Demulcant Herbs

Rich in mucilage to soothe inflamed tissues. 

Heal irritated skin.

In ointments soothe & protect from exterior.

• Chickweed (Stellaria media) topical for dermatitis, eczema etc. Peptic ulcers. 
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) 
• Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) soothe respiratory and digestive systems. 
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 
• Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulvus) 
• Comfrey (Symphytum off.) 
• Couch grass - good demulcant for urinary tract

Astringents

Dry and cause contraction of exposed tissue. 

Contain tannins which bind to proteins.

Can staunch bleeding (styptic).

• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
• Bayberry (Myruca cerifera)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• Myrhh (Commiphora molmol)
• Eyebright (Euphrasia off.)

Vulnerary

Heal wounds.

Safe to use in medium to long term. 

Use only on unbroken skin.

• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
• Calendula (Calendula off.)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Comfrey (Symphytum off.)
• Arnica (Arnica montana)
• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Depurative/ Alterative

Blood cleansers. 

Can be useful in treating skin diseases and rheumatic conditions. 

• Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)
• Clivers (Gallium aparine)
• Blue flag (Iris versicolour)
• Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

Key herbs for rheumatic conditions:

• celery seed, nettle leaf, sarsaparilla

Anti-fungal

Inhibit fungal growth

• Calendula
• Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
• Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
• Thuja (Thuja officinalis)
• Thyme (Thyme vulgaris)

Anti-pruritic

Eases itching skin 

• Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Kava (Piper methysticum)

Anti-bacterial

Reduce replication of bacteria topically and internally.

Contain berberine.

• Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
• Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)

Anti-viral

Inhibit replication of enveloped viruses (eg herpes).

Reduce discomfort and inflammation in viral infections.

• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) active against Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and herpes (HHV).
• Lemon balm (Melissa off.)
• Sage (Salvia off.)

• Thuja (Thuja off.) is also effective against non-enveloped virus (eg warts)

Anti-inflammatory

Plants with active constituents such as flavonoids, phenols (eg salicin), quinoline alkaloids, sesquiterpenes and steroidal saponins confer anti-inflammatory properties. 

• Calendula
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
• Comfrey (Symphytum off.)
• Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

Adaptogens

Herbal tonics with restorative capabilities.

Increase resistance to stress.

Good for those in poor health, convalescence, endocrine disruption or undertaking intensive exercise. 

Safe for long term use; best consumed with meals. 

• Withania (Withania somnifera)
• Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
• Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosos)

Adrenal Restoratives

Restore function and vitality of adrenal glands during or after periods of high stress. 

Avoid in cases of headache and epilepsy.

Avoid excessive caffeine use. 

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

are both ideal for adrenal support. 

Thyroid Stimulants

Herbs that restore function & morphology of the thyroid.

Stimulate secretion of thyroid hormones. 

Increase metabolism, so can be helpful to treat obesity, weight gain and hypothyroidism.

Contraindications: hyperthyroidism

• Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
• Bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosis)

can both be used in lowered thyroid states. 

Best consumed with meals in the medium to long term.

Thyroid Suppressants

Herbs which reduce the secretion of thyroid hormones. 

Restore metabolism and alleviate thyroid excess.

Contraindications: hypothyroidism, pregnancy, lactation

• Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)
• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Anti-obesity

Assist in reduction of body weight.

Important in the management of patient with underactive thyroid. 

Bulking agents (mucilage eg psyllium) also play a role in assisting satiety.

• Bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosis)
• Coleus (Coleus forskolii)
• Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

Hypoglycaemics

Regulate and balance blood sugar levels. 

Reduce intestinal absorption of glucose. 

Stimulate insulin secretion.

Increase pancreatic islets of Langerhans. 

Indicated in diabetes, syndrome X, insulin resistance and obesity. 

• Gymnema
• St Mary's Thistle (Silymarin)
• Pine bark
• Ginseng

Take with or before meals in the short to medium term.

Mucilage herbs will also slow gastric emptying and lower glcaemic index of meal. 

Emmenagogues

Uterine stimulants.

Increase contraction uterus and expulsion of contents. 

Useful in excessive bleeding & poor uterine tone; 

after multiple pregnancies; or after termination to help avoid infection. 

• Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
• Squaw vine (Mitchella repens)
• Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Wormwoods (Artemesia spp.)

Needs to be prescribed by highly qualified practitioner. 

Consume with meals. 

Contraindicated in pregnancy.  

Female Tonics

Tonify & restore function to female reproductive system.

Indicated for low libido, reduced reproductive function, poor ovulation, irregular menstrual cycle, infertility. 

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Take with meals, in medium to long term. 

Galactogogues

Improve quantity and quality of breast milk. 

Historically they used to add fennel seeds to barley water for lactating mothers. 

• Fenugreek
• Goat's rue

Take with meals during lactation.

Uterine spasmolytics

Slow rate and intensity of uterine contractions (eg to prevent early labour or miscarriage). 

Also reduce bowel contractions so can be used to ease pain of excessive muscle contraction/ ischaemia.

• Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
• Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Best taken with meals. 

Uterine tonics

Assist with normal uterine function.

Improve quality of endometrial lining. 

Improve strength of uterus. 

• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is known as a partus preparator to prepare uterus for birth
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

These tonics are indicated in any condition associated with uterine pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, prolapse, enlargement of uterus. 

Take with meals, over the long term (>6 cycles)

Phyto-Oestrogens

Plant based oestrogens able to occupy oestrogen receptors. 

Usually from Fabaceae family (eg red clover).

Can be used in oestrogen deficiency.

Less potent than human oestrogen. 

Useful in management of menopause.

• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
• Soybean
• Linseed

Take with meals, for at least 4 - 6 cycles.

Contraindications: known oestrogen excess;

oestrogen-dependent breast cancers.  

HPO axis modulator

Modulates hormones from hypothalamus (GnRH), pituitary (LH/FSH) and ovaries (oestrogen). 

• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora)
• Beth root (Trillium erectum)
• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

FSH Stimulants

Follicle stimulating hormone released from anterior pituitary gland is required for follicle development. Follicle grows and releases oestrogen. 

Without enough FSH follicles will not develop properly resulting in ovarian failure. 

• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Follicular phase modulators

Follicles in ovary mature, ending with ovulation. Controlled by oestrogen, which stimulates GnRH and LH surge mid cycle. If proliferative phase is too short, ova will be immature. If too long, 

• False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora)
• Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

FSH inhibitors

High levels of FSH may indicate menopause or declining fertility due to primary ovarian failure.

• Bugleweed (Lycopus spp.)

Caution: Bugleweed has a thyroid TSH inhibiting action. Not for use in hypothyroid conditions. 

Hormone balancers

Help to regulate menstrual flow by balancing hormones associated with female cycle. 

• Dong quai (Angelica polymorpha)
• False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora)
• Chaste Tree (Vitex agnes-castus)

Luteal phase modulators

Secretory phase in second half of cycle. Corpus luteum produces progesterone to prepare uterus lining for implantation. Typical length of luteal phase is around 14 days. Luteal phase defect means that endometrium cannot accept fertilised ovum. 

Oestrogen stimulants

Low levels of oestrogen (E2/ oestradiol) may indicate failing ovarian reserves or menopause. Adequate oestrogen is required for fertile cervical mucus.

• False Unicorn Root (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora)
• Sage (Salvia off.)

Ovarian tonics improve tone and function of ovaries:

• False Unicorn Root
• Chaste tree (also stimulates progesterone to help endometrium to assist with implantation)

Prolactin

Produced by anterior pituitary (and other sites) to stimulate breast milk production. 

Low prolactin levels associated with ovarian dysfunction.

Prolactin stimulants:

• Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Prolactin inhibitors:

• Paeonia
• Chaste tree

Testosterone

Essential at adequate levels in the female for motivation, assertiveness, sense of wellbeing, sex drive. 

Testosterone stimulants:

• Oats seed (Avena sativa)
• Gotu kola (Centella asciatica)
• Gingko (Gingko biloba)
• Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Licorice and Damiana

Testosterone inhibitors: 

• Paeonia and Chaste tree

Male tonics

Tonify and restore functions of male reproductive system. Male hormonal balance restore. 

• Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
• Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata)
• Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
• Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Take with meals, in medium to long term. 

Antiprostatics

Restore function of prostate gland. 

Useful in management of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatis, male incontinence. 

• Saw palmetto
• Horny goat weed (Epilobium parviflorum)
• Pumpkin seeds (contain zinc)
• Nettle root

Consume with meals, over medium to long term. 

Male hormone modulators

Modulate male reproductive hormones to help with low libido, erectile dysfunction, fertility issues and andropause.

• Tribulus
• Panax ginseng
• Damiana

Anti-rheumatics

Herbs with a variety of actions that help in preventing or relieving rheumatic conditions. 

Include depuratives, anti-inflammatory herbs, rubefacients and diuretics. 

• Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

Anti-inflammatories

Reduce pain and inflammation, 

chronic and acute

• Ginger (Zingiber off.)
• Boswellia (Boswellia serrate)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Willowbark (Salix spp.)
• Devil's claw 
• exert effects on inflammatory mediators such as arachidonic acid, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Steroidal anti-inflammatories include licorice, rehmannia, bupleurum and wild yam

Rubefacients

When applied to skin rubefacients stimulate circulation.

Increases blood supply, relieves congestion and inflammation.

• Cayenne
• Eucalyptus
• Ginger
• Thyme, Rosemary
• Horseradish
• Wintergreen

Good as liniments. Many are too strong to be used internally. Use with care on sensitive skin and never applied to broken skin. 

Diuretics

Assist the work of the kidneys and elimination of metabolic wastes/ toxins. 

Accumulation of waste products can exacerbate musculoskeletal issues, eg gout (uric acid build up in joints causes inflammation). 

• Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
• Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum off.)
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Analgesics

Compounds that relieve pain. 

Good to use these herbs in conjunction with the anti-inflammatories. 

• Yan hu suo (Corydalis spp.)
• Californian poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)

Muscle relaxants

Can relax skeletal muscle tone. 

• Kava (Piper methysticum)

Also has mild analgesic properties. 

Respiratory Expectorants

Help to move thick catarrh/ mucus from lungs. 

Either reflex or warming. 

• Reflex expectorants (for bronchitis, thick persistent mucus) include licorice, mullein, horehound, senega, ipecacuanha, lobelia, soapwort. Caution in asthma due to vagal stimulation. 
• Warming expectorants (for bronchitis, dry cough) include cinnamon, ginger, aniseed, fennel, angelica, garlic. Caution in people with GORD. 

Anticatarrhals

Reduce mucus in respiratory tract. 

Used for mucus congestion and conditions like hay fever & sinusitis. 

• Upper respiratory tract anticatarrhals include eyebright, elderflower, golden seal, golden rod
• Lower respiratory tract anticatarrhals include mullein, ribwort. (Ephedra is restricted for use)
• Sage can be used to dry secretions where mucus is watery and profuse.

Respiratory demulcants

Soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on lower respiratory tract. 

• marshmallow
• mullein
• ribwort
• licorice

Antitussives

Suppress cough. 

Soothe irritability and remove mucus. 

For persistent, non productive cough.

• wild cherry
• wild lettuce

Caution: may impede clearance of lungs 

Respiratory Spasmolytics

Relax smooth muscle to help relieve wheezing

• thyme
• elecampine
• licorice
• horehound
• gumplant
• pill-bearing spurge

(belladonna no longer used)

Respiratory Anti-inflammatories

Down regulate inflammatory and allergic reactions in respiratory system. 

• albizia, baical skullcap, black cumin, nettle leaf, Indian ipecac are key anti-allergic herbs
• Indian ipecac is also an anti-inflammatory and immune depressant (short term use only)
• turmeric and boswellia are excellent anti-inflammatory herbs

Immune Enhancing

Optimise the immune system.

Useful in debilitated clients.

• Echinacea (enhances resistance to infection)

• Astragalus (restoring and enhancing effect on immune system, plus increases vitality as a tonic). Caution: not to be used during acute infection, as it may support the pathogen aswell.