Herbal Actions: D-K
D
Decongestant: An herb that reduces congestion, especially in the nasal passages. Herbs: Eyebright, Chinese Magnolia buds, Cocklebur fruit (cang er zi).
Demulcent: Mucilaginous Herbs which soothe irritated or inflamed tissue or mucous membranes. Indications: Ulcers, sore throat, tonsilitis, bladder infections, inflammation or heat in the upper respiratory tract, bowels. Herbs: Marshmallow root,
Slippery elm, Flaxseed, Plantain, Irish moss, Comfrey (caution).
Deodorant: An herb which destroys or lessens body odors. Indications: Strong-smelling sweat or body odor. Herbs: Sage.
Depurative: A purifying or cleansing agent. Indications: Acne, boils, styes. Herbs: Red Clover, Burdock, Wild Indigo, Sarsaparilla.
Diaphoretic: An herb that promotes perspiration and facilitates the elimination of toxins via the skin. Indications: Fever, flu, colds, general toxemia. Herbs: Yarrow, Elder, Peppermint, Boneset, Ginger, Cayenne.
Digestant: An herb that promotes good digestion. Indications: Weak digestion, painful digestion, bloating, lack of appetite.
Herbs: Artichoke Leaf, Gentian, Ginger, Orange Peel, Fennel, Cardamon, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle Seed, Anise, Cayenne, Centaury, Wormwood Tea.
Diuretic: An herb that increases urinary output. In Europe, mildly diuretic Herbs are called "aquaretics." The word diuretic is reserved for drugs that have a stronger effect on the output of urine. Indications: Edema, cystitis with difficult urination, high blood pressure. Herbs: Cleavers, Dandelion leaf, Uva Ursi, Parsley Root, Buchu, Goldenrod, Corn Silk, Shavegrass.
Back to top
E
Emetic: An herb or other agent that causes nausea and vomiting. Indications: Asthma, ingestion of toxic substances. Herbs: Lobelia, Poke Root, Ipecacuana (Ipecac).
Emmenagogue: An herb that stimulates the onset and regulates the flow rate of menstruation. Indications: Late periods (not from pregnancy). Herbs: Black Cohosh, Pennyroyal tea, Ginger, Rosemary, Yarrow.
Emollient: An herb, usually containing mucilage or gum, applied externally to soothe and soften the skin. Indications: Chapped skin, irritated skin, rashes, sunburn. Herbs: Comfrey, Chickweed, Flaxseed, Malva (mallow leaf), Fig, Holyhock root, Fenugreek.
Errhine: An herb that stimulates nasal discharge. Herbs: Iceland moss powder, Cayenne, Horseradish.
Expectorant: Lowers the viscosity and promotes the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. Indications: Bronchial and lung congestion, coughs, asthma. Herbs: Grindelia, Lobelia (small amounts), Bloodroot (small amounts), Licorice, Elecampane, Anise, Poplar buds, Coltsfoot, Yerba Santa, Fenugreek, Garlic, Heartsease, Horehound.
Back to top
F
Febrifuge: A cooling herb which lowers fever. Indications: Fever. Herbs: Elder, Honeysuckle Flowers, Peppermint, Boneset, Catnip, Chamomile, Yarrow.
G
Galactagogue: An herb which increase the flow of breast milk. Indications: Insufficient quantity of breast milk. Herbs: Fennel, Vitex, Blessed Thistle, Hops.
H
Hemostatic: Stops internal or external bleeding (hemorrhage). Indications: Bleeding. Herbs: Shepherd's Purse, Yarrow, Agrimony, Cayenne, Golden Seal.
Hepatic: An herb that tonifies and strengthens the liver, while regulating its action. Indications: Poor digestion, hepatitis, headaches, PMS. Herbs: Milk Thistle, Centaury, Dandelion, Artichoke Leaf, Dodder, Iris root, Fringetree bark, Boldo leaf, Toadflax.
Hormonal Regulator: An herb that has a tendency to normalize hormone output from the glands, such as Vitex, which balances progesterone output from the ovaries. Herbs: Vitex, Black Cohosh.
Hypnotic: Herbs promote sleep. Indications: Insomnia, sleeping disorders. Herbs: Valerian, California Poppy, Hops, Wild Lettuce, Kava.
Hypotensive: An herb that lowers blood pressure, especially when it is too high. Most herbal hypotensives are very mild-acting and require several months of use before they have a marked effect. Herbs: Garlic, hawthorn, Mistletoe, Shepherd’s Purse, Eucommia bark.
Hypothyroidal: An herb that reduces the thyroxin output of the thyroid gland, useful for people with overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid function. Herbs: Bugleweed, Blue Vervain, Lemon balm.
Back to top
I
Immune stimulant: An herb that has a tendency to activate various immune functions, such as macrophage activity. Echinacea is the bestknown immune-stimulating herb. These Herbs are often recommended for short cycles (up to 10 days on 3 days off) for people who are not immuno-compromised, to direct the body's vital energy to fight infections such as colds or flu. Immune stimulants are often contraindicated for use with people who have severely compromised immunity. This is because they might overstimulate an immune system that has no reserves, actually leading to immune suppression. Herbs: Echinacea, Wild Ginger (caution), Thuja, Osha, Arnica (caution), Boneset, Mistletoe, Castor oil, Poke root, medicinal mushrooms.
Irritant: An irritating herb such as cayenne. These herbs are often called "counterirritants" because they stimulate nerve endings on areas of the skin that in turn send a signal to internal tissues or organs that are connected to the same nerve pathway. This process can help send more blood and energy to the area to remove congestion and stimulate healing. Internal counterirritants are sometimes used similarly, especially to dilate the air passages and remove mucus (expectoration). Lobelia is a classic example of an herb that is very irritating to the mucous membranes when it is taken orally, which ultimately leads to relaxation of the bronchi and other internal organs after its irritation has ceased to act. Thus, Lobelia is a well-known herb for relieving asthma attacks.