herbal action

Vulnerary - ropana These herbal remedies help bring about healing in wounds and inflammation. The term is often used to describe herbs for skin lesions (Emollients), but the action is just as...

The “Trophic” state is representative of the vital capacity of a system or tissue in the body. Often these herbs have tissue specificity within the body, such as endocrine, skin, lungs, heart,...

Tonic is a broad action whose remedies will either strengthen and enliven a specific organ or the whole body. When referring to an organ system they are often described as Trophorestorative. How...

Sedatives calm the nervous system and can reduce stress and nervousness throughout the body. Lots of different herbs are sedatives, and some are often described as Nervine Relaxants, Hypnotics or...

These are herbs that when applied to the skin, will cause a localized increase in surface blood flow (vasodilation). This usually shows as a reddening of the skin. They are used mostly today to ease...

Rejuvenative tonics (rasayana karma)Rejuvenative tonics aim at the constant renewal of both body and mind, keeping them fresh and clear throughout life. Rejuvenative tonics substances rebuild the...

Nutritive Tonic (Brimahna)Tonic herbs nurture the tissues of the body. A nutritive tonic is an herb that nourishes the body and increases weight, density and substance within it. Such herbal foods...

Nervine (Majja/Rajas Hara)Nervinessare herbs that strengthen the functional activity of the nervous system. They may be stimulants or sedatives and can be used to correct excesses or deficiencies of...

In folk medicine these herbs were considered “blood purifiers”, as  lymphatic herbs have an ability to move lymph and can increase lymphatic flow moving fluid and protein away from areas of...

Laxative and Purgative herbs (Virechana Karma) Laxatives are herbs that in some way stimulate the bowels to promote bowel movements. This action is called by a number of different names depending on...

Immunomodulators (Rasayana) Immunity is a vital component of the interface between the individual & their world, and an expression of homeostasis & relationship between our bodily health,...

These are remedies that will help to induce a deep and healing state of sleep. They are synonymous with Sedatives, and many are Nervine Relaxants when used in high doses. How Hypnotics Work The mode...

Herbal hormonal balancers or normalizers often contain chemical precursors or can effect circulating levels of endogenous sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone LH, FSH, and...

Hepatics are herbal remedies which in a wide range of ways aid the work of the liver. They tone, strengthen, and in some cases increase the flow of bile. In a broad holistic approach to health they...

These are herbs that will increase the flow of breast-milk in a lactating woman. They do this safely without forcing any hormonal pressure on the body.  Herbal Examples:  Foeniculumvulgare (Fennel)...

These are remedies that reduce fevers, and are synonymous with the term Anti-pyretic. Fever control with herbal remedies is quite effective, however the focus should be on aiding the body’s natural...

Expectorant - Chedana Expectorant herbs promote the discharge of phlegm and mucus from the body. They clear the lungs and nasal passages, but also the stomach. They are useful in respiratory...

These are remedies that soften, soothe and protect the skin. They are used externally and have a similar role for the skin that Demulcents do internally. How Emollients Work They usually act...

Emmenagogue (Raktabhisarana Karma)These are remedies that stimulate and regulate menstrual flow and function. Uterine tonics and hormonal normalizers can often be included in this group.Emmenagogues...

Emetics are herbs that will induce vomiting. Used much more historically, their use is rarely indicated in medicine today. Their main use is in the first aid treatment of poisoning where they will...

A diuretic is a remedy that increases the secretion & elimination of urine from the body. A diuretic is a substance that will increase the volume of urine produced, by promoting the excretion of...

Digestive-Stimulant and digestive herbs (dipana-pachana karma)Stimulants are mainly hot in energy, pungent in taste, and include most hot spices, peppers and gingers. Their action is to increase...

Diaphoretic (svedana karma) Diaphoretic herbs induce perspiration and by this action restore circulation, dispel fever and chills, while eliminating toxins from the surface of the body. They are...

A demulcent is a herb rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue. When they are used on the skin they are called emollients. Demulcents are used whenever a...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 &...

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...

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...

Anti-lithic (MutraKricra Hara) These herbs help to prevent the formation of stones in the urinary system and can help remove those which are already formed. How Anti-lithics Work Most seem to either...

As the name implies, these herbs help the body to control inflammation. However, the symptomatic alleviation of inflammation employed by pharmaceuticals is rarely the same mechanism by which these...

These herbs reduce feelings of nausea and can help to relieve or prevent vomiting. How Anti-emetics Work Most of these herbs are Carminatives which settle the digestive processes of the stomach. ...

Anti-catarrhal (Chedana) These herbs help the body to remove excess phlegm from the body. They’re mainly used in ear, nose and throat infections. They’ll help eliminate mucus in the sinuses while...

Anthelmintic (Krimi Hara) Anthelmintics will destroy or expel worms from the digestive system. Many can be quite toxic in high doses and are no longer accessible to medical herbalism. The term is...

Analgesic - Shula Hara Herbs that will relieve and soothe pain (are synonymous with Anodynes). Analgesic/Anodyne (Shula Hara) What is an Anodyne? These are herbs that will relieve and soothe pain...

Alterative (raktashodhana) See also bitter tonic or antipyretic herbs Alteratives are herbs that cleanse and purify the blood. They produce the following general therapeutic effects: Purify the...

Adaptogen (Rasayana) Though this word is a relatively new concept to western medicine, China and Eastern medical theory has employed their use for centuries. The intent behind their use is the very...