Alteratives
Cleanses congested, stagnant blood, gradually increases
vitality through nourishment
Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Echinacea, Garlic, Nettles, Red Clover, Yellow
Dock
Anti-catarrhal
Mucous is the body's way of protecting mucous membranes from foreign bodies.
When it becomes so thick that it congests the membranes anti-catarrhals
will work to thin out the mucous
Garlic, Peppermint, Thyme, Yarrow
Anti-inflammatory
These herbs don't take away the inflammatory response.
Rather, they soothe and cool the spot of inflammation, which in turn reduces
pain.
Calendula, Comfrey, Hawthorn, Marshmallow, Mullein, Peppermint, Plantain,
Shepherd's Purse, Yarrow
Anti-microbial
These herbs make the surrounding tissue uninviting to unwanted bacteria,
viruses and parasites.
Can also stimulate immune response by activating lymphocytes
Calendula, Echinacea, Garlic, Peppermint, Plantain, Thyme, Uva-ursi, Yarrow
Anti-spasmodic
Ease cramps in smooth or skeletal muscle, relaxes autonomic nervous system
and central nervous system
Black Cohosh, Catnip, Motherwort, Peppermint, Valerian
Astringent
Used to stop bleeding or to bind tissue which forms a protective coat
Comfrey root, Plantain, Shepherd's Purse, Uva-ursi, Yarrow
Bitter
Herbs with a bitter taste stimulates and jump starts digestive juices
Dandelion, Yarrow
Carminative
Calms lining of digestive tract and helps to eliminate gas
Catnip, Chamomile, Motherwort, Peppermint
Cholagogue
Stimulates flow of bile from the liver
Dandelion root, Yellow Dock
Demulcent
Soothes and protects irritated tissue in the digestive and respiratory
tracts, aids in healing wounds
Chickweed, Comfrey leaf and root, Marshmallow leaf and root
Diuretic
Increases kidney output
Burdock, Dandelion leaf, Yarrow
Diaphoretic
Increases perspiration, heating herbs that increase circulation
Catnip, Cayenne, Ginger,Yarrow
Galactagogue
Stimulates breast milk production
Alfalfa, Borage, Nettles, Raspberry leaf, Red Clover
Hepatic
Tones liver
Burdock, Dandelion leaf and root
Hypotensives
Reduces both systolic and diastolic pressures
Garlic, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Nettles, Valerian, Yarrow
Anti-spasmodic
Black Cohosh, Catnip, Chamomile, Motherwort, Peppermint, Valerian
