Classes Of Healing Herbs
2 September 2008
Herbs have long been classified according to their healing properties (see table below). Although there are many thousands of different herbs – they are generally classed into only 30 or so classifications. Choosing the right herb, therefore, is a relatively simple matter when we are aware of these classifications, and we know what it is that we need to help our systems to achieve.
| Classification | Healing Property |
| Alterative | Gradually altering or changing a condition, also a blood purifier. |
| Anodyne | Relieving pain. |
| Antiperiodic | Preventing the periodic return of certain diseases. |
| Antiseptic | Destroying infection-causing micro-organisms. |
| Antispasmodic | Relieving or preventing involuntary muscle spasms or cramps. |
| Aperient | Mild and gently acting laxative. |
| Aromatic | Substance with a spicy scent and a pungent but pleasing taste. Useful for fragrance, and often added to medicines to improve their palatability. |
| Astringent | Temporarily tightening or contracting the skin or tissues. Checks the discharge of mucus and blood, etc. |
| Carminative | Checking formation of gas and helping to dispel whatever gas has already formed. |
| Cholagogue | Promoting the discharge of bile from the system. |
| Demulcent | Mucilaginous Substance That Soothes the Intestinal Tract. |
| Deobstruent | Clearing Obstruction From the Natural Ducts of the Body. |
| Depurative | Removing Wastes From Body, Purifying Blood. |
| Detergent | A Cleansing Action. |
| Diaphoretic | Promoting Sweating. Commonly Used As An Aid for Relief of the Common Cold. |
| Diuretic | Promoting Flow of Urine. |
| Emmenagogue | Promoting Menstruation. |
| Emollient | Softening and Soothing Skin When Applied Externally. |
| Expectorant | Loosening Phlegm in the Mucous Membrane of the Bronchial and Nasal Passages, Thus Facilitating its Expulsion. |
| Haemostatic | Checking Internal Bleeding. |
| Hepatic | Affecting the Liver. |
| Laxative | A Gentle Cathartic That Helps to Promote Bowel Movements. |
| Mucilaginous | A Soothing Quality for Inflamed Parts. |
| Nervine | Calming Nervous Irritation From Excitement, Strain, Or Fatigue. |
| Pectoral | Relieving Ailments of the Chest and Lungs. |
| Refrigerant | Generally Cooling in Effect, Also Reduces Fevers. |
| Sedative | Calming the Nerves. |
| Stimulant | Increasing Or Quickening Various Functions of the Body, Such As Digestion and Appetite. It Does this Quickly, Whereas A Tonic Stimulates General Health Over A Period of Time. |
| Stomachic | Strengthening and Toning the Stomach and Stimulating the Appetite. |
| Tonic- | Invigorating Or Strengthening the System. |
| Vasodilator | Widening Blood Vessels. |
| Vermifuge | Destroying and Helping to Expel Intestinal Worms. |
| Vulnerary | Application for External Wounds. |
| The above information was gleaned from the Nutrition Almanac, by Lavon J. Dunne, P.237 and from various other sources. | |
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