Herb / Medicinal Uses / Primary Herbs

Front 1

Bitters

Back 1

Gentiana lutea (Gentian root)

Athemisia absinthium (Worm Wood)


Bitter tasting herbs stimulate digestion and assist absorption of nutrients

Front 2

Aromatic Digestives

Back 2

Angelica archangelica (Angelica)

Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

Herbs with strong odour that stimulate the digestive system

Front 3

Carminatives

Back 3

Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

Metha peperita (Peppermint)

Relieve flatulence & colic by relaxing intestinal sphincter muscles

(the reby decreasing spasm and pain)

Front 4

Anti-spasmodics

(Spasmolytic)

Back 4

Viburnum opulus (Cram bark)

Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile)

Reduces muscle cramping, spasm & tension

These herbs differ to carminatives as they work in the gut, skeletal muscles as well as smooth muscles,cardiac and reproductive systems

Front 5

Demulcents

Back 5

Ulmus fulva, U Rubra (Slippery elm)

Plantago psyllium (Psyllium)

Althaea officinalis radix & folia (Marshmallow)

Have a soothing effect on mucous membranes and exposed tissues

Front 6

Astringents

Back 6

Geranium maculatum (Cranesbill)

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch hasel)

Act to constrict mucous membranes and exposed tissues to reduce secretions

Have a drying effect (tannins) & act as a barrier

Front 7

Mucosal Tonics

Back 7

Euphrasia officianalis (Eyebright)

Hyranstis canadensis (Golden Seal)

Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort)

Improve the tone, function and vigour of

mucous membranes and normalise secretions

Front 8

Laxatives

Back 8

Anthraguinone:

Cassia Angustifolia (Senna pods)

Rheum Palmatum (Rubarb roots)

Facilitate evacuation of the bowelStrong or mild actions depend upon dosage and prescribing strategies

Front 9

Cholagogues

Back 9

Taraxacum radix (Dandelion root)

Berberis vulgaris (Barbery)

• Assist in the release of bile from the liver

• Cholagogues improve fat digestion/ absorption and improve elimination of waste products.

Front 10

Hepatoprotectives

Back 10

Silybum marianum ( St. Mary's Thistle)

Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)

• Protect hepatocytes of the liver against toxic damage, especially useful for patients exposed to liver toxins via lifestyle, diet, medications, or occupation

Front 11

Hypotensives

Back 11

Crataegus monogyna ( Hawthorn)

Viscum album (Mistletoe)

• A substance that reduces blood pressure

• Note: also look at ‘Peripheral vasodilators’

Front 12

Circulatory Stimulants

Back 12

Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

Capsicum annuum (cayenne)

Ginko Biloba

• Improve blood flow to body tissues

(especially peripheral tissues)

Front 13

Immuno-modulators

Back 13

Echinacea spp. (augustofolia or purpurea)

Lentinula edores ( Shiitake)

• Modulate and balance the activity

of the immune system

Front 14

Diaphoretics

Back 14

Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)

Tilia spp. (Lime flower)

• Promote sweat during fever

• Inducing diaphoresis in fever usually results in lowering the fever and slowing it down.

Front 15

Antimicrobials

Back 15

Calendula officianalis (Marigold , Calendula)

Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)

• Inhibit the growth / or destroys

microrganisms and pathogens Important

Front 16

Bronchospasmolytics

Back 16

Inula helenium (Elecampane)

• Assist to reduce spasm in the lower

respiratory tract

Front 17

Antitussives

Back 17

Prunes serotina ( Wild cherry)

• Suppresses the cough reflex

Front 18

Adaptogens

Back 18

Astragalus membranaceous

(Astragalus)

Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola or Arctic Rose)

• Helps the body adapt to or cope with stress(physical, mental, emotional and biological)

Front 19

Nervines

Back 19

Hypericum perforatum (St john Wort)

Turnea diffusa (Damina)

• Improve the tone and vitality of the nervous system

Front 20

Tonic

Back 20

Withania somnifera (Withania or Ashwaganda)

Astragalus anaceous (Astragalus)

• Improve the tone and vitality of a body system or organ (general body tonic)

Front 21

Antidepressant

Back 21

Hypericum perforatum ( St John Wort)

Lavandula officinalis (lavender)

• Alleviates mild to moderate depression

Front 22

Anxiolytic

Back 22

Piper methysticum (Kava)

Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower)

• A substance that alleviates anxiety

Front 23

Sedative

Back 23

Valerian officianalis (valerian)

Humulus lupulus ( Hops)

• A substance that reduces activity in the nervous system to induce sleep

Front 24

Hypnotic

Back 24

Escholzia californica (Californian poppy)

Piper methysticum (Kava)

• An agent that induces a deep

and healing state of sleep

Front 25

Vulnerary

Back 25

Symphytum officianale ( Comfrey) 'Topical"

Centela asiatica (Gotu kola)

• A substance that promotes the healing of wounds when applied locally

Front 26

Depurative

Back 26

Iris versicolor (Blue flag)

Galium Aparine (Cleavers or Clivers)


• Improves detoxification of the body by improving the digestive system, gall bladder and urinary systems
• Also known as an alternative /blood purifier

Front 27

Diuretic

Back 27

Apium graveolens (Celery)

Taraxacum officinale- folia (Dandelion)

• Increases urinary output & flow

Front 28

Urinary antiseptic

Back 28

Arvtostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearbery)

Juniperis communis (Juniper)

• Inhibits growth of micro-organisms in the urinary tract

Front 29

Antihaemorrhagic

Back 29

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

Capsella bursa - pastoris (Shepherd's purse)

• Alleviates/stops bleeding when taken internally Important

Front 30

Laxative

Back 30

Bulk Laxatives :

Linnum usitatissium (Flaxseeds)

Plantago ovata, P (Psyllium)