An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Herbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Literally, an herb that restores the proper function of the body. In practice, alteratives are usually blood cleansers and blood chemistry balancers. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Relieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Kills worms This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint.

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb that suppresses thirst. This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that suppresses the formation of urine. They help retain fluids and rehydrate by reducing urination. They oppose diuresis. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that destroy fungus. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

An herb that destroys platelets in the blood, therefore reducing the tendency of blood to form clots. They are useful in cardiovascular disease. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An antidote for a poison. Many anti-poisonous herbs draw out a poison and are good for insect bites. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Antipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching that is often associated with itching skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy exposure.) This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Reduces a fever / febrifuge. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Antirheumatic herbs help to ease and prevent arthritis and rheumatism. Many are also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, detoxicants and blood thinners. Antirheumatic herbs deal with problems involving the painful, stiff, swollen joints, and fatigue. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, colic or IBS. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Cough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body or otherwise strengthens blood. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint.

An herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

The Sanskrit word for breaking up congealed matter / clogs in the body. Often used for constipation. Be careful with herbs that have Bhedana action. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Herbs that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength.

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them. This action primarily affects Cleanse-and-Detox.

An herb that literally calms the heart. These herbs are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, sadness, depression, or other emotional imbalances in the heart. Related to the Chinese Herbal Category 'calms spirit.' This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Strengthens and tones the heart. Cardiac tonics are used to treat a wide range of heart issues. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Increases feelings of tension, constriction and tightness in the body. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Cholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion. This action primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder.

Cleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

An herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

Herbs that reduce fertility or prevent conception. There are no reliable herbal contraceptives! This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

An herb that reduces mucus congestion in the sinus or lungs by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

An herb that reduces odor. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

herbs that dry surfaces by absorbing moisture This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body. This action primarily affects Cleanse-and-Detox.

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Makes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.

An herb that causes vomiting. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. They are used to increase scanty menstruation, relieve menstrual pain, and other functions. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

soothes & softens the skin This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Herbs that help you cough up and eliminate mucus. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Aids the expulsion of toxic substances from the body. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs in this category stimulate mucus membranes to release fluids, flushing them out. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Increases production of breast milk. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives... This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint.

An herb that stops bleeding. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. This action primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder.

A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The size of a stool stimulates peristalsis and the stool passes more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydrating. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

An herb that increases blood pressure. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels This action primarily affects Weight-Loss.

An herb that lowers blood pressure. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Stimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu. This action primarily affects Immune-System.

Herbs that encourage ovulation. This action primarily affects Womens-Health.

An herb that causes intoxication, makes you 'woozy' or adversely affects mental function. Intoxicants, like valerian or kava, can be addicting. Use sparingly. This action primarily affects Cleanse-and-Detox.

Tight, sharp pain just below ribs in the back. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

An herb that strengthens the kidneys. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

An herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gall stones. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

An herb that breaks up a gall or kidney stone so that is can be passed. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. This action primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder.

An herb that lowers blood sugar. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss.

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss.

Makes you feel like there is a ball of tension around the Adam's Apple area. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Strengthens the lungs. These herbs are helpful when recovering from either acute or chronic lung issues like bronchitis or pneumonia. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Generally increases male reproductive strength and stamina. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma. This action primarily affects Muscle-Health.

Herbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain. This action primarily affects Strengthening-Tonics.

Brings about feelings of unease and discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied with the involuntary urge to vomit. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer?s, even chronic pain. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Inhibits sensation in a particular area. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength.

Benefits the eyes. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period). This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Encourages virility and potency. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

An herb that aids the prostate, especially for those at risk for prostate cancer or BPH. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Where general laxatives target the colon, purgatives are strong laxatives that target complete elimination of the small intestine. Use only sporadically as it can be habit forming. This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb or substance that relieves thirst. This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that increases thyroid function. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss.

Substances that increase your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help you retain water, keep your palate moist, and truly quench your thirst. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Herbs or substances that create moisture in the body and increase fluids. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Suppresses sweating, often by cooling the metabolism, reducing blood flow to the skin, or closing pores. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Flushes the lymphatic system to cool, awaken, and revive the skin. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Eases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Soothes and comforts the muscles of the upper abdomen, reducing any tension or pressure in the solar plexus area. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Herbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength.

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

A sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion. This action primarily affects Skin-Care.

Soothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Calms and alleviates irritation or discomfort in a particular region.

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the base of the skull. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the top of the head. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength.

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area in the forehead. Activates the frontal lobe - the area responsible for motor function, emotional expression, thinking, and decision making. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion. This action primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that softens stool that is hard and difficult to pass. They are the safest and most gentle type of laxative. Some foods are even stool softeners, such as warm milk with ghee. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

Increases determination and courage by reducing stress and building strength.

A herb that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used to stop bleeding. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

A tonic herb strengthens tissue, often restoring healthy function. Tonics usually target a specific organ, tissue, or system ie: brain, muscle or respiratory tonic. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength.

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. This action primarily affects Womens-Health.

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system. This action primarily affects Womens-Health.

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that improves the tone and integrity of blood vessel walls. This is helpful in easy bruising. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb used for the treatment of wounds. Promotes healing of skin lesions and wounds/promotes cell growth and repair This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Invigorates the body and improves energy by stimulating circulation. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism. This action primarily affects Digestion.

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus.

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

An herb that increases sensations of heat and warmth in the head.

Warms the kidneys by increasing blood flow to the organ. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.