An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.
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.
Primarily affects Immune-System.

Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

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.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Relieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.
Primarily affects Digestion.

Kills worms
Primarily affects Immune-System.

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

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

Reduces prolactin, normally secreted by breastfeeding mothers. Prolactin suppresses the uterus, fertility, menstruation.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Reduces testosterone, which can reduce excess growth and drive, including libido.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Herbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health.
Primarily affects Bone-Joint.

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.
Primarily affects Immune-System.

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

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

An herb that suppresses thirst.
Primarily affects Digestion.

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

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting.
Primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that destroy fungus.
Primarily affects Immune-System.

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

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

An antidote for a poison. Many anti-poisonous herbs draw out a poison and are good for insect bites.
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.)
Primarily affects Skin-Care.

Reduces a fever / febrifuge.
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.
Primarily affects Immune-System.

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

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

Cough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil.
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.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

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

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain
Primarily affects Digestion.

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.
Primarily affects Digestion.

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

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints.
Primarily affects Bone-Joint.

An herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.
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.
Primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

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

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

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.
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.'
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.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

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

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

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

Cleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

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

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

An herb that reduces mucus congestion in the sinus or lungs by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

An herb that reduces odor.
Primarily affects Skin-Care.

herbs that dry surfaces by absorbing moisture
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

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

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.
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.
Primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Makes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.

An herb that causes vomiting.
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.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

soothes & softens the skin
Primarily affects Skin-Care.

Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Herbs that help you cough up and eliminate mucus. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Aids the expulsion of toxic substances from the body.
Primarily affects Immune-System.

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

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Increases production of breast milk.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...
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.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth.
Primarily affects Bone-Joint.

An herb that stops bleeding.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage.
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.
Primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination.

An herb that increases blood pressure.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels
Primarily affects Weight-Loss.

An herb that lowers blood pressure.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

Reduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Herbs that encourage ovulation.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Primarily affects Digestion.

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

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

Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

An herb that strengthens the kidneys.
Primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

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

An herb that breaks up a gall or kidney stone so that is can be passed.
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. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or has beta-carotene.
Primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder.

An herb that lowers blood sugar.
Primarily affects Weight-Loss.

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.
Primarily affects Weight-Loss.

Makes you feel like there is a ball of tension around the Adam's Apple area.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Strengthens the lungs. These herbs are helpful when recovering from either acute or chronic lung issues like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Generally increases male reproductive strength and stamina.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

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

Brings about feelings of unease and discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied with the involuntary urge to vomit.
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.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Inhibits sensation in a particular area.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.
Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

Benefits the eyes.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, preparing the uterus for labor. It helps stop bleeding after delivery. It encourages affection for those close to you, but distance from those outside the inner circle/tribe.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Progeserone is the pregnancy hormone. It raises body temperature (Pitta), and suppresses menstruation. It is generally more extroverted.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

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).
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

Encourages virility and potency.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

An herb that aids the prostate, especially for those at risk for prostate cancer or BPH.
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.
Primarily affects Digestion.

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.
Primarily affects Digestion.

An herb that increases thyroid function.
Primarily affects Weight-Loss.

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

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

Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

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

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.
Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

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

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

Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

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

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

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.
Primarily affects Muscle-Health.

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

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.
Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

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.
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
Primarily affects Digestion.

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

Soothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

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.
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.
Primarily affects Digestion.

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

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

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs
Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

Androgenic. Stimulates testosterone.
Primarily affects Reproductive-Health.

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
Primarily affects Energy-Vitality.

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.
Primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Primarily affects Reproductive-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.
Primarily affects Reproductive-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.
Primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood.

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

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.
Primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep.

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.
Primarily affects Digestion.

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing.
Primarily affects Respiratory-Health.

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.
Primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary.