INTRO TO HERBS: Getting to Know Your Herbs

This month we're back for the second installation of our "Intro to Herbs" series. We previously discussed the nuances of working with our own individual bodies (If you would like a recap, you can read that blog HERE)

This month, we'll be going over how to get to know herbs in a more holistic sense. Rather than simply choosing an herb because we read that it was "good for colds" we can start to dig a little deeper and figure out exactly WHY it is helpful and HOW it works within our bodies to mitigate the symptoms and effects that a cold might be having on our bodies.

HERBAL ACTIONS

The first way that we might get to know an herb is through its herbal actions; or the things that the herb "does" within the human body. There is a long list of things that can be categorized as herbal actions; but here is a very basic list that I often use (including definitions): -Abortifacient: inducing abortion

-Adaptogenic: stabilization of physiological processes and promotion of homeostasis

-Adjuvant: aiding the action of a medicinal agent

-Alterative: gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality, blood purifier

-Analeptic: restorative or stimulating effect on central nervous system

-Analgesic: relieve pain

-Antiseptic: agent used to produce asepsis and to remove pus, blood, etc.; prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms

-Aperitive: stimulating the appetite for food

-Aphrodisiac: substance increasing capacity for sexual arousal

-Astringent: causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.

-Bitter Tonic: acts chiefly by stimulating the appetite and improving digestion.

-Cardiotonic: increases strength and tone – normal tension or response to stimuli of the heart

-Carminative: causing the release of stomach or intestinal gas

-Cholagogue: an agent that increases flow of bile from gallbladder

-Choleretic: promoting bile secretion by the liver

-Demulcent: soothing action on inflammation, especially of mucous membranes

-Diaphoretic: increases perspiration – syn: sudorific

-Diffusive: breaks up stagnant energy and move it throughout the body

-Diuretic: increases urine flow

-Emetic: produces vomiting

-Emmenagogue: agent that regulates and induces normal menstruation

-Emollient: softens and soothes the skin

-Expectorant: facilitates removal of secretions

-Hemostatic: controls the flow or stops the flow of blood

-Galactagogue: an agent that promotes the flow of milk

-Laxative: substance that acts to loosen the bowels contents

-Lymphagogue: an agent that promotes lymph production or lymph flow

-Nervine: calm nervous tension and nourish the nervous system

-Nootropic: Stimulates the brain, helps with focus and mental clarity

-Relaxant (antispasmodic): promote relaxation or reduce tension

-Rubefacient: agent which reddens skin, dilates the vessels, and increases blood supply locally

-Spasmolytic: Helps reduce spasm especially in the smooth muscle (anti-spasmotic)

-Stimulant: temporarily increases body or organ function

-Tonic: a substance that increases strength and tone

-Trophorestorative: nutritive and restorative to the nerves and nerve tissue

-Vulnerary: Wound healing

As you can see; there aren't a lot of "anti-" words on this list. This is because things like "anti-inflammatory" can often be a combination of more specific herbal actions that combine to reduce inflammation. When we use these more exact terms we can better understand the process by which the herb is working and choose more direct actions for our needs.

These herbal actions are just the starting point though; once we know an herb's basic actions, then we can begin to go deeper.

HERBAL TASTES

These are the basic “flavors” of herbs that can inform us of some of their medicinal qualities.  Tastes include: Bitter, Sweet, Salty, Pungent, Sour, and Astringent (although, this could be classified as more of a mouth feel than an actual taste).  One example of how this shows up, is in cold/depressed  or damp/stagnant tissue states, we normally will reach for aromatic and pungent herbs that are often more warming and help to stimulate and get the tissues active again.  Similar tastes can also help us find herbal substitutions when we are unable to access a specific herb. For example, if you are needing a cup of chamomile tea to stimulate digestion but don’t have any chamomile on hand, you can look to other similar bitter herbs as an alternative.  

But, it doesn't just stop there. There is one more level I want to break down so we can find the exact right remedy for our needs.

HERBAL ENERGETICS These are the energetic qualities of an herb and they fall into three categories; temperature, moisture, and tone.  Herbs can be either Warming or Cooling (temperature); Moistening or Drying (moisture); and Relaxing or Tonifying (Tone).  

Once we understand an herb's energetics, we can begin to match it up with our own overall energetics and the energetics of the issue at hand. For example; if we tend to run hot and are dealing with a hot inflamed condition; the last thing we would want to use is a hot dry herb even if it is generally used for that particular condition. (And I share this as someone who once (long ago) tried taking turmeric for a very hot and inflamed Crohn's flareup simply because I had read it was very good for inflammation...ouch!).

You might be thinking right about now; Ok Lauren, I get it...but where the heck do I learn these kinds of things about the herbs I am wanting to use? I search for them online and all I get it "this herb is good for colds and flus".

Well friend, here is where I am going to give you a few helpful tips for searching and learning about herbs online and beyond!

#1 Be VERY wary of simple Google Searches and AI answers. Very recently, there has been quite a bit of discussion in herbal communities about a high number of herbal blogs/books being "written" by AI and containing incredibly incorrect and even harmful information. So, when searching for herbal information, you want to make sure you are accessing a reliable source AND you are searching for the correct thing. -Try searching for a Materia Medica containing your herb or searching for an "Herbal Monograph"....These two key phrases alone can often help your searches to be more refined. -You can also visit my RESOURCE page for some verified links to some of my teachers and peers who share lots of really helpful and free information! (There are also a few great Materia Medica books listed there if you like physical copies for your bookshelf)

#2 Use multiple sources. Even among the best resources there is always debate into the subtleties and nuances of herbal medicine. I like to cross-reference multiple resources to come to a more general understanding. For example; some herbalists and traditions may disagree about the herbal energetics if they are subtle or a little bit of a mix of multiple energetics.

#3 ALWAYS listen to your own body. Herbal medicine (as with modern allopathic medicine) is not a one-size-fits-all methodology. Some people will be intolerant, allergic, or just not matched well with particular herbs. That's ok! Even if it is a great herb for a particular situation, it might not be the herb for YOUR situation. The beauty of this is that there are countless herbs and plants to work with...so, if something doesn't work with you; don't try to force it, just try something else.

Happy Herbal Exploration friends! I hope this has been helpful for y'all.

The content on this site is for educational purposes only. We cannot diagnose health conditions, nor prescribe medicines. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.

As with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is vast and complex, and must be used responsibly. People react differently to different remedies. Some herbs are contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical drugs.

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