Herbal Properties and Actions

I don’t think I could possibly overstate how important it is to understand the properties by which herbs work.  This knowledge is what separates a mediocre herbalist (someone who memorizes the name of a problem and the name of the herb that is listed next to it and says use this for that) from a good herbalist (someone who says, “Ah… dry, enflamed tissues… which mucilaginous herb should I use for this?”).  Understanding these properties opens up new worlds of possibility to the herbal student.  It allows one to more deeply understand the herbs they’re using, and see patterns in both plants and people more clearly.   It also clears up that head scratching that occurs when you’re reading herbal books and have no idea what they’re referring to when they say “anticatarrhal”.

While you could go through this list and try to memorize terms and definitions, the best way to gain an understanding of this material is to do so experientially.  You can read what an astringent is, or you can chew on a green banana peel or wild geranium root and know from experience.  Or you can understand that a mucilage is a viscid, slippery carbohydrate, but making a strong infusion of Marshmallow or Slippery Elm and playing around with the resulting goo will allow you to not only understand with your head, but with your body as well.  And who would want to pass up the opportunity to compare and contrast the varying degrees of bitter?

So… learn this stuff.  Years later, you’ll either be glad you did, or wish you had.

Primal Energetics

I should state that while I've presented these initial energetic considerations as polarities (hot/cold, dry/damp, tense/lax), there are so many exceptions and distinctions to be made when practically applying these concepts that visualizing these qualities on opposing ends of a spectrum is going to cause confusion and frustration and teeth gnashing.  As an example, we could say that demulcent herbs are moistening and astringent herbs are drying, but while moistening and drying is a polarity, astringents and demulcents are not... astringents are really the opposite of relaxants, not demulcents.

If you don't get that, please read on, and hopefully I can clear up and elucidate herbal energetics into the rather commonsense recognition of patterns that it is...

It is clear that some herbs are warming and some are cooling.  Give anyone some cayenne pepper and, given the two options, they're sure to pick correctly.  Same goes for iceberg lettuce, or cucumbers... they're just clearly cooling, and you're likely to find wide agreement on this fact.  But, as you move in from the extremes to the middle ground, you'll start to see differences of opinion, even among the wisest of plant people.  To me, that just makes sense, in the same way that everyone will agree that Palm Springs, California in July is hot and Lake Superior in late March is really very cold.  But put them in a "room temperature" hotel and any group of two or more will often disagree as to whether its a bit warm or a bit chill.  When learning to apply the ideas of "heating" and "cooling" to herbs, start with the obvious extremes and work you way in.

Still, there are some general observations about these two categories that can be clarifying and offer insight:

damp ~ dry

But, of course, we need to thicken the plot a bit...

The same drying herbs that release fluids from the body in some ways moisten tissues as the fluids are released.  For example, the skin will go from dry to moist with the use of an appropriate diaphoretic. This, though, is a local and transient phenomenon, one to be utilized for a limited duration of time; if it makes you secrete a fluid or stimulates some type of evacuation, it’s still constitutionally drying, because there is less fluid in the body as a result of its action.  But sometimes just establishing - or reestablishing - the flow of fluids through a given tissue will restore proper function, and with that, moisture.

Another consideration is that the "dampness" in the body calling for the use of this class of "drying" herbs can often be seen as a "stagnation" of some sort.  By stimulating the flow of fluids associated with a given organ, system or tissue, we help to break up that stagnation and resolve the problems that go along with it; as a general rule of thumb, anywhere you have stagnation in the body, you have an imbalance that needs to be addressed.

2.) Astringents are considered drying. This is both a correct and misleading way to understand what they do. Astringent herbs don't really cause the loss of fluids from the body... in fact, they often are used to help retain fluid from being lost (for example, blackberry root being used to stop diarrhea, shepherd's purse to staunch uterine bleeding, or staghorn sumach to help resolve excessive urination). But a simple taste of an astringent leaves the mouth (i.e. the mucous membranes) dry (think about the dryness you get from sipping green tea, or from taking a bite of a too green banana). What astringents do is restore tone to tissues by causing them to constrict. It is this constriction - generally of the outer surface of the tissues - causes dryness. In western herbalism, these herbs were sometimes referred to as "tonics": herbs that restored tone to tissues. In most cases, short term use of astringents causes a localized dryness, while helping to preserve fluids constitutionally. Prolonged use, however, or the use of very strong astringents can constrict tissues too much (and not just on the surface), and in doing so impairs their proper function by both robbing them of fluids and impairing their ability to absorb or secrete fluids.

So we might say that "drying herbs" that cause loss of fluids from the body a constitutionally drying while sometimes moistening locally, and astringents are locally drying while they initially help to retain fluids on a constitutional level... this distinction is exceptionally important, as lumping together these differing qualities under the simplified assessment "drying" can lead to inappropriate use or inappropriate avoidance.

3.) Herbs rich in fixed oils (think of most seeds and nuts), or that affect oil utilization are moistening.  Flax (the freshly ground seeds, not the probably rancid oil), in addition to fixed oils is rich in mucilage, and so especially useful.  Some herbs may not actually contain a lot of fixed oils, but somehow help in there optimal utilization.  Burdock is an example of an herb that affects oil utilization.  Also, we should consider the incredibly important role of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids found in wild fatty fish, wild game, and other animals with a free ranging wild eating lifestyle.

4.) Some warming, oily aromatics can moisten, if only superficially. Angelica and Osha are examples. This may seem strange, because these are herbs that are generally used to treat wet coughs (and they do indeed have a notable drying action). But they are really oily herbs, and the moisture they offer is oil moisture, not water moisture. So, if someone needs water moisture, they won't help much and might aggravate, but if someone needs oil moisture for some acute situation, they can be very helpful. I (who tends to be dry) can use these without much aggravation, but their potential to aggravate if there's water dryness can be tempered by adding a bit of mucilage.  A practical example of this is to use Osha on a dry cough; the mucous dries up, but the lung tissues are moistened to a degree by the clearance of Osha's antimicrobial oils.

constriction/spasm/tension~relaxation/atony/laxity

Tissues can become too tense, or too lax/weak. 

We should also consider that demulcents can result in a lessening of tension, because dry tissues are more prone to be tight; just think about an old, dried out piece of leather; it lacks pliability and gets "stiff".  In such a case, the strongest antispasmodics available will do little good if the underlying cause of dryness is not addressed.  On a similar note, nervine herbs will be needed if tension arises from mental stress of agaitation.

diffusive/permanent

In William Cook's Physio-Medical Dispensatory, he discusses the difference between herbs he calls "diffusives" and "permanents":

"Impressions made upon the nerves are conveyed with rapidity.  Sometimes, this rapidity may be so great as almost to resemble a shock.  Hence agents that are principally conveyed by the nerves, manifest themselves speedily; while those that act principally by absorption, are more tardy in working their effects.  A great many agents act through both media, and that in every conceivable ratio; hence these may first manifest a prompt, sudden action, which will apparently have passed away, and subsequently be absorbed, and make a renewal of the original impression in a less intense but more persistent manner.  Agents acting principally on the nerves are, therefore, more diffusive and transient, while those relying upon the slower process of absorption are more permanent.  These terms are, of course, merely relative; for some agents which are absorbed (as capsicum) may first make a diffusive impression through the nerves, and follow this by an influence of a slower and more persistent kind through the entire frame.  But, while this nomenclature is not absolute, it is sufficiently explicit to warrant its general use - employing the terms only as referring to time, and not to extent."

An interesting example of this relationship is found in Burdock; the seeds are diffusive, while the root is permanent.

Foundational Actions

Astringent/Styptic/Hemostatic

Astringents are herbs that cause tissue to contract, and so are indicated when tissues are weak, atonic and/or “leaking” (the tissues don’t have the tone they need to hold in fluids), swollen or injured. They may be used to stop bleeding (In which case they are called styptics/hemostatics).  A good way to conceptualize tissues that need “astringing” is to think about a balloon that’s been blown up and emptied out so many times it’s lost its resiliency; the latex is weakened and lax.  Or, sometimes weak tissues get "spongy" (think of spongy, bleeding gums).

Most people are quite familiar with astringency… that bite of green banana that you thought was ripe enough? That sensation of puckering and dryness is astringency. The strength of astringent herbs varies widely, from the very gentle strawberry to the moderate green tea to the significantly strong oak. Pretty much all things that taste sour are astringent to some degree.

Astringents are generally considered “drying” in nature because of the sensation they offer, though they can help the body retain fluid on a larger scale by preventing excessive urination caused by weak renal tissues. They have a local anti-inflammatory action, and can also act as antimicrobials by toning tissues, they make it harder for bacteria to adhere to them.  Cranesbill, Sumach, Oak, and most of the rose family are examples.

Demulcent/Emollient/Mucilaginous

Tonic

Herbalist Matthew Wood, in a draft copy of his Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism, offers the one of the better definitions of the word “tonic”, unique in that it allows for all the different manifestations this vague category may take:

“A tonic is usually an herb or food that acts on the body in a slow, nutritive fashion to build up the substance of the body.  In this sense, the term "tonic" might be considered synonymous with "trophorestorative".  It can also be defined as a substance which (like an astringent) restrains loss from the body by "toning" tissues.  Matt offers the following categories tonics may fall into:  Bitter tonics were used to strengthen and nourish the liver and metabolism (alteratives, for the most part), Sweet tonics acted primarily on the immune system and adrenals (adaptogens).  Oily tonics supplied fixed oils and essential fatty acids to tissues to ensure hydration, cell permeability and to prevent atrophy.   Mineral tonics (do I really need to say?) provide essential minerals, and sour tonics are rich in bioflavinoids.  Protein tonics are rich in protein… not lots of plants here, for the most part, but Nettle is a good example.

In Chinese Medicine, their are chi tonics, blood tonics, yang tonics, yin tonics, and a slew of other types of tonics, each with their own unique indications and contraindications.

Bitter

Bitter herbs stimulate the secretion of of pretty much all the digestive acids, juices and enzymes, which generally improves appetite & digestion, especially of fats/oils/lipids.  They also increase absorption of nutrients by supporting the processes that breakdown and absorb nutrients.  Bitters stimulate tissue repair in the GI, and also can have a mood stabilizing/"antidepressant" effect by increasing the production of mood related hormones by the enteric nervous system in the gut.  They have a grounding, downward energy.  You must taste bitters to receive their medicinal virtues.  There are nutritive bitters (dandelion greens), aromatic bitters (Calamus), bittersweet bitters (Celastrus), and just plain bitter bitters (Boneset).

Diaphoretic/Sudorific

Diaphorectics are used to open the pores and promote perspiration.  They are usually used in the treatment of fevers, but can be used to advantage in colds & flus as well.  Diaphoretics act on the hypothalamus, which controls the body’s thermostat by directing the actions of peripheral circulation and the pores.  In physiomedicalism, diaphoretics are seen as being stimulating of they promote circulation out from the core to the periphery (cayenne, cinnamon, yarrow), or relaxant if the ease tension inhibiting that outward circulation (elderflower, boneset, butterfly weed).  Some herbs do both (most mints). 

Sudorifics force perspiration, and the term is really better applied to more toxic substances such as Antimony.

Diuretic

Diuretics increase the quantity of urine expelled from the body.  Some do this by increasing the blood flow to the kidneys (like Scotch Broom and caffeine containing herbs), others affect the secretion or reabsorbtion of fluids in the kidneys (Dandelion), while still others irritate the renal tissues and the kidneys produce more urine to try to “flush out” the irritant (Juniper being an example of this).  Nowadays, laxness of terminology has led to people using the word “diuretic” to refer to any herb affecting the kidneys in any way (alas…).

Secondary Actions

An herb's secondary actions are those properties attributed to it that owe their effect to one or more of the plant's primary actions.  As an example, people often refer to an herb as possessing an "anti-inflammatory action".  While this tells us something of what might be achieved by using the plant, it really tells us very little else.  Is the herb anti-inflammatory because it contains a mucilage that coats and soothes enflamed tissues?  Or perhaps its astringent?  Maybe the anti-inflammatory agent resides in the plants aromatic oils,  or maybe it contains salicin or some other compound that inhibits inflammation...

It is in all of these differing possibilities that the answer to the question, "How do I choose the right anti-inflammatory for this person expressing these specific symptoms lies.  So, if you know a plant possesses some secondary action, try to understand which primary actions lead it to this end.

Absorbents

These herbs “absorb” swellings of various sorts, more or less via lymphatic action.  Mullein is an example… see lymphatics.

Analgesic/Anodyne/Narcotic

Analgesics and anodynes describe herbs that ease or relieve pain.  They may do this through a variety of mechanisms; for example, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories and herbs containing salicylic acid are all anodynes.  Willow & Black Cohosh are examples of analgesic/anodyes.  Narcotics inhibit central nervous system activity, and are generally dangerous in excess.  Opium and Henbane are examples… not for the home herbalist.

Antacids

Antacids are herbs that contain constituents that bind with and neutralize acids.  These herbs are usually used in the treatment of heartburn, and include Chamomile, Fennel and Peach.  Some, such as Meadowsweet, are also astringent, and have the added benefit of strengthening a weakened sphincter that is allowing stomach acids to escape into the esophagus, as well as helping to heal any ulcerations that have resulted from this.

Anthelmintic/Vermifuge

These herbs kill worms and parasites.  They should be used when they are needed, and not based upon the mistaken belief that we’re all full of parasites that are causing all of mankind’s ills.  Black Walnut is probably the most widely used.  

Anticatarrhal

These herbs help resolve congestion arising from excess mucous production (“catarrh” being mucous), as in sinusitis.   Often, they are astringents (which tighten tissues to lessen secretions) and/or contain volatile oils (which disperse congestion).  Goldenrod and Goldenseal are anticatarrhal.

Anti-fungal

Herbs that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi.  Cedar, Wild Bergamot and Black Walnut come to mind.  They most often require consistent, long term use to work curatively.

Anti-inflammatory

Obviously, herbs that help resolve inflammation.  This action may be the result of mucilages that coat and soothe inflamed tissues (Slippery Elm), astringents that tighten tissues (Vinca), or of constituents like salicylic acid (Meadowsweet). 

Anti-lithic

“Lithiasis” refers to the production of “stones” or “gravel”; precipitations of minerals in the body that (for the most part) cause excruciating pain that most agree rivals or surpasses childbirth. In reference to the urinary system, this would include not only kidney stones but also gout and some types of nonspecific joint pain. Antilithics are therefore understood to be herbs that in some manner or another help to resolve this condition. This can be achieved in a number of ways.

In a sense, any diuretic herb is going to be antilithic to a certain degree, because it increases the volume of urine and helps flush stones from the body. Demulcents, by causing the moistening/lubrication of urinary tissues, helps as well to facilitate the expulsion of stones. Relaxants help ease resistance to the stones passage.

But some plants are considered specifically “antilithic”, in addition to other actions that may be related. These herbs are sometimes said to “dissolve” stones. This, I feel, is a special action, but one that requires some looking into. It is probably unlikely that any herb will reliably dissolve a stone that’s being passed like salt or sugar dissolving in water. There just doesn’t seem to be evidence that this occurs with any reliability (though I do account to exceptions). However, I do think that some herbs can help to dissolve stones to a degree. This might result in taking some of the sharper edges off a stone, or perhaps breaking a large stone into smaller, easier to pass pieces.

Herbs I’d consider specifically antilithic include goldenrod, queen anne’s lace, gravel root & burdock seed.

Antimicrobial

Nowadays, people refer to “antibiotics” and “antivirals”.  Antimicrobial is a more general term that refers to herbs that kill or inhibit invading microorganisms, without specifically referring to which type of microorganism the herbs are active against.   The mechanisms by which they work are too varied to list.

Antineoplastic

Herbs that help inhibit the growth of tumors.  Red Clover is considered antineoplastic.

Antiseptic

Herbs that prevent bacterial growth.  “Septic” infections are usually considered “damp”, being purulent (having puss)… staph-type infections.  Echinacea and Wild Indigo are antiseptics.

Aphrodisiac

Hey… fun!  Aphrodisiacs increase one’s interest in sex… or are supposed to.  Some stimulate blood flow to the genitalia (Yohimbe), some act as antispasmodics to relax tense muscles and tissues (Skullcap), some act as nourishing tonics, usually to the adrenals (Milky Oats), and some inhibit inhibitions (think: alcohol).

Cardiac Tonic

A very broad term referring to herbs that improve the function of the heart and circulatory system.  “Tonic” implies that long term use will yield optimal benefit, and not weaken the system.  Hawthorne is an example.

Carminatives are aromatic herbs that contain volatile oils and initiate the expulsion of intestinal gas.   They often relieve cramping as well.  Catnip, Fennel and Chamomile are carminatives.

Emetic/Anti-emetic

Emetics induce vomiting (Lobelia, syrup of Ipecac), and anti-emetics help relieve nausea (Ginger, Peach leaf, most mints).

Emmenagogue/Oxytocic

Emmenogogues stimulate menstrual flow, and are used to help bring out scanty or suppresses menstruation.  They should not be used during pregnancy.  Oxytocic herbs stimulate uterine contractions, mimicking the action of naturally produced hormone oxytocin.  Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Motherwort come to mind.

Expectorant refers to herbs that help expel mucous/phlegm from the lungs.  Generally, warming, drying herbs (like Angelica) are used for wet/damp/dank coughs, while mucilaginous herbs (like Marshmallow) are used for dry coughs.

Pectoral

”Pectoral” is a general term referring to herbs that affect the lungs. 

Febrifuge/Antipyretic

Febrifuge and Antipyretic refer to herbs used to treat fever by lowering body temperature.  While these may refer to diaphoretics, they also include herbs containing Salicylic Acid (Wintergreen/Willow Bark) and Echinacea, that lower body temperature through methods other than encouraging perspiration.

Galactagogue

Galactagogues increase the supply of breast milk in nursing mothers (not gonna work for the guys…).  Fennel, Borage and Fenugreek are examples.

Hepatic/Cholagogue/Antibilious

Hepatic is a general term for an herb whose sphere of activity influences the liver.  Cholegogues stimulate the production and release of bile (acting on both the liver and gallbladder, and usually acting as aperients), while antibilious herbs help the body deal with an excess of bile (this may be done through releasing it, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably).  Most often these are bitter herbs, such as Dandelion or Yellow Dock.

Hypotensive/Hypertensive

Herbs that lower blood pressure (like Hawthorne) are hypotensive, while herbs that raise blood pressure (like Ephedra) are hypertensive.

Laxative/Cathartic/Aperient

Laxatives stimulate (or force) evacuation of the bowels.  Laxatives – even herbal laxative use – can be habit and dependence inducing.  Cathartics (like Cascara Sagrada and Senna) do this forcefully, while Aperients are gentle laxatives; usually bitter herbs that stimulate the production and release of bile, which lubricates the digestive tract.  Dandelion, Oregon Grape and Yellow Dock are aperients.

Lymphatic

“Lymphatic” herbs relieve lymphatic congestion, usually evidenced by swollen glands.  No one really knows how they work, but “experience hath shown” (as Culpepper used to say) that when used, the swollen glands resolve.  One theory is that they increase the solvency of lymphatic fluids, which helps break up and disperse metabolic debris within the lymph system.  Red Root, Echinacea and Cleavers are lymphatic herbs.

Rubefacient/Counter Irritant

These herbs are applied topically and have an irritating and/or heating effect on the skin.  By causing local irritation, these plants draw the attention of the body (usually via blood) to the area they are applied, and so initiate a healing response.  Cayenne and Arnica are popular counter irritants.  Some plants that have been used as counter irritants, such as Buttercups, are exceedingly strong and will blister the skin.

Sialagogue

These herbs provoke the production and flow of saliva.  Prickly Ash is an example.

Stomachic

These are herbs that generally have a beneficial action on the stomach.  They may be antispasmodics, they may affect acid levels, they may be astringents… Fennel, Chamomile, Peach, & Meadowsweet come to mind.

Vasoconstrictors/Vasodilators

Vasoconstrictors (Ephedra) narrow blood vessels (usually causing and increase in blood pressure); Vasodilators (like Hawthorne) expand them (usually lowering blood pressure)

Vulnerary