Herb actions give us an idea as to how the herbs act on our body. Unfortunately, with herbs it is fairly rare that there are large quantities of research into how the herb works at a molecular level i.e. phytochemistry. However, the problem with phytochemistry is that it cannot view the herb in it’s chemical complexity at once (its whole). As there is even less research looking at how one active constituent (chemicals known to give a herb its actions) interacts with another it is usually quite satisfactory to view the herbs via their actions alone, without knowledge of phytochemistry. However, if you are interested in phytochemistry check out Lisa Ganora’s Herbal Constituents it is absolutely amazing, I used it to teach myself phytochemistry and found it highly interesting despite my history of despising chemistry: http://www.herbalconstituents.com/herbalconstituentsbook.html

Adaptogenic herbs help the body restore balance within the body e.g. Eleuthercoccus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Borago officinalis.

Alterative herbs help detoxify and renew body tissue, traditionally it is known as a blood cleanser e.g. Borago officinalis, Galium aparine, Taraxacum officinalis, Leptandra virginicus.

Anthelmetic herbs destroy and expel worms from the digestive system e.g. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Allium sativum, Hyssopus officinalis, Artemisia absinthium.

Anti-catarrhal herbs reduce the amount of catarrh in the body and reduces its production e.g. Sambucus nigra, Allium sativum, Euphrasia officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Anti-microbial herbs destroy, inhibit and resist micro organisms which cause disease e.g. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Allium sativum, Lavendula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Commiphora molmol.

Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce the inflammatory response of the body e.g. Symphtum officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Euphrasia officinalis, Dioscorea villosa.

Anti-spasmodic herbs reduce spasm of muscles e.g. Hyssopus officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Viburnum opulus, Scutelaria lateriflora, Valeriana officinalis, Dioscorea villosa.

Aromatic herbs are high in volatile oils and have a strong smell e.g. Thymus vulgaris, Hyssopus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarianus officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare.

Astringent herbs make tissues contract and reduce secretions therefore it is drying e.g. Achillea millefolium, Euphrasia officinalis, Alchemilla vulgaris, Quercus robur, Rubus idaeus, Rosmarianus officinalis, Filipendula ulmaria.

Bitters are herbs which taste bitter and usually promote digestive secretions and improve the actions of the liver e.g. Taraxacum officinale, Silybum marianum, Leptandra virginicus, Artemisia absinthium.

Carminative herbs calm the digestive system usually relieving flatulence e.g. Foeniculum vulgare, Chamomilla recutita, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Zingiber officinalis, Mentha piperita.
Demulcent herbs are high in mucilage and soothe dry and irritated tissue e.g. Althea officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Symphytum officinalis, Avena sativa, Plantago psyllium, Ulmus fulva.

Diaphoretic herbs promote sweating and help manage a fever e.g. Zingiber officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Mentha piperita, Leptandra virginicus, Rosmarianus officinalis, Achillea millefolium.

Diuretic herbs increase the production of urine e.g. Urtica dioica, Zea mays, Agathosma betulina, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Taraxacum officinalis (leaf).

Emmenagogues are herbs which bring on the menses e.g. Vitex agnus castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Calendula officinalis, Mentha pelegium, Artemisia absinthium.

Emollients are the same as demulcents but used externally e.g. Symphytum officinalis, Avena sativa, Ulmus fulva, Althea officinalis.

Expectorants expel excess mucous from the lungs e.g. Glycyrrhiza glabra, Inula helenium, Sambucus nigra, Hyssopus officinalis, Leptandra virginicus, Ulmus fulva, Thymus vulgaris.

Galactagogues improve the production of milk in lactating women e.g. Foeniculum vulgare, Rubus idaeus and Urtica dioica.

Hepatic herbs strengthen the liver and increase its ability to create new hepatocytes e.g. Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinalis (root), Leptandra virginicus, Artemisia absinthium.

Hypotensives reduce blood pressure e.g. Crataegus lavaegata, Leonurus cardiaca, Allium sativum, Citrus auranteum (flower), Tillia cordata.

Nervines protect the nervous system reducing its sensitivity in both an emotional and physical sense e.g. Avena sativa, Scutellaria lateriflora, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis.

Nutritive herbs contain significant amounts of minerals and vitamins and stimulate metabolic processes e.g. Urtica dioica, Borago officinalis, Arctium lappa, Stellaria media, Avena sativa.

Oestrogenic herbs have similar actions to oestrogen and contain phyto-oestrogens e.g. Dioscorea villosa, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus castus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendula officinalis.

Parturient herbs prepare the uterus for labour e.g. Rubus idaeus, Alchemilla vulgaris, Leonurus cardiaca.

Tonic herbs are often also nutritive. They tone and strengthen the function of the body and its organs. There are many sub-types of tonics such as cardiotonic which indicates they are tonic to specific organs e.g. Avena sativa, Urtica dioica, Taraxacum officinalis, Arctium lappa, Borago officinalis.

Vasodilator herbs dilate the blood vessels improving blood flow e.g. Crateagus lavaegata, Allium sativum, Achillea millefolium, Tanacetum panethium.

Vulnerary herbs increase good circulation and thereby improve healing of wounds e.g. Sambucus nigra, Symphytum officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Commiphora mol mol, Plantago major, Ulmus fulva.