Herbal Actions: L-Z
L
Laxative: Herbs promote bowel evacuation by hydrating and softening the fecal mass as it travels through the colon and by simulating peristalsis. Two types are recognized, stimulant laxatives containing anthraquinone glycosides (like senna and cascara) and bulk laxatives like flax and psyllium. Additionally, triphala is a nonstimulant, non bulk-forming mild laxative and bowel-tonic that consists of 3 fruits. Used in Ayurvedic herbal medicine from India. Indications: Constipation. Herbs: Psyllium, Flax, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Yellow Dock, Rhubarb Root.
Lymphatic: An herb that stimulates the flow of lymph in the lymph vessels. The lymphatic system is largely involved with purifying the blood system, helping to remove wastes from the tissues. The lymphatic fluid is rich in immune cells, such as phagocytes, cell eaters that remove wastes, old body cells, and toxins from body tissues and systems. Herbs: Echinacea, Poke root, Red Clover, Red root.
M
Metabolic: Metabolism is all the chemical and physical processes which function to support our living body, especially ones involved with the production and direction of vital energy. Metabolic is the adjective that refers to metabolism, "metabolic processes." The word is sometimes taken to mean an herb that regulates or stimulates the metabolic processes. Ginseng is thought to be a metabolic stimulant. Herbs: Ginseng, caffeine-containing herbs (Kola nut, Cacao, Guarana).
Moistening herbs: Herbs that moisturize tissues or organs. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dryness is considered a disease-causing factor (pathogen). Moisturizing herbs can be salty (kombu, kelp), which increases the ability of the tissues to hold water, or they can contain mucilages or gums (psyllium, flax, acacia gum), which by their molecular nature have the ability to hold water. Herbs: Kombu, Kelp, Flax, Psyllium.
Mucolytic: An herb that dissolves mucus, or an herb that thins mucus so the body can move it out of the body. For instance, herbs can have resins that speed up the secretion of fluids from the mucous membranes, or saponins, which are soap-like compounds that thin mucus. When the mucus is thinner, the cilia, or tiny hairs in the bronchial area, can "beat" or move the mucus up to the throat, so it can be gotten rid of. According to traditional Chinese medicine, mucolytics (dissolve phlegm) are useful for a program to help alleviate such conditions as seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff or cradle-cap), or for helping to dissolve non-malignant swellings and cysts. Herbs: Polygala, Lemon, Elecampane, Pine bark, Yerba Santa.
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N
Narcotic: A pain-relieving herb which can cause sleep in large doses. Indications: Pain, insomnia due to pain. Herbs: Corydalis, Jamaican Dogwood, Yellow Jasmine (Gelsemium--used only by practitioners, not available in stores), Opium Poppy (restricted by law).
Nauseant: An herb that induces nausea. Herbs: Lobelia, Poke root, Wild Ginger leaf.
Nephritic: An herb used to support the health of the kidneys. Indications: Weak kidneys, chronic, low-grade infections, kidney stones. Herbs: Parsley root, Marshmallow root, Dandelion root, Pipsissewa, Goldenrod, Privet berries (Ligustrum lucidum), Chinese Dogwood fruit (Cornus).
Nervine: An herb which affects the nervous system; there are different classes--a relaxing nervine (valerian), stimulating nervine (cacao or kola nut), tonic nervine (wild oats). A neurotrophic herb is one that is nourishing and tonifying to the nerves, and has an influence or affinity for the nerves or nervous system. Indications: Nervousness, anxiety. Herbs: Lion’s Mane mushroom, Valerian, Skullcap, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Linden, Passion Flower, Wild Oats.
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O
Oxytocic: Stimulates uterine contractions, facilitating childbirth. Indications: Prolonged or delayed labor. Herbs: Beth root, Black Cohosh, Partridge berry, Corn smut (Ustilago).
P
Pectoral: Affects diseases of the respiratory tract. Indications: Coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia. Herbs: Elecampane, Licorice, Red Clover, Marshmallow, Horehound, Hyssop, Sundew, Mullein.
Platelet-inhibitor: See Antiplatelet.
Purgative: Causes strong bowel evacuation. Indications: Extreme constipation, removal of toxic factors (such as bacteria or chemicals) from the body, some traditional cleansing rituals. Herbs: Aloe, Buckthorn, Castor Oil, Mandrake (caution).
R
Refrigerant: An herb that relieves fever, internal heat, and thirst. Indications: Sunstroke, invasion of the body by summer heat, high fever. Herbs: Barberry, Gentian, Golden seal, Elder flower and fruit, Honeysuckle Flowers and stems, Forsythia Fruit.
Restorative: An herb or food that restores balance and strength to the body and its systems; a tonic, sometimes called a "roborant." Called “life medicine” in native American Indian medicine (such as mountain mahogany). Herbs: Ginseng, Dong Quai, Gentian
Rubefacient: A local irritant that increases circulation in the skin, relieving pain in the muscles and promoting healing. Indications: Sports injuries, aches and pains of the muscles from inactivity or over-activity. Herbs: Ginger (compress), Horseradish, Cayenne liniment, Camphor balms.
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S
Sedative: A soothing and calming herb that relieves nervousness and stress. Indications: Nervousness, anxiety. Herbs: Valerian, Skullcap, Passion Flower, Jamaican Dogwood, California Poppy, Lemon Balm, Kava.
Sialagogue: An herb that stimulates the secretion of saliva. Indications: Dry mouth. Herbs: Prickly Ash, Echinacea, Cayenne.
Stimulant: An herb which accelerates the physiological processes of the nervous system, hormonal system, digestion, etc.. Indications: fatigue, stagnancy of the digestion, other organ systems. Herbs: Cayenne, Horseradish, Mustard, Ginger, Garlic, Kola, Guarana, Yerba Mate.
Stomachic: An herb or process that tonifies, strengthens, or normalizes the activity of the stomach. Indications: Nausea, nervous stomach, belching, stomach pains. Herbs: Lavender, Lemon Balm, Ginger, Wild Yam, Gentian, Cardamon, Hops.
Styptic: An astringent herb which stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels. Indications: Cuts, wounds with excessive bleeding. Herbs: Yarrow, Golden Seal, Cayenne.
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T
Thyrogenic: An action originating from the thyroid gland. Herbs that affect the nutrition or activity of the thyroid gland. Herbs: Bugleweed, Lemon Balm, Blue Vervain, Myrrh, Guggul (mild thyroid stimulant).
Tonic: A rather general term for herbs or processes that are strengthening and beneficial to a specific organ, specific tissues, processes of the body, or to general health. Indications: General weakness, debility, neurasthenia, poor digestion, coldness, fatigue, depression, depressed immune function. Herbs: Fo-Ti, Dong Quai, Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng (Eluethero), Astragalus, Ligustrum, Gentian.
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U
Uterine Tonic: An herb that is said to improve the nutrition and function of the uterus. Herbs: Dong Quai, False Unicorn root.
V
Vasodilator: An herb that widens the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Indications: Hypertension, high blood pressure. Herbs: Garlic, Ginseng, Passion Flower, Hawthorn, Lime Blossom.
Veinotonic: The herb or formula has a strengthening effect on the veins of the body. It might be useful for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other conditions.
Vermifuge: Causes expulsion of intestinal worms; an anthelmintic. Indications: Intestinal worms. Herbs: Garlic, Rue, Tansy, Wormseed, Wormwood, Quassia.
Vulnerary: An herb which stops external bleeding and promotes the healing of wounds. Indications: Cuts, wounds. Herbs: Plantain, Golden Seal, St. John's Wort, Calendula.