, Valerian, Passionflower |
| Carminatives | Substances that expel gas from the body | Ease bloating and gas related cramping | Fennel, Caraway, Peppermint |
| Demulcent | Substances that produce slime that coats, sooths and protects mucus membranes and soothe dry conditions | Supports normal respiratory health and coating dry internal conditions | Mullein, Marshmallow Root, Chia Seed, Fenugreek, Flax |
| Diaphoretics | Substances that raise the body temperature to induce sweating and increase circulation | Useful for breaking dry fevers, promoting blood flow to extremities, detoxification | Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne, Elder, Yarrow |
| Diuretics | Substances that induce urination | Water retention, urinary tract flushing | Dandelion, Juniper, Uva-Ursi, Cleavers |
| Emollients | Mucilaginous substances for topical use | Soothe, condition and protect the skin | Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Marshmallow, Plantain |
| Expectorants | Substances that break up mucus in lungs | Elecampane, Mullein, Lobelia | |
| Hypotensives | Lower Blood Pressure | Hibiscus, Yarrow | |
| Tonics | Substances that are nutritive, and support the overall processes of growth, healing and renewal. | Can be taken regularly to strengthen a system | Skullcap (nervous system); Nettle leaf (skin, hair, nails); Dandelion (digestive); Milk Thistle (liver); Hawthorne (cardio) |
| Vulnerary | Promotes wound healing | Comfrey, Horsetail |