GENERAL HERBAL ACTION DEFINITIONS

Below are broad definitions of herbal & descriptive actions. There are much more specific mechanisms & energetics within each action depending on the herb.

These are by no means exhaustive descriptions.

A

DEFINITION: non-specific action that increases the body's natural resistance to physical, emotional, biological and/or environmental stressors, whilst promoting balanced physiological function. This action is predominantly governed by an adaptogen’s ability to support hypothalamic function to improve endocrine regulation and depleted adrenal cortex stress hormones.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone, histology and function of the adrenal glands (esp. the adrenal cortex), thereby supporting & reinvigorating adrenal gland function.
DEFINITION: A substance that opens up channels of elimination of the body & affect the body's natural detoxification processes to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products within the body. They were formerly known as blood purifiers and are largely used to treat chronic skin and musculoskeletal disorders.
- pesticides, chemicals, environmental toxins
- proteinaceous wastes, cellular debris, hormones and other standard by-products of the body's metabolic processes
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or relieves the sensation of pain through altering the sensations of the nerves, spinal cord and/or the brain in general.
Some other relevant actions include: spasmolytic/antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant, inflammatory-modulators, antacids (herbs containing salicylic acid), anti-rheumatic, narcotics (often dangerous in excess due the inhibitory action on the central nervous system).
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces libido (usually in males).
DEFINITION: A substance that counteracts or neutralises acidity in the gastrointestinal tract via regulating the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl¯) in the stomach.
DEFINITION: A substance that kills or assists in the expulsion of intestinal worms.
DEFINITION: A substance that tones down the allergic response, often by stabilising the membranes of mast cells & reducing the secretion of histamine.
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits or modifies the action of androgens (male sex hormones).
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or is effective against arrhythmia (that are any variation from the normal rhythm or rate of the heartbeat).
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or relieves asthma attacks and flare ups.
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria (bacteriostatic) or destroys bacteria (bactericidal).
DEFINITION: A substance that may inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or neoplastic cellular mutation.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the incidence of dental caries (tooth decay).
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the formation of catarrh or phlegm (pathologic mucus secretion) via encouraging the body to produce less viscous mucous so it’s easier to expel, or by reducing production in general.
Traditionally, mucolytics help to break up & disperse sticky mucous in the respiratory tract.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the rate of blood coagulation.
DEFINITION: A substance that tends to prevent or arrest seizures (convulsions).
DEFINITION: A substance that may alleviate feelings of low mood, seasonal affective disorder and/or melancholy (depending on underlying causes).
DEFINITION: A substance that can assist in the management and (possibly) treatment of (type II) diabetes or effect of diabetes (such as insulin resistance/(in)sensitivity).
DEFINITION: A substance that alleviates diarrhoea
Other associated actions include: astringent
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or alleviates bruising.
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents/reduces nausea & vomiting
Other associated actions include: antispasmodic to the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the excessive formulation of fibrous connective tissue (e.g., in scleroderma)
DEFINITION: A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or stops bleeding when taken internally.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces excessive perspiration/sweating and may also reduce excessive thirst sensations.
More specifically, a refrigerant is considered a substance that has cooling properties, particularly when applied to the skin.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces inflammation or the severity of inflammatory diseases (NOTE: does not entirely suppress or eliminate inflammatory processes necessary in the immune response).
Other associated actions include: inflammatory-modulator, emollient/demulcent, astringent
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the formation of stones (calculi) within the urinary tract and/or gallbladder. Often antilithic herbs can take a long time to have an effect.
Other associated actions include: diuretic, demulcent
DEFINITION: A generalised term describing a substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys micro-organisms, working directly or indirectly via the immune system’s response to the presence of these agents.
Other associated actions include: antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic/antiprotozoal, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral
DEFINITION: A substance that may assist in palliative care and holistic approach to cancer which may include the regulation of autophagy, reversing multi-drug resistance, balancing immunity, and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy.
Other associated actions include: anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, inflammatory-modulator, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumour
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or alleviates oedema (fluid retention)
Other associated actions include: diuretic, venotonic
DEFINITION: A substance that protects or minimises damage to cells against oxidation or free radical damage which is indicated as one the primary factors in the generation of many diseases.
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the activity of platelet activating factor (PAF) which is a potent inflammatory agent & inducer of systemic anaphylactic symptoms.
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the activity of or destroys parasites, especially protozoa.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces platelet aggregation within the blood (the clumping together of platelets which can lead to thrombosis or stroke).
Other associated actions include: antioxidant, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces symptoms from the prostate gland.
Other associated actions include: male tonic, antilithic, inflammatory-modulator, antiandrogenic
DEFINITION: A substance that relieves or prevents itching, possibly via the down-regulation of prostaglandin & histamine release.
Other associated actions include: antiallergic, emollient, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that tends to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or prevents fever via redirecting the circulation to the periphery to increase sweating.
Other associated actions include: inflammatory-modulating, refrigerant
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or relieves rheumatic symptoms / rheumatism.
Other associated actions include: analgesic/anodyne, alterative (clear stagnant toxins), inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A topical antimicrobial/antibacterial agent that deals with infection via direct contact. ‘Topical’ includes mucous membranes that may be contacted by the remedy via the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, digestive, integumentary (skin), and reproductive tracts.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or relieves smooth & skeletal muscle spasm (involuntary contractions) via the nervous system or the muscle tissue directly. Smooth muscle is found within blood & lymphatic vessels, urinary system (incl. bladder & uterus), male & female reproductive organs, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract & the respiratory system.
Other associated actions include: carminative/aromatic digestive
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the activity of the thyroid gland.
DEFINITION: A substance that has activity against a malignant tumour.
Other associated actions include: antineoplastic
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the amount or severity of coughing via suppressing the cough reflex.
Other associated actions include: antispasmodic/spasmolytic, relaxing nervine, demulcent
DEFINITION: A substance that prevents or relieves ulceration (usually in the gastrointestinal tract).
Other associated actions include: demulcent, vulnerary, carminative, mild sedative, refrigerant, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the levels of urea in the blood (especially in kidney failure).
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys viruses whilst increasing the immune system’s response to the presence of the virus.
DEFINITION: A substance that alleviates anxiety by calming or down-regulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Other associated actions include: thymoleptic, relaxing nervine, cognitive enhancing, mild sedative, hypnotic
DEFINITION: A substance that gently opens or releases acting as a mild laxative. Can remove obstructions in the gastrointestinal system.
DEFINITION: A substance that stimulates sexual desire or libido, often via stimulating blood flow to the genitalia, relaxing tense muscles and tissues, inhibiting inhibitions or providing systemic nourishment for optimum function.
Other associated actions include: antispasmodic/spasmolytic, nutritive, circulatory stimulant, inebriant, male & female tonic, adrenal tonic, HPO modulator, adaptogen, galactagogue
DEFINITION: A substance with that are often pleasant tasting and/or smelling that assists with optimising digestion via reducing spasm & increasing circulation to the digestive tract.
They are diffusive in nature due to their volatile oil content and are. generally warming, however certain herbs may be contradictory in this respect, possessing both warming and cooling qualities.
Other associated actions include: antispasmodic/spasmolytic, bitter tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, carminative, stomachic, digestive stimulant
DEFINITION: A substance that firms and invigorates the body tissues via constricting the mucous membranes & exposed tissues on direct contact. This constriction reduces excretions, creating a short-term (~20min) barrier to inflammation & irritation via tightening the gap junctions that make up the mucous membranes, which then reduces excretions, but also block absorption of nutrients.
Astringents are usually cooling, draining and drying in nature and this action is generally based on tannin content with some exceptions (e.g., berberine alkaloids).
Astringents can treat a wide variety of acute life threatening health situations as well as more mild constitution imbalances - indicated in damp/relaxation & damp/stagnation tissue states.
Rule of thumb: astringents tend to dry out local tissues but systemically or constitutionally can allow you to retain more water and are thus moistening - they are not necessarily directly affecting moisture content of the body but rather, they are affecting the relative tone of tissues.
Other associated actions include: antidiarrheal, vulnerary, mucous membrane tonic/trophorestorative

B

DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
DEFINITION: A bitter tasting substance that stimulates the upper gastrointestinal tract via bitter-sensitive taste receptors (expressed in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine, respiratory & brain cells) and/or by direct interaction with gastrointestinal tissue. Upon contact with the receptors/tissue, a signal is conducted via the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the release of saliva, bile & gastric juices.
Bitters have a promoting effect on all components of upper digestion incl. appetite stimulation, the breakdown of food & nutrient assimilation, as well as promoting the improvement of general health & immune function.
Bitters also help regulate pancreatic hormones & aid in the repair of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal system.
Other associated actions include: hepatoprotective, sialagogue, choleretic, cholagogue, antimicrobial, mild laxative (aperient), inflammatory-modulator, mucous membrane trophorestorative.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone and function of the bladder and reduces post-void residual urine.
DEFINITION: A substance that can prevent or correct some anaemic presentations (depending on the underlying cause of anaemia) via either reducing the number of circulating red blood cells or in the quantity of haemoglobin.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces spasm in the lower respiratory tract.

C

DEFINITION: A substance that may help to prevent the incidence of cancer.
Other associated actions include: antineoplastic, antitumour, antioxidant, adaptogen
DEFINITION: A substance that protects cardiac tissue against toxins and hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), thereby decreasing the risk of heart damage.
Other associated actions include: antiplatelet, hypotensive, hypolipidaemic, anti-arrhythmic, antioxidant, cardio tonic, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the force of the heart’s contraction/beat (positive inotropic) and strengthens or regulates heart function, in turn having a beneficial effect on the heart & blood vessels.
DEFINITION: A substance that relieves flatulence and soothes intestinal spasm/pain (e.g., cramping), usually via relaxing intestinal muscles or sphincters through releasing or increasing the circulation of energy, blood and/or lymph in the gastrointestinal system. They are usually aromatic or pungent (high in volatile oils) and down-regulate inflammation.
DEFINITION: A substance that assists or induces evacuation of the bowel & has a strong laxative action.
Other associated actions include: laxative
DEFINITION: A substance that increases/stimulates the release of stored bile from the gallbladder via increasing gallbladder contraction, thus improving digestion (esp. of fats) and nutrient absorption, aids in detoxification, and supports healthy bowel movement.
Other associated actions include: choleretic, hepatic (general term for herbs influencing the liver), antibilious, aperient
DEFINITION: A substance that increases the production of bile by the liver.
Other associated actions include: aperient, laxative, cholagogue, hepatic, immune-enhancing, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that improves blood flow through peripheral body tissues via their warming qualities, thereby supporting vitality in the body tissues.
DEFINITION: A substance that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and increases alertness by increasing circulation to the brain.
DEFINITION: A substance that facilitates and enhances learning, concentration & memory most often via increasing circulation to the brain.
DEFINITION: A substance that stabilises collagen and protects collagen from degradation, improving the tone of connective tissue throughout the body.
DEFINITION: A substance that produces superficial inflammation of the skin in order to relieve a deeper inflammation (e.g., in joints, ligaments & muscles).

D

DEFINITION: A substance that has a soothing, cooling and moistening effect on mucous membranes (incl. within the urinary, respiratory, reproductive & digestive tracts) via increasing the moisture content of the tissues.
Other associated actions include: emollient (skin), inflammatory-modulator, mucous membrane trophorestorative
DEFINITION: A substance that opens channels of elimination of the body & affect the body's natural detoxification processes to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products within the body. They were formerly known as blood purifiers and are largely used to treat chronic skin and musculoskeletal disorders.
- pesticides, chemicals, environmental toxins
- proteinaceous wastes, cellular debris, hormones and other standard by-products of the body's metabolic processes
DEFINITION: A substance that helps to cool the body down when over-heated (e.g., relief of a high fever), often by promoting sweating via relaxing the vasculature which opens the pores, allowing heat to release (relaxing) or by opening the dermal capillary beds and bringing heat to the surface (stimulating). They are drying in nature.
DEFINITION: A substance that drains fluids, systematically, from the tissues without depleting electrolyte content, for elimination via urinary pathway therefore increases urine output. This may be via increasing blood flow to the kidneys or altering sodium reabsorption, thus reducing water uptake by the kidneys.
They are drying in nature.
DEFINITION: A substance that assists detoxification of the body by the kidneys.
DEFINITION: A substance that binds to and activates dopamine receptors.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces responsiveness to dopamine or sensitivity of dopamine receptors.

E

DEFINITION: A substance that provokes vomiting but is non-toxic.
DEFINITION: A substance that initiates and promotes the menstrual blood flow (menses) via increasing the strength, contraction & frequency of the uterus, thus releasing pelvic congestion. They are particularly useful when blood flow is blocked by physical or energetic tension.
Other associated actions include: abortefacients, parturients
DEFINITION: A substance that soothes, softens and/or protects the skin. Topical action reminiscent of a demulcent. They are cooling & moistening in nature.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the clearing of excess mucous from the lungs and respiratory membranes via tonifying or relaxing the nerves and muscles involved in the cough reflex, while altering the production and viscosity of phlegm for easier expulsion.
Stimulating expectorants can irritate the brochioles or liquefy the mucous aiding in expulsion.
Relaxing expectorants relax the bronchiole muscles, loosen and thin the mucous.
They may be warm and dry or cool and dry in nature.

F

DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or prevents fever via redirecting the circulation to the periphery to increase sweating.
Other associated actions include: inflammatory-modulating, refrigerant
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone, vigour and function of the female reproductive system.

G

DEFINITION: A substance that increases the production and/or flow of breast milk.
DEFINITION: A substance that stimulates the function of the stomach.
DEFINITION: A substance that can protect the gastrointestinal system from damage by biological/chemical agents

H

DEFINITION: A substance that promotes the healing of tissue.
Other associated actions include: vulnerary
DEFINITION: A broad/vague term that describes a substance that improves the tone, vigour & function of the liver.
DEFINITION: A substance that protects the hepatocytes (liver cells) against toxic damage often via altering the permeability of the liver cell membranes.
Other associated actions include: antioxidant, choleretic, hepatotrophorestorative
DEFINITION: A substance that restores the integrity of liver tissue.
DEFINITION: A substance that can assist in balancing mechanisms governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
Other associated actions include: female tonic, selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), adaptogen, nervine
DEFINITION: A substance that induces drowsiness and sleep via the musculoskeletal & central nervous systems.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Other associated actions include: hypolipidaemic, cardiotonic, cardioprotective, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, venotonic
DEFINITION: A substance that can assist in the management and (possibly) treatment of (type II) diabetes or effect of diabetes (such as insulin resistance/(in)sensitivity).
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces plasma lipids, such as cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDL), acting systemically or locally (intestines) to decrease fat digestion, absorption, production, and accumulation in the plasma and reducing pathogenic atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces both systolic & diastolic blood pressure via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action throughout the cardiovascular system incl. the blood & blood vessels.

I

DEFINITION: A substance that reduces immune function and is used particularly when part of the immune system is overactive (e.g., autoimmunity).
DEFINITION: A substance that enhances an aspect of the immune system and its functions.
DEFINITION: A substance that modulates and balances the activity of the immune system overall.

L

DEFINITION: A substance that facilitates evacuation of the bowel.
Bulk-forming laxatives are high in fibre.
Stimulating laxatives contain anthraquinone constituents which increase peristalsis and reduce water reabsorption.
Other associated actions include: aperient, cathartic, purgative
DEFINITION: A substance that removes the sensation of pain (numbing) when applied topically via reducing nerve sensations & inflammatory messages (COX-1 & COX-2) that contribute to pain.
Other associated actions include: inflammatory-modulator, analgesic/anodyne
DEFINITION: A substance that assists detoxification by its effect on lymphatic tissue and often improves immune function via encouraging the flow of lymph tissue and/or delivery to organs of elimination. They relieve lymphatic congestion which often manifests as swelling, evident via swollen lymph glands, and are believed to help increase the solvency of lymphatic fluids and breakdown of metabolic debris within the lymphatic system.

M

DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone, vigour & function of the male reproductive system.
Other associated actions include: adaptogen, circulatory stimulant, antioxidant, antiprostatic, aphrodisiac, SERM, adrenal tonic
DEFINITION: A substance that boosts basal metabolic rate.
Other associated actions include: hypoglycaemic, thyroid stimulant, adaptogen, antioxidant, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, aromatic digestive, bitter tonic
DEFINITION: A substance that helps to break up & disperse sticky mucous in the respiratory tract.
DEFINITION: A substance that protects the mucous membranes, especially in the context of the gastric lining.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone, vigour & function of the mucous membranes (particularly the respiratory tract).
DEFINITION: A substance that restores the integrity, normalises function & secretions of the mucous membranes (e.g., in the respiratory & digestive tracts).

N

DEFINITION: Nervines predominantly work on the autonomic branch of the motor nervous system which consists of the sympathetic & parasympathetic branches, responsible for the fight-flight-freeze-faun and rest & digest responses.
Relaxant: A substance that help to soothe and gently calm an overexcited nervous system and may be used throughout the day without causing drowsiness or low energy. Other associated actions include: bitter, carminative, mild sedative, anxiolytic.
Stimulant: A substance that tend to act upon the adrenal medulla and its excretion of neurotransmitters (e.g., epinephrine & norepinephrine) which directly trigger the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Other associated actions include: circulatory stimulant, stimulating narcotic, euphoric.
Tonic: A substance that improves tone, vigour & function of the nervous system generally.
Trophorestorative: A substance that have a direct effect on the restoration of a worn out nervous system, especially in chronic stress, and generally don’t exhibit any marked calming or sedative effects.
DEFINITION: A substance that helps prevent damage to the brain or spinal cord from ischemia, stroke, convulsions and/or trauma.
Other associated actions include: nootropic, nervine trophorestorative, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that can help with memory, cognition, learning, clarity, focus and development of the intellect, often via increasing circulation to the brain and optic nerve.
DEFINITION: A substance that provides minerals, vitamins & other phytonutrients, helping to nourish the body systemically.

O

DEFINITION: A substance that acts by subtle, poorly understood mechanisms to promote oestrogen production and/or effects in the body - likely in the same manner as HPO modulators, via interactions with secondary oestrogen receptors such as those in the hypothalamus, affecting the output of endogenous oestrogen.
Other associated actions include: HPO modulator, SERM, adrenal tonic, adaptogen, nutritive
DEFINITION: A substance that stimulates appetite.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tonic, vigour & function of the ovaries.
DEFINITION: A substance that causes contraction of the uterine muscles in association with giving birth via stimulating the smooth muscle of the uterus & inducing oxytocin production.

P

DEFINITION: A substance that induces labour and assists in the efficient delivery of the foetus & placenta.
Other associated actions include: oxytocic, emmenagogue, partus preparator, spasmolytic, uterine tonic
DEFINITION: A substance taken in preparation for labour and childbirth usually starting in second trimester.
DEFINITION: A substance that dilates or widens the peripheral blood vessels and thereby improves circulation (increasing blood supply) to the peripheral tissues & may assist in reducing blood pressure.
Other associated actions include: hypotensive, circulatory stimulant, spasmolytic, antioxidant
DEFINITION: A substance that promotes the effect or production of progesterone.
DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the secretion of prolactin.
DEFINITION: A hot-tasting substance that acts upon a common group of nerve cell receptors having the effect of warming the body and improving digestion and circulation.
Other associated actions include: rubefacient, counterirritant, circulatory stimulant

R

DEFINITION: A substance that has cooling properties, particularly when applied to the skin.
DEFINITION: A mild version of a ‘counter-irritant’ which is a substance that produces superficial inflammation of the skin to relieve a deeper inflammation (e.g., in joints, ligaments & muscles), stimulating circulation and detoxification of the tissues & tissue fluids.

S

DEFINITION: A substance that reduces activity, particularly in the nervous system & decreases nervous tension, thereby reducing anxiety, pain, neuromuscular spasm & associated insomnia. Traditionally they are considered to be cooling & depressant in nature, slowing down metabolic processes, and at low dose can act as a carminative.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone, vigour & function of the sexual organs.
Other associated actions include: female tonic, male tonic
DEFINITION: A substance that stimulates the secretion of the salivary galnds.
Other associated actions include: bitter tonic
DEFINITION: A substance that relaxes skeletal muscle tone.
Other associated actions include: spasmolytic/antispasmodic, anticonvulsant
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces or relieves smooth & skeletal muscle spasm (involuntary contractions) via the nervous system or the muscle tissue directly. Smooth muscle is found within blood & lymphatic vessels, urinary system (incl. bladder & uterus), male & female reproductive organs, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract & the respiratory system.
Other associated actions include: carminative/aromatic digestive
DEFINITION: A substance that heightens the function of an organ or system (e.g., a central nervous stimulant increases the activity of the CNS, particularly behavioural alertness, agitation, or excitation).
A stimulant is also considered to be a substance capable of increasing energy or physiological activity of the body, although are potentially exhaustive in quality so should be used in combination with trophorestoratives.
DEFINITION: A substance that have a general affinity for and beneficial action on the stomach.
Other associated actions include: antispasmodic/spasmolytic, carminative, aromatic digestive, astringent
DEFINITION: A substance that stops bleeding when applied locally via their tannin content which bind blood protein together to enhance scab formation while contracting the tissue & blood vessels.
Other associated actions include: vulnerary, antimicrobial, antiseptic, inflammatory-modulator
DEFINITION: Botanically derived selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) possess phytoestrogens, a substance which can bind to oestrogen receptors and ‘turn down’ oestrogen production through negative feedback at the hypothalamic-pituitary gland and/or prevent endogenous oestrogen from binding to receptors when levels are too high.
Other associated actions include: female tonic, HPO modulator, uterine tonic, astringent, haemostatic, emmenagogue, choleretic

T

DEFINITION: A substance that promotes the modulation of testosterone predominantly via steroidal saponin content which can interact with androgen receptors, similar to the mechanisms of HPO modulators.
Other associated actions include: male tonic, HPO modulator, aphrodisiac, oestrogen modulator, adrenal tonic, adaptogen, nutritive, immune-modulator
DEFINITION: A substance that may alleviate feelings of low mood, seasonal affective disorder and/or melancholy (depending on underlying causes).
DEFINITION: A substance that enhances the activity of the thyroid gland.
DEFINITION: A substance that enhances the flow of nutrients into a tissue.
DEFINITION: A substance that generally can provide energy and improve systemic tone, vigour & function of the body. More specific tonics for organs & systems are listed.
Other associated actions include: cardiotonic, hepatic, mucous membrane tonic, uterine tonic, ovarian tonic, nervine tonic etc.
DEFINITION: A substance that has a healing & restorative action on a specific organ or tissue.
DEFINITION: A substance that blocks the activity of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

U

DEFINITION: A substance that inhibits the growth or destroys micro-organisms within the urinary tract.
Other associated actions include: astringent, mucoprotective, inflammatory-modulator, mild diuretic
DEFINITION: A substance that has a soothing effect on mucous membranes of the urinary tract.
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the menstrual flow when taken internally.
Other associated actions include: styptic/antihaemorrhagic
DEFINITION: A substance that reduces the activity of the uterine muscle.
DEFINITION: A substance that increases the tone of the uterine muscle, normalises the function of the uterus and nourishes & balances the membranes and muscles of the female reproductive system.

V

DEFINITION: A substance that constricts or narrows the blood vessels, usually causing an increase in blood pressure.
DEFINITION: A substance that dilates or widens the blood vessels.
Other associated actions include: hypotensive
DEFINITION: A substance that protects the integrity of the blood vessels, especially the fine & more delicate ones.
DEFINITION: A substance that improves the tone & function of the veins.
DEFINITION: A substance that kills or assists in the expulsion of intestinal worms.
DEFINITION: A substance that promotes the healing of wounds (esp. when applied topically) through a variety of mechanisms, most notably via protection against infection and stimulation of new cell growth.

BROAD / SPECIFIC ACTION DEFINITIONS

Many of these descriptive terms have been used to describe the activity of herbs and other medicines in the Physiomedicalist period during the 19th & 20th centuries. They are sometimes used to describe both broad and specific mechanisms and can be a useful & tangible framework to personalise herbal therapy within a vitalistic model. The associated actions are not exhaustive in these descriptions.

DEFINITION: improves tone, strength and vigour to the tissues. The term tonic can be used literally or as a more general term, implying the improved quality and function of the overall or individual system/s.
QUALITIES: usually cool & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: astringent, tonic, haemostatic, vulnerary
OPPOSITE: Softening action
(Holmes, 2007; Ganora, 2015).
DEFINITION: generally can be considered sedating and are often strong & fast-acting on conditions of excess heat/hyper-reactivity or hyper-functioning. They work by reducing the stimulation of the affected region or process and cooling or clearing heat.
QUALITIES: cool & often dry but soothing
HERBAL ACTIONS: bitter tonic, hypnotic, sedating nervine, analgesic/anodyne
OPPOSITE: Stimulating action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: promote the breakdown and elimination of excessive build up within the body, most notably fluid bodies (e.g., phlegm, sputum, lymph & toxins). Depending on the affected area or organ system, decongesting remedies may can work in various methods.
QUALITIES: pungent, bitter, bland and/or sweet
HERBAL ACTIONS: decongestant, expectorant, lymphatic, blood tonic, anti-oedema, alterative/depurative, uterine stimulant
OPPOSITE: Nourishing action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: works on thinning bodily fluids and blood, thereby reducing clotting factors (e.g., congealed blood incl. menstrual clots, thrombosis etc.), conditions caused or affected by the accumulation of waste products & toxins (e.g., rheumatic/arthritic conditions) and electrolyte imbalances.
QUALITIES: sometimes warm, sometimes cold & usually dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: anticoagulent, antiplatelet, antitumour, antirheumatic, alterative/depurative
OPPOSITE: Thickening action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: stimulates the circulation of energy outwards towards the periphery, removing stagnancy resulting in pain and promotes sweating.
QUALITIES: warm & usually dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: circulatory stimulant, pungent, antirheumatic, vasodilator
OPPOSITE: Stabilising action
(Holmes, 2007).
DESCRIPTION: assist in the breaking down and easier elimination of excessive substances such as lipids, deposits, fluid pockets (e.g., cysts), swelling, and toxic build-up - much like the softening action.
QUALITIES: warm & somewhat moist usually
HERBAL ACTIONS: detoxicant, alterative/depurative, choleretic, cholagogue, immune-enhancer/stimulant, immunomodulator
OPPOSITE: Solidifying action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: rich in nutritional value, they are useful in states of hunger, malnutrition, weak constitutions and wasting (hypotrophy) - can also be classed as restorative remedies.
QUALITIES: sweet
HERBAL ACTIONS: nutritive, trophorestorative, sexual tonic, adaptogen, demulcent
OPPOSITE: Decongesting action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: brings energy and vitality upwards to the head, brain & eyes, helping to improve concentration, memory, dizziness, tinnitus, eyesight and premature greying, for example.
QUALITIES: sweet, salty, sometimes astringent, warm/cool/neutral & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: nootropic, cognitive-enhancing, adaptogen, antioxidant
OPPOSITE: Sinking action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: address excessive tension and blockages within tissues, organs and systems, helping to loosen and decompress conditions of constraint, stagnation, rigidity, tightness and/or spasm.
QUALITIES: pungent, aromatic
HERBAL ACTIONS: relaxing nervine, mild sedative, bronchodilator, spasmolytic/antispasmodic, hypotensive, aromatic digestive/carminative
PAIR/DYAD: Restoring action
(Holmes, 2007; Ganora, 2015).
DEFINITION: used to treat conditions of weakness, malnutrition, depletion, inadequate functioning and the like. Restoring remedies can help to reinvigorate the function and structure or tissue, organs and their individual elements.
QUALITIES: sweet
HERBAL ACTIONS: trophorestorative, tonic, adaptogen, nutritive, collagen-stabilising
PAIR/DYAD: Relaxing action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: grounding remedies that disperses excess energy and heat from the head and brain downwards.
QUALITIES: bitter, cold & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: bitter, choleretic, hypoglycaemic
OPPOSITE: Raising action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: helps to soften hardened substances, tissues or fluids to allow for easier breakdown and removal.
QUALITIES: moist
HERBAL ACTIONS: mucolytic expectorant, demulcent, detoxicant
OPPOSITE: Astringing/tonifying action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: generally strengthens connective tissue and other structural elements within the body, to prevent weakness and decay.
QUALITIES: cool & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: collagen-stabilising, nutritive, trophorestorative, vulnerary
OPPOSITE: Dissolving action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: restrains and improves pathological discharges and excess loss of fluid bodies, helping to reduce sweating, haemorrhage and urogenital discharge.
QUALITIES: astringent, cold & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: tonics, astringent, vulnerary, styptic, antihaemorrhagic, antihydrotic
OPPOSITE: Dispersing action
(Holmes, 2007).
DEFINITION: generally help to enhance the function, movement and productivity of a tissue/organ/system that is affected by depressive coldness, causing hypo-functioning and laxity.
QUALITIES: pungent, warm & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: circulatory stimulant, stimulating nervine, tonic, adaptogen, diuretic, choleretic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, uterine stimulant
OPPOSITE: Calming action
(Holmes, 2007; Ganora, 2015).
DEFINITION: usually fast-acting, coagulating agents that improve clotting factor and cessation of bleeding, however some may also be slower-acting working more on the improvement of stamina, vitality & weight gain. The latter branch is referred to as nourishing Liver Yin herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
QUALITIES: often warm & dry
HERBAL ACTIONS: haemostatic, styptic, nutritive, astringent, hepatotrophorestorative, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic
OPPOSITE: Diluting action
(Holmes, 2007).

TEMPERAMENT DEFINITIONS

It should be noted that herbs are intelligent and mutable, often fluctuating in their adaptive tempers depending on their innate/baseline temperament & degree, their pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics, the person’s own constitution & biology, the dis-ease being targeted, the method of use/preparation and the growth habitat that influences the plant’s biology, for example. Traditional and modern sources may differ in their record of a herb’s temperament, which can often be polarising. When talking about temperaments within the herbal energetics model, this is not always in reference to degree in Celsius or Fahrenheit but rather the subtle qualities and mode of influence on energetic motion throughout the body.

The descriptions below are a general overview and do not explain every nuance that exists in the Humoral model of medicine.

These herbs are generally believed to:
- help to reduce pathological heat (e.g., unremitting fever or inflammation);
- slow and/or sink the pulse; down-regulate metabolism or hyperactive mechanisms driven by too much warmth/fire;
- reduce nervous system activity.
  (Ganora, 2015).
Cold in the 1st degree: refreshing
Cold in the 2nd degree: cooling
Cold in the 3rd degree: thickening
Cold in the 4th degree: anodyne/analgesic
(Bartlett, 2020).
These herbs are generally believed to:
- have a drying effect on the tissues, including the skin, mucous membranes & systemically
  (Ganora, 2015).
Dry in the 1st degree: closes
Dry in the 2nd degree: dries
Dry in the 3rd degree: strengthens
Dry in the 4th degree: hardens
(Bartlett, 2020).
These herbs are generally believed to:
- moisten or lubricate the skin & mucous membranes
- reduce incidence of pathological heat and dryness (e.g., pro-inflammatory states)
- can promote fluid retention and toxicosis (e.g., swamp-like environment) when out of balance
  (Ganora, 2015).
Moist in the 1st degree: moistens
Moist in the 2nd degree: softens
Moist in the 3rd degree: nourishes
Moist in the 4th degree: purges
(Bartlett, 2020).
These herbs are generally believed to:
- increase circulation & oxygenation (especially to the periphery and empty cold spots);
- raise the pulse;
- increase temperature;
- improve vital force in a cold constitution out of balance
  (Ganora, 2015).
Hot in the 1st degree: opening
Hot in the 2nd degree: thinning
Hot in the 3rd degree: warming
Hot in the 4th degree: burning
(Bartlett, 2020).
These herbs are generally believed to:
- have an energetically balanced or modulatory action in general

TROPISM (THE FOUR BODIES) & THE ELEMENTS

The descriptions below are a general overview and do not explain every nuance that exists in the Humoral model of medicine.

CHARACTERISATION: integration, organisation & allostasis / homeostasis
ORGAN AFFINITY: heart, veins, arteries, arterioles, sensory nerves, skin
ORGAN SYSTEM: blood, circulatory / neuroendocrine systems
ENERGETIC SYSTEM: hot & dry
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCE: Sun & Mars
HUMOUR / KRASES: Choleric (Yellow Bile)
(Barlett, 2020).
CHARACTERISATION: sensitivity, response & movement
ORGAN AFFINITY: blood, lungs, liver, skin, spleen, kidneys, muscles
ORGAN SYSTEM: renal / neuroendocrine / respiratory systems
ENERGETIC SYSTEM: hot & wet
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCE: Jupiter, Venus & Mercury
HUMOUR / KRASES: Sanguine (Blood)
(Bartlett, 2020).
CHARACTERISATION: transformation, emotions, fertility & metabolism
ORGAN AFFINITY: stomach, oesophagus, spinal cord, brain (cerebellum & memory), fatty tissue, breasts, womb, ovaries, tonsils, glandular secretions (incl. lachrymal mechanism), bladder, pancreas, eyes (left of man, right of woman), body fluids (lymph & blood), hormones & thyroid
ORGAN SYSTEM: Fluids (glands, stomach) / neuroendocrine (circadian rhythm) / reproductive (menstrual cycle) systems
ENERGETIC SYSTEM: cold & wet
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCE: Moon
HUMOUR / KRASES: Phlegmatic (Phlegm)
(Bartlett, 2020).
CHARACTERISATION: physiological transformation, structure, nourishment & judgement
ORGAN AFFINITY: hair, bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, membranes, nerves, liver, intestines, thymus, spleen
ORGAN SYSTEM: musculoskeletal / hepatobiliary / immune / nervous systems
ENERGETIC SYSTEM: cold & dry
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCE: Saturn & Jupiter
HUMOUR / KRASES: Melancholic (Black Bile)
(Bartlett, 2020).

TASTE DEFINITIONS

The descriptions below are a general overview and do not explain every nuance or give every example of constituents exhibiting these physiological tastes.

QUALITIES: mobilising, dispersing, usually low-dose herbs
HERBAL ACTION: relaxant, antispasmodic, emetic
ENERGETIC ACTION: warming, tingly, prickly
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: acrid bitter compounds
TISSUE STATE: wind-tension
(Maier, 2021; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: solidifies, tightens, dries, decongests & slows down
HERBAL ACTION: tonic, astringent
ENERGETIC ACTION: cool, drying (short-term), moistening (long-term)
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: tannins
TISSUE STATE: damp-relaxation
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: stimulates, grounds, drains, cools, detoxifies, cleanses, coarsens & dries
HERBAL ACTION: bitter tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, anti-infective, hypotensive, hypocholestrolaemic, lymphatic
ENERGETIC ACTION: most often cold & dry, occasionally warm
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: berberine alkaloids
TISSUE STATE: damp-stagnation
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: moistening but also drains fluid & dries dampness
HERBAL ACTION: diuretic, demulcent
ENERGETIC ACTION: neutral, cool & dry
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: organic acids, vitamins, mucilage
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Maier, 2021).
QUALITIES: slows down, moistens, thickens, weighs down, grounds, slightly maturating & warms
HERBAL ACTION: reproductive tonics, uterine tonic, nutritive, demulcent
ENERGETIC ACTION: somewhat warm & moist
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: saponin glycosides
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020).
QUALITIES: activates, energises, warms, speeds up, dries out, putrefies, lacerates & disperses
HERBAL ACTION: pungent, expectorant (stimulating), circulatory stimulant, vasodilator, rubefacient, febrifuge
ENERGETIC ACTION: hot & dry
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: volatile oils
TISSUE STATE: cold-depression
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: cleanses, moistens, softens, sinks, drains/flushes, dissolves, resolves & resists putrefaction.
HERBAL ACTION: diuretic, lymphatic, detumescent, anticoagulant, anti-lipidaemic
ENERGETIC ACTION: usually somewhat warm & dry (short-term) & moist (long-term)
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: trace minerals/elements, vitamins, coumarin glycosides, saponin glycosides.
TISSUE STATE: dry-atrophy
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: coagulates, tightens, stimulates, cools, lacerates & decongests
HERBAL ACTION: antihydrotic, astringent
ENERGETIC ACTION: cool & dry
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: flavonoids, cyanogens
TISSUE STATE: heat-excitation
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020; Wood, 2008).
QUALITIES: harmonises, calms, cools, slows down, thickens, ripens, softens, moistens & restores
HERBAL ACTION: nutritive, trophorestorative
ENERGETIC ACTION: neutral, sometimes cool & moist
HERBAL CONSTITUENTS: polysaccharides, carbohyrdates, amino acids, digestive enzymes, vitamins & minerals
(Holmes, 2007; Bartlett, 2020).

BOTANICAL TERM DEFINITIONS

Latin botanical terms and their meanings, describing the main different parts of plants used in herbal medicine.

bulbus………………………………………………bulb

cacumen……………………………………………tip

caulis………………………………………………..stalk, stem

cortex………………………………………………bark

flor / flos…………………………………………..flower / blossom

fol / folium………………………………………..leaf

fructus……………………………………………..fruit

gemma……………………………………………..bud

herba……………………………………………….herb

lichen………………………………………………lichen

lignum……………………………………………...wood

pericapium………………………………………..rind, peel

rad / radix…………………………………………root

ramulus……………………………………………twig

rhizoma……………………………………………rhizome

semen………………………………………………seed

thallus………………………………………………thallus

tuber………………………………………………..tuber

turio………………………………………………...shoot, sprout

References

Bartlett, R. A. (2020). The Temper of Herbs. Revelore Press, Olympia, WA.

Ganora, L. (2015). The Action Formula. American Herbalists Guild. https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/the_action_formula_-_ganora_-_ahg_2015_1.pdf

Holmes, P. (2007) The Energetics of Western Herbs vol 1 & 2 4th ed. Snow Louts Press: Cotati.

Maier, K. (2021). Energetic Herbalism. Chelsea Green Publishing: White River Junction, VT.

Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine 2nd ed. China: Churchill Livingstone.

Woods, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: Vol I. North Atlantic Books: Berkeley, CA.

HERBAL ACTIONS GLOSSARY

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

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HERBAL ACTIONS GLOSSARY

A

ADAPTOGEN

ADRENAL TONIC / RESTORATIVE

ALTERATIVE / DEPURATIVE

ANALGESIC / ANODYNE

ANAPHRODISIAC

ANTACID

ANTHELMINTIC / VERMIFUGE

ANTIALLERGIC

ANTIANDROGENIC

ANTIARRYTHMIC

ANTIASTHMATIC

ANTIBACTERIAL

ANTICARCINOGENIC

ANTICARIOGENIC

ANTICATARRHAL / MUCOLYTIC

ANTICOAGULANT

ANTICONVULSANT

ANTIDEPRESSANT / THYMOLEPTIC

ANTIDIABETIC / HYPOGLYCAEMIC

ANTIDIARRHEAL

ANTIECCYMOTIC

ANTIEMETIC

ANTIFIBROTIC

ANTIFUNGAL

ANTIHAEMORRHAGIC

ANTIHYPERHIDROTIC / REFRIGERANT

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

ANTILITHIC

ANTIMICROBIAL

ANTINEOPLASTIC / ANTI-CANCER

ANTIOEDEMA / ANTIOEDEMATOUS

ANTIOXIDANT

ANTI-PAF (PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR)

ANTIPARASITIC / ANTIPROTOZOAL

ANTIPLATELET

ANTIPROSTATIC

ANTIPRURITIC

ANTIPSORIATIC

ANTIPYRETIC / FEBRIFUGE

ANTIRHEUMATIC

ANTISEPTIC

ANTISPASMODIC / SPASMOLYTIC

ANTITHYROID

ANTITUMOUR

ANTITUSSIVE

ANTIULCER (PEPTIC)

ANTIURAEMIC

ANTIVIRAL

ANXIOLYTIC

APERIENT

APHRODISIAC

AROMATIC DIGESTIVE / CARMINATIVE

ASTRINGENT

B

BACTERIOSTATIC

BITTER TONIC / Digestive or Gastric Stimulant

BLADDER TONIC

BLOOD TONIC

BRONCHOSPASMOLYTIC

C

CANCER PREVENTATICE / ANTITUMOUR / ANTINEOPLASTIC

CARDIOPROTECTIVE

CARDIOTONIC

CARMINATIVE / AROMATIC DIGESTIVE

CATHARTIC / PURGATIVE

CHOLAGOGUE

CHOLERETIC

CIRCULATORY STIMULANT

CNS STIMULANT

COGNITION ENHANCING / NOOTROPIC

COLLAGEN STABILISING

COUNTER IRRITANT / RUBEFACIENT

D

DEMULCENT / EMOLLIENT

DEPURATIVE / ALTERATIVE

DIAPHORETIC / SUDORIFIC

DIURETIC

DIURETIC DEPURATIVE