by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Similar in function but distinct from Cholagogues, these are herbs that specifically increase the volume of bile produced by the liver. They maybe active Hepatic stimulants, Bitters, or Alteratives. How Choleretics Work By stimulating the production of bile. Herbal...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
This is an action that has the specific effect of stimulating the flow of bile from the liver. In orthodox pharmacology there is differentiation between ‘direct’ cholagogues which actually increase the amount of secreted bile, and ‘indirect’ cholagogues (or...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Carminative (Anulomana) Carminatives are herbal remedies that are rich in volatile oils. Through their activity the digestive system is stimulated to work properly and with ease by coordinating and regulating gut contractions. The main action is to soothe and settle...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
These are remedies that have an overall beneficial action on the heart and circulatory system. Some of the herbs included in this group are powerful cardio-active agents such as Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), while others are gentler and much safer, like Hawthorne...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Bitters are herbs that have a predominantly bitter taste. How Bitters Work In most herbal bitters there is a chemical principle that is present called “The Bitter Principle”. This is often a volatile oil, an alkaloid or sesquiterpene. In each case they appear to work...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Astringent, Anti-hemorrhagic (Stambana, Ropana) If you’ve ever had a cup of tea or glass of wine, then you have personally experienced astringency. The tightening of the tissue of the mouth is the astringent action of the plant at work. Astringents (sometimes called...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
These herbs have a strong and often pleasant odour. This oil-based aroma can stimulate or relax the body via the digestive and/or nervous systems, and are the basis for much of aromatherapy. How Aromatics Work The aromatic’s high volatile oil content has much in...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Aphrodisiacs (vajikarana)These herbs reinvigorate the body by reinvigorating the sexual organs. The reproductive tissue contain the power to create life, not only the power to create a child but also to renew one’s own life, to return our cells to the vigor of...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Aperient (Ruchia) Herbs with this action are a mild and gentle form of laxative that primarily stimulate the appetite. Without stimulating the bowels directly, natural bowel movements and function are promoted. How Aperients Work Aperients can be bitters, hepatics or...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Antispasmodic (Shula hara) The Anti-spasmodics (synonymous with Spasmolytics) can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body. Many of these herbs are also Nervines & Carminatives and so will reduce both physical and psychological tension as well....
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Rheumatism describes any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or connective tissues, and specifically these herbs are those which will have an action on reducing and/or resolving symptoms of musculoskeletal disease. How Anti-rheumatics Work...
by Asaf Feit | Herbal Action, Herbs
Anti-microbials are herbs that help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms. With herbal remedies you can aid the body in strengthening its own resistance while throwing off the illness. While some plant remedies contain chemicals which are strongly...
