Without enough basic
knowledge of magick, this article remains still of herbal interest.
Much pharmaceutical reserch has gone into anaylizing the active constituents of herbs out whay and how they work. A much older, and far more relevent, approach is to categorize herbs according to the kinds of problems they help to treat. In some cases the action is due to a specific chemical in the herb (as with anti-asthmatic efects of ma huang0; in others, due to a complex synergistic interaction between various constituents of the plant (as with the seductive valerian). However, it is best to view the actions as attributes of the whole herb, and any understanding of the chemistry as simply an aid in prescription. Actions are the basis for remedy selection used throughout this writing.
Adaptogen
These herbs increase and resilence to stress, enabling the body to avert various problems and avoid collapse by adapting to external pressures. Adaptogens work through the support of the adrenal glands. Examples include siberian ginseng and panax ginseng.
Alternative
These herbs gradually restore proper functioning of the body, increasing health and vitality. Some alternatives support natural waste elimination via the kidneys, liver, lungs, or skin. Others stimulate digestive function orare antimicrobacterial, while others "just work!" Examples include burdock and cleavers.
Anticatarrhal
Anticatarrhals help the body remove excess mucus, whether in the sinus area or elsewhere in the body. Catarrh is not itself a problem, but when too much mucus is produced it is usually in response to an infection or serves as a way to removes excess carbohydrate from the body. Examples include goldenrod and eyebright.
Anti-inflammatory
These plants soothe inflammations or directly reduce inflammaatory condition of the tissue. They work in a number of different ways, but will rarely inhibit the inflammatory reaction as such; rather, they support and encourage the body's natural processes. Examples include chamomile, meadowsweet, and wild yam.
Antimicrobial
Antmicrobials help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms. They help to strengthen its own resistence in infective organisisms and throw off illness. While some contain antiseptic chemicals or act as specific poisons to certain organisms, in general they boost the body's natural immunity. Examples include echincea and garlic.
Antimicrobial
Antimivcrobials help the body to destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms. They help the body strenghen its own resistence to infective organisms and throw off illness. While some contain antiseptic chemicals or act as specific poisons to certain organisims, in general they boost the body's natural immunity. Examples include echinacea and garlic.
Antispasmodic
Antispasmodics ease muscle tension, and, as many are also nervines, can ease psychological tension as well. Some antspasmodics reduce muscle spasm throughough the body; others work on specific organs or systems. Examples include cramp bark and valerian.
Astringent
Astringents have a binding action on mucus membranes, skin, and other tissue, due to chemicals called tannins (after thier use in the tanning industry). Such herbs have the effect of precipitating protein molecules and thus reducing irritation and infammation by creating a barrier against infection. (especially helpful in wounds and burns). Examples include agrimony and oak bark.
Bitter
Herbs with a bitter taste have a special role in preventive medicine. The taaste triggers a sensory response in the central nervous system, releasing digestive hormones that in turn lead to a range of effects including stimulation of appetite; general stimulation of the digestive juices; increased bile flow, an aid in the liver's detoxification work; and stimulation of the gut's self-repair mechanisims. Examples include agrimony and gentian.
Cardiac Remedies
This is a general term for herbal remedies with a beneficial action on the heart. Some of the remedies in this group are powerful cardioactive agents such as foxglove, whereas others are gentler, safer herbs such as hawthorn and motherwort.
Carminative
Plants that are rich in aromatic volatile oils stimulate the digestive system to work properly. They soothe the gut wall, reduce any inflammation present, ease gripping pains, and help to remove gas from the digestive tract. Examples include lemon balm and peppermint.
Demulcent
Herbs rich in mucilage soothe and protect irritated or inflammed tissue. They reduce irritation down the whole length of the bowel; reduce sensitivity to potentially corrosive gastric acids; help to prevent diarrhea and reduce muscle spasms that cause coli; ease coughing by soothing bronchial tenssion; and relax painful spasm in the bladder. Examples include marshmallow and slippery elm.
Diaphoretic
These herbs promote persperation, the process of elimination of waste through the skin; thus they help to ensure a clean and harmonious inner environment. Some produce observable sweat, while others aid normal persperation. Diaphoretics often promote dilation of surface capillaries and thus help to improve poor circulation. They support the work of the kidney by increasing cleansing through the skin. Examples include boneset and ginger.
All of these Books are written by David Hoffman:
The Elements of Herbalism
An Herbal Guide To Stress Relief (a great book!!)
The Herbal Handbook
The New Holistic Herbal
Therapeutic Herbalism
Welsh Herbal Medicine
Rainy
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