HERBAL ACTIONS & EXPERIENCES USED ON JOYFUL BELLY
ABORTIFACIENTAn abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. ADAPTOGENHerbs 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. ALTERATIVELiterally, 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. ANALGESICRelieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. ANTACIDHerbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular. This action primarily affects Digestion. ANTHELMINTHICKills worms This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIARTHRITICHerbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint. ANTIBACTERIALHerbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTICARCINOGENICHerbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIDEPRESSANTHerbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. ANTIDIPSETICAn herb that suppresses thirst. This action primarily affects Digestion. ANTIDIURETICAn 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. ANTIEMETICHerbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. This action primarily affects Digestion. ANTIFUNGALHerbs that destroy fungus. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIHISTAMINEHerbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIMICROBIALAn 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. ANTIPLATELETAn 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. ANTIPOISONOUSAn antidote for a poison. Many anti-poisonous herbs draw out a poison and are good for insect bites. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIPRURITICAntipruritics 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. ANTIPYRETICReduces a fever / febrifuge. This action primarily affects Immune-System. ANTIRHEUMATICAntirheumatic 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. ANTISEPTICCapable 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. ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, colic or IBS. This action primarily affects Digestion. ANTITUSSIVECough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. ANTIVIRALHerbs 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. ANXIOLYTICHerbs 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. APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. APPETITE-SUPPRESSANTSuppresses hunger without causing weight gain This action primarily affects Digestion. APPETIZERHerbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat. This action primarily affects Digestion. BLOOD-THINNERHerbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. BLOOD-TONICAn 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. BONE-TONICAn herb that strengthens the bones and joints. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint. BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. BREAKS-UPThe 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. BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. BUILDS-SEMENHerbs that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. BUILDS-STAMINAPromotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength. BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them. This action primarily affects Cleanse-and-Detox. CALMS-HEARTAn 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. CARDIAC-STIMULANTHerbs 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. CARDIAC-TONICStrengthens and tones the heart. Cardiac tonics are used to treat a wide range of heart issues. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. CARMINATIVEStimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. This action primarily affects Digestion. CAUSES-TENSIONIncreases feelings of tension, constriction and tightness in the body. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion. This action primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder. CLEARS-SINUSESCleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. CONSTIPATIVEAn herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination. CONTRACEPTIVEHerbs that reduce fertility or prevent conception. There are no reliable herbal contraceptives! This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. DECONGESTANTAn herb that reduces mucus congestion in the sinus or lungs by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. DEMULCENTHerbs 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. DEODORANTAn herb that reduces odor. This action primarily affects Skin-Care. DESSICANTherbs that dry surfaces by absorbing moisture This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. DETOXICANTAn herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body. This action primarily affects Cleanse-and-Detox. DIAPHORETIC (MAKES-YOU-SWEAT)An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin. This action primarily affects Skin-Care. DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion. This action primarily affects Digestion. DIURETIC (MAKES-YOU-PEE)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. DRIES-MOUTHMakes the mouth feel dry, or pasty. EMETICAn herb that causes vomiting. This action primarily affects Digestion. EMMENOGOGUEHerbs 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. EMOLLIENTsoothes & softens the skin This action primarily affects Skin-Care. EXPECTORANTHerbs 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. EXPELS-POISONSAids the expulsion of toxic substances from the body. This action primarily affects Immune-System. FLUSHES-MEMBRANESHerbs in this category stimulate mucus membranes to release fluids, flushing them out. This action primarily affects Immune-System. FLUSHES-SINUSESAn herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. GALACTAGOGUEIncreases production of breast milk. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives... This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination. GROUNDINGEncourages 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. HAIR-GROWTH-TONICAn herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth. This action primarily affects Bone-Joint. HEMOSTATICAn herb that stops bleeding. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. HEPATOPROTECTIVEAn herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. This action primarily affects Liver-Gall-Bladder. HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVEA 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. HYPERTENSIVEAn herb that increases blood pressure. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. HYPOLIPIDEMICScrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels This action primarily affects Weight-Loss. HYPOTENSIVEAn herb that lowers blood pressure. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. IMMUNE-STIMULANTStimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu. This action primarily affects Immune-System. INDUCES-OVULATIONHerbs that encourage ovulation. This action primarily affects Womens-Health. INTOXICANTAn 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. IRRITATES-KIDNEYTight, sharp pain just below ribs in the back. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary. IRRITATES-THROATCreates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. KIDNEY-TONICAn herb that strengthens the kidneys. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary. LITHAGOGUEAn herb used to expel stones such as kidney stones or gall stones. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary. LITHOTROPICAn herb that breaks up a gall or kidney stone so that is can be passed. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary. LIVOTONICAn 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. LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGARAn herb that lowers blood sugar. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss. LOWERS-THYROIDReduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss. LUMP-IN-THROATMakes you feel like there is a ball of tension around the Adam's Apple area. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. LUNG-TONICStrengthens 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. MAKES-JITTERYThis action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. MAKES-YOU-TIREDInduces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. MALE-TONICGenerally increases male reproductive strength and stamina. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma. This action primarily affects Muscle-Health. MUSCLE-TONICHerbs 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. NAUSEATINGBrings about feelings of unease and discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied with the involuntary urge to vomit. This action primarily affects Digestion. NERVINEHerbs 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. NUMBSInhibits sensation in a particular area. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength. OPTHALMICBenefits the eyes. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. PROMOTES-FERTILITYAn 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. PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. PROSTATE-TONICAn herb that aids the prostate, especially for those at risk for prostate cancer or BPH. This action primarily affects Reproductive-Health. PURGATIVEWhere 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. QUENCHES-THIRSTAn herb or substance that relieves thirst. This action primarily affects Digestion. RAISES-THYROIDAn herb that increases thyroid function. This action primarily affects Weight-Loss. REBUILD-ELECTROLYTESSubstances 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. REBUILDS-FLUIDSHerbs or substances that create moisture in the body and increase fluids. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. REDUCES-SWEATINGSuppresses sweating, often by cooling the metabolism, reducing blood flow to the skin, or closing pores. This action primarily affects Skin-Care. REFRESHES-SKINFlushes the lymphatic system to cool, awaken, and revive the skin. This action primarily affects Skin-Care. REFRESHINGStimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized. REFRIGERANTAn herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. RELAXES-EYESEases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. RELAXES-MINDReduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. RELAXES-SOLAR-PLEXUSSoothes 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. RELIEVES-BURNINGHerbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera. This action primarily affects Bowel-Poop-Elimination. RELIEVES-TENSIONAn herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. RUBEFACIENTAn 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. SATISFIES-STOMACHProvides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach. This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength. SEDATIVESedative 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. SIALOGOGUEA 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. SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion. This action primarily affects Skin-Care. SOOTHES-THROATSoothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. SOOTHINGCalms and alleviates irritation or discomfort in a particular region. SPLEEN-TONICAn 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-LAXATIVEStimulant 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. STIMULATES-BASE-OF-SKULLCreates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the base of the skull. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. STIMULATES-CROWNCreates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the top of the head. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs This action primarily affects Energy-Vitality-Strength. STIMULATES-FRONT-OF-BRAINCreates 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. STIMULATES-PERISTALSISAn herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This action primarily affects Digestion. STOMACHICAn 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. STOOL-SOFTENERAn 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. STRENGTHENS-RESOLVEIncreases determination and courage by reducing stress and building strength. STYPTICA 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. TONICA 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. URINARY-TONICAn 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. UTERINE-STIMULANTCauses contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. This action primarily affects Womens-Health. UTERINE-TONICAn 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. VASODILATORA 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. VESSEL-TONICAn herb that improves the tone and integrity of blood vessel walls. This is helpful in easy bruising. This action primarily affects Heart-Circulation-Blood. VULNERARYAn 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. WAKES-YOU-UPInvigorates the body and improves energy by stimulating circulation. This action primarily affects Mind-Stress-Sleep. WARMS-ABDOMENWarms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism. This action primarily affects Digestion. WARMS-CHESTWarms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. This action primarily affects Lung-and-Sinus. WARMS-EARSStimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears. WARMS-HEADAn herb that increases sensations of heat and warmth in the head. WARMS-KIDNEYWarms the kidneys by increasing blood flow to the organ. This action primarily affects Kidney-Bladder-Urinary. |