General Health: Herbal Glossary

Below are the categories under which herbs fall.  In order to understand how you might use herbs it is important to know what they might DO to you, in you or for you.   It is important to know WHY you are choosing an herb and not enough to know that the herb was listed on your favorite message board.

ADAPTOGEN

These herbs have immune system enhancers which help the body adjust to change, regulate stress and restore natural immune resistance. Herbs which are used for this purpose include echinacea, garlic, gingo biloba, ginseng, goldenseal, pau d'arco and suma

Adrenal Support (60 caps)   

Benefits:
•Helps maintain normal adrenal function.
•Supports the body’s ability to regulate stress.
•Supports a healthy biological terrain.
 
Adrenal Support [Glandular, Nervous] is a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and adaptogenic herbs designed to support the adrenal glands.
 
Adrenal Support is formulated with powdered bovine adrenal gland from New Zealand. The ingredients in Adrenal Support may offer help in supporting and maintaining adrenal gland health.
 
The B vitamins, for example, support many of the biochemical processes in the adrenals. Vitamins B1 and B2 help the body cope with stress. Adrenal Support combines the most bioavailable and biological-terrain-friendly forms of these vital nutrients.
 
Each capsule contains powdered bovine adrenal gland, generous amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B6, pantothenic acid and vitamin C, plus zinc, protease, borage oil powder, licorice root and schizandra fruit.
 
Adults: Take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily.  Stock 1507-0    Retail Cost:$24.75  Member Cost:$16.50

Urinary Maintenance (120 caps)

Benefits:
•Supports the urinary system and kidneys.
•Helps maintain the body’s delicate fluid and mineral balance.
•Supports the blood vessels and promotes urine flow.
•Helps sanitize the urinary tract and boost the immune system.

Urinary Maintenance [Urinary]. Urinary system function is important to the whole body. This formula contains herbs to support the urinary system organs and help maintain the body’s delicate fluid and mineral balance controlled by the kidneys.

Uva ursi, hydrangea and hops help support kidney health and function. Many herbs in this formula help promote urine flow. Eleuthero and schizandra are adaptogens and help the body adapt to stress. Urinary Maintenance may also help sanitize the urinary tract and boost the immune system.
 
This key product for the urinary system incorporates the benefits of asparagus stem, dandelion leaf, parsley leaves, cornsilk, watermelon seed, dong quai root, horsetail stems and strobilus, hydrangea root, uva ursi leaves, eleuthero root and schizandra fruit.

Adults: Take 1 capsule with a meal three times daily. 
2884-4  Retail Cost:$20.95  Member Cost:$13.95  

5-HTP Power (60 caps)  

Benefits:
•Improves sleep quality and duration.
•Supports the nervous system and enhances mood.
•May help decrease feelings of hunger.

5-HTP Power [Nervous] contains hydroxytryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter
that helps regulate appetite, mood and sleep. Hydroxytryptophan is converted into serotonin in the body, which may help elevate mood, assist in controlling hunger and promote restful sleep. NSP 5-HTP Power is a blend of three adaptogenic herbs—eleuthero, ashwaganda and suma—along with 5-HTP to help the body adjust to changes. It also contains vitamin B6 and zinc, which support the action of 5-HTP. Each capsule contains 35 mg of 5-HTP.

CAUTION: If taking a prescription medication, consult a health care practitioner before taking this product. Pregnant or nursing women should seek the advice of a health care practitioner before using this supplement. Do not use this product for more than three months without taking a two-week rest.

Adults: Take 1 capsule three times daily with a meal. The 35 mg of 5-HTP in this product allows flexibility when adjusting serving size.  2806-4  Retail Cost $27.75Member Cost: $18.50

Melatonin Extra® (3 mg) (60 caps)  

Benefits
• Helps promote the body's natural sleep rhythm.
• Helps you feel more alert and rested after a night's sleep.
• May help fight jet lag.
• Possesses antioxidant properties and many benefit the immune system.
 
Melatonin Extra®—3 mg [Glandular] is an exclusive NSP formula containing melatonin, a natural compound produced by the pineal gland (located in the center of the brain). Melatonin is vitally important to health when you consider three factors: aging, energy and sleep. As people age they produce less melatonin.

Melatonin can help restore the body’s natural sleep rhythm. Used as directed, it may help you feel more alert and satisfied after a full night of rest. In addition, mounting evidence shows that melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant, meaning it may benefit the body’s immune system.

Each capsule of Melatonin Extra contains 3 mg of melatonin (derived from non-bovine sources), combined with Ginkgo biloba concentrate (standardized to 24 percent glycosides), Ginkgo biloba leaves (may aid circulation to the brain), eleuthero (a famous adaptogen known to have a calming effect on the nervous system) and 30 IU (100 percent Daily Value) of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol).

CAUTION: Melatonin should not be taken during the day; it may cause drowsiness. It is not recommended for use by children, teenagers or pregnant or lactating women. Do not take this product when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

Adults: Take 1 capsule 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
Stock Number: 2830-4 Retail Cost: $21.75   Member Cost$14.50

Energ-V® (100 caps)

Benefits:
• Provides nutrients that support the glandular system.
• Supports circulatory health.
• Nourishes the nervous system.
• May aid in energy metabolism.

Energ-V® [Circulatory, Glandular, Nervous] was designed to support the body’s own energy-building system. It works with the glandular, nervous and circulatory systems to help relieve stress and support energy production.
 
It provides a variety of nutrients to support vitality—some that nourish the glands (kelp and licorice) and some that nourish the brain and nervous system (gotu kola), better enabling the body to cope with stress.
 
Energ-V also provides support from adaptogenic herbs (schizandra and eleuthero) that help the body under environmental stress.

Energ-V contains:
Bee pollen
Eleuthero root
Gotu kola aerial parts
Licorice root
Rose hips
Yellow dock root
Barley grass aerial parts
Schizandra fruit
Kelp leaves and stems
Capsicum fruit

Energ-V is commonly used in conjunction with vitamin C, B complex, bee pollen and iron supplements.

Adults: Take 2 capsules with a meal twice daily.

Stock Number: 875-8
Retail Cost:$22.15    Member Cost:   $14.75

Maca (90 caps)

Benefits
• Supports glandular system.
• Promotes libido and sexual function.
• Enhances physical energy and endurance.
• Promotes mental clarity and concentration.
• Supports stamina and buffers the effects of stress.
• May boost work capacity.
 
Maca [Glandular]. Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a tuber that is a member of the radish family that grows in the Andean mountains of South America, may provide a natural means for improving sexual desire and performance. Also known as Peruvian ginseng, maca may help enhance physical energy and endurance. As an adaptogen, it helps promote stamina and buffer the effects of stress. Animal studies show improvement in male subjects.

NSP Maca contains standardized pure root extract, with a guaranteed potency macaenes and macamides in the ratio of 4:1.

Adults: Take 1 capsule with a meal three times daily.
Stock Number: 1117-2 Retail Cost:$23.95  Member Cost:  $15.95

Adaptamax® (100 caps)  

Benefits:
•Supports the immune system.
•Provides energy to overcome stress.
•May improve mood.
•Fights oxidative cellular damage.
 
AdaptaMax® [Immune] is an exclusive combination that combines powerful adaptogens with other nutrient-rich, immune-supporting herbs for a complete, energizing formula. AdaptaMax’s adaptogenic strength comes from Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Korean ginseng, ashwaganda, rosemary, Gynostemma pentaphyllum and schizandra.
 
Together these herbs help the body cope with a variety of stressful conditions, including stress on the immune system, fatigue and aging. They fight oxidative cellular damage, energize the body, support positive mood and stimulate the immune system.
 
Other ingredients in this formula include astragalus, reishi mushroom, suma and Ginkgo biloba concentrate—to fortify the immune system and help protect the body from the consequences of stress. Alfalfa, kelp, chromium and a fruit and vegetable base provide additional nutrients to nourish the body’s cells.
 
NOTE: Pregnant or lactating women should consult their health care professional prior to taking this supplement.
 
Take 2 capsules with a meal two to three times daily.
Stock Number:  872-9   Retail Cost:  $23.25   Member Cost:  $15.50


SUMA Combination (100 caps)

SUMA Combination [Immune] supplies nutrients that support the body’s regenerative functions. It is a blend of six powerful adaptogenic herbs that bolster the immune system and provide energy and emotional support. Suma root is referred to as para todo in South America, meaning “for everything.” Suma is not a true ginseng, but it shares many of ginseng’s properties. Astragalus root is a Chinese herb that also shares many properties of ginseng and is known as an energy-booster. Suma Combination contains:
Echinacea aerial parts
Suma bark
Astragalus root
Eleuthero root
Ginkgo leaves
Gotu kola root and rhizome
NOTE: Pregnant or lactating women should consult their health care professional prior to taking this supplement.
Take 2–3 capsules with a meal three times daily.   Stock Number:  1088-5  Retail Cost:  $22.45  Member Cost:  $14.95

Ginseng, Korean (100 caps)

Benefits:
• Helps the body adapt to stress.
• Boosts energy.
• Strengthens and supports the immune system.
• Balances the body.
 
Description: Ginseng, Korean (Panax) [Glandular] is widely used and studied. Ginseng’s botanical name, Panax, is derived from the Greek word panakos, or panacea.
 
As an adaptogen, it is believed to help maintain balance in the body and help the body adapt to stress. Korean ginseng is also famed for its ability to boost energy and support the immune system.

Each Korean ginseng capsule contains 390 mg of the finest Korean ginseng root, with a guaranteed potency of 12 mg ginsenosides per capsule.

Adults: Take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily.Stock Number:665-4   Retail Cost: $31.45  Member Cost:  $20.95

Eleuthero (100 caps)

Benefits:
• Adaptogenic herb.
• Supports Energy.
• Helps to balance the body.

Description: Eleuthero [Glandular]. Eleuthero is considered to be an adaptogen.
 
Adaptogens support energy and help to maintain balance in the body.
 
Eleuthero belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant relative of Korean and American ginsengs. The root is not harvested until it is two or more years old; the older the root, the higher its value.
 
It is held in high esteem in China, where it has been valued for thousands of years, sometimes commanding a higher price than gold. Eleuthero is found in the Siberian province of Russia.
 
Each capsule contains 410 mg eleuthero root. 
Stock Number: 660-9  Retail Cost: $19.90  Member Cost:  $13.25

Adults: Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.

He Shou Wu (100 caps)

Benefits:
• It supports the immune system.
• It supports good blood vessel health.

Description: He Shou Wu [Circulatory, Immune]. This remarkable herb possesses properties similar to ginseng. It is highly prized in China as an adaptogenic herb.
 
A member of the buckwheat family, he shou wu contains quercetin that helps protect and maintain blood vessel health.

Adults: Take two capsules with a meal twice daily. Stock Number: 375-5  Retail Cost:  $32.95  Member Cost:  $21.95  

GC-X (100 caps)

Benefits:
• It supports both the circulatory system and intestinal system.
• It contains Eleuthero, an adaptogenic herb.
Description: GC-X [Circulatory, Intestinal] combines herbs traditionally used to support the circulatory, eliminative and immune systems.
 
This formula contains:
Garlic bulb
Capsicum fruit
Parsley herb
Ginger root
Golden seal root
Eleuthero root

Garlic has been highly touted as one of nature’s most all-around nutritive herbs. It has antioxidant, immune-supporting and circulatory-supporting actions.
Capsicum is widely known for its ability to stimulate circulatory activity.
Parsley is rich in chlorophyll, a natural deodorizer.
Ginger and golden seal are both herbs with time-honored reputations.
Eleuthero, an adaptogenic herb, supports energy, stamina and endurance, and may help with concentration.

Adults: Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.  
Stock Number:  1212-1 Retail Cost:  $25.45 Member Cost: $16.95

Master Gland Formula®. Provides a blend of herbs, minerals and other nutrients that help balance the glandular system, particularly the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.
AdaptaMax®. This combination of adaptogenic herbs helps the body combat stress and adapt to stressful situations. It also supports energy levels and sexual drive.
Adrenal Support. Contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and adaptogenic herbs to support and strengthen the adrenal glands, which in turn helps the body better adapt to stressful situations.

Each day take the contents of one packet in the morning with breakfast, and the contents of one packet in the evening with a meal.
Stock Number: 5388-7  Retail Cost:$60.00  Member Cost:$40.00

Urinary System Pack (30 day)

Benefits:

• Strengthens and balances the entire urinary system.
• Provides potassium and sodium, essential to the urinary system.
• Supports kidney health and function.
Urinary System Pack [System]. This body system pack supports the body’s filtration process by strengthening and balancing the entire urinary system, providing potassium and sodium, and supporting the kidneys. Contents include:

Urinary Maintenance. This herbal combination supports the delicate fluid and mineral balance controlled by the kidneys and helps promote proper urinary function. It also contains adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress.
Combination Potassium. Provides necessary potassium to help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Potassium is a critical component of the filtration and excretion process.
KB-C TCM. This traditional Chinese formulation helps the kidneys remove toxins while protecting water-soluble minerals that support bone integrity. It also helps maintain the body’s proper acid/alkaline balance.

Each day take the contents of one packet in the morning with breakfast, and the contents of one packet in the evening with a meal.   
Stock Number: 5387-3   Retail Cost:$75.00  Member Cost:$50.00

1 pump = $17.95 1 jar = $17.95 3 pumps = $50.85 3 jars = $50.85 6 pumps = $95.70 6 jars = $95.70 12 pumps = $150.00 12 jars = $150.00

Nervous System Pack (30 day)

Benefits:

• Contains key vitamins and herbs that feed and soothe the nervous system.
• Builds the body’s ability to adapt to stress.
• Helps calm nerves and supports restful sleep.

Nervous System Pack [System]. This body system pack contains key vitamins and herbs that feed and soothe the nervous system, build the body’s ability to adapt to stress and supports restful sleep. Contents include:

Stress-J. Contains a powerful blend of four calmative herbs known to help support proper nervous system function. This unique formula promotes relaxation and well-being.
AdaptaMax®. This combination of adaptogenic herbs helps the body combat and adapt to stressful situations, including stress on the immune system, fatigue and stress-related aging.
Nerve Eight®. This combination of eight herbs helps support proper nervous system function, reduce cellular stress, promote sleep and provide digestive support.
Nutri-Calm®. Provides B-complex vitamins, antioxidants and other essential nutrients that support and calm the nervous system and encourage restful sleep.

Each day take the contents of one packet in the morning with breakfast, and the contents of one packet in the evening with a meal.

Stock Number: 5384-4  Retail Cost:$75.00   Member Cost:$50.00
 

ALTERNATIVE

Alternatives are considered useful in altering body chemistry gradually. Herbs with alterative properties stimulate gradual changes in metabolism and tissue function in acute and chronic conditions and increase overall health, energy, vigor and strength. Alternatives are simular to tonics, which help both the overall systems as well as aideingparticular organs, tissues and cells. alterative herbs, include aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, blue vervain, capsicum, cascara sagrada, chamomile, damiana, dandelion, echnicacea, elecampane, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, gingo biloba, goldenseal, hawthorn, horsetail, milk thistle, red clover, red raspberry, schizandra, suma, yarro and yellow dock root.

ANALGESIC

analgesic herbs are used to relieve pain without loss of consciousness. Some of the herbs commonly used as analgesics include feverfew, lobelia, mullein, pau d'acro, skullcap, willow bark and wood betony.

ANESTHETIC

Anesthetics are used for their ability to cause physical insensitivity. Examples of herbs with this property are caraway, kava and tea tree.

ANODYNE

Herbs with this property have the ability to soothe and reduce the intensity of pain. Herbs with this ability include anise, chamomile, cloves, juniper, pleurisy root and rosemary.

ANORECTIC

Anorectic herbs help to reduce appetite. herbs with this asset include chickweed, ephedra, fellel, garcinia and guarana.

ANTACID

an antacid is used to neutralize acids in the stomach and intestinal tract. Herbs used for this include dandelion, fennel, ginger, kelp, Iceland moss and slippery elm.

ANTHELMINTIC

herbs with anthelmintic agents either expel or destroy worms in the body. Other similar terms to describe such agents include vermifuge, mermicide and taeniacide. Herbs with these fighting abilityies include black cohosh, blue walnut, gentian, goldenseal, mandrake, prickly ash, pumpkin seed and senna.

ANTI-ASTHMATIC

anti-asthmatics are used to help relieve the symptoms associated with asthma. some of the anti-asthmatic herbs are elecampane, ephedra, gotu kola, lobelia, prickly ash, wild cherry and yerba santa.

ANTIBACTERIAL

Antibacterial herbs are those that fight and destroy bacteria and include alfalfa, basil, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, parsley, peppermint, rhubarb, tumeric, uva ursi and yucca.

ANTIBIOTIC

Herbs that work as natural antibiotics help the body's immune system destroy growths of micro-organisms. Some herbs commonly used as natural antibiotics include buchu, chaparral, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, myrrh, red clover and yellow dock.

ANTICATARRHAL

these are herbs which help dissolve and eliminate, as well prevent the formation of mucus and inflammation of the mucus membrane. herbs that are considered to be anticatarrhal include comfrey, elecampane, ephedra, funugreek, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein and wild cherry.

ANTICOAGULANT

Anticoagulant herbs help the body prevent clotting of the blood. Herbs with this constituent include garlic, turmeric and yellow melilot.

ANTIEMETIC

Antiemetics prevent vomiting, and herbs with this ability include clove, Iceland moss, raspberry and spearmint.

ANTIFUNGAL

Antifungal agents act against and destroy various fungi. Herbs in this gategory include alfalfa, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, kava kava, kombucha, parsley, St. John's wort, skullcap, thyme and turmeric.

ANTIGALACTAGOGUE

herbs with this property work opposit to herbs with galactagogue properties. Sage and black walnut are examples of herbs in this category.

ANTIHYDROTIC

Antihydrodics reduce levels of perspiration. Herbs with this ability include astragalus and sage.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Herbs with this ability reduce inflammation in the body without acting directly on the cause of the inflammation. Herbs in this category include birth, chicory, cranberry, elder flowers, eucalyptus, fennel, feverfew, ginger, licorice, marshmallow, papaya, passion flower, peppermint, pine tree bark, queen of the meadow, rhubarb, rosemary, safflower, turmeric, wild yam and witch hazel.

ANTILITHIC

Antilithic herbs work to prevent the formation of stones in the gall blader and kidney, as well as aiding the expulsion of those already formed. Antilithics are similar to lithotriptics. Some herbs used for this purpose are buchu leaves, hydrangea and uva ursi leaves.

ANTIMICROBIAL

Antimicrobials helps the body destroy microbes by affecting their growth and multiplication, Herbs with this ability include fennel, fevergfew, myrrh, pau d'archo, rhubarb, tea tree and uva ursi.

ANTINEOPLASTIC

Herbs with this quality destroy, inhibit and prevent tumors. Herbs in this category include aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, cat's claw, chickweed, flaxseed, garlic, hops, horsetail, ho-sho-wu, irish moss, mistletoe, pau d'arco, periwinkle, pine tree bark, rhubarb, saffron, St. John's wort, slippery elm and turmeric.

ANTIOXIDANT

Antioxidant herbs counteract the negative effects of oxidation on body tissues. Included in this category are barley, billberry, cat's claw, chaparral, gingo biloba, milk thistle, pine tree, rosemary, sage and turmeric

ANTIPERIODIC

This constituent counteractshe effects of periodic diseases (intermittent) like malaria. Herbs in this category include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, chinchone, eucalyptus, golden seal and willow.

ANTITUSSIVE

Herbs with antitussive agents are cough suppressants. Herbs in this category include coltsfoot, comfrey, borehound, mullein and wild cherry bark

ANTIVENOMOUS

Antivenomous agents counteract venom, as from a snake bite. Herbs with this quality include pennyroyal and plantain

ANTIVIRAL

Antiviral agents act to destroy viruses in the body. Herbs with antiviral qualities include aloe vera, astragalus, barley, boneset, calendula, echinacea, ho-shouwu, licorice, maitake, reishi, pau d'arco, red raspberry and turmeric

APHRODISIAC

An aphrodisiac is used to help restore normal sexual potency and function and improve sexual desire. Some herbs used as aphrodisiacs include astragalus, damiana, false unicorn, fenugreek, ginseng, kava kava and saw palmetto

ASTRINGENT

An astringent acts to contract and tighten, similar to styptic. This constricting action can help eliminate secretions and hemorrhaging. Some herbs with astringent actions are amaranth, blackberry root, black walnut, capsicum, elecampane, ephedra, fenugreek, horsetail, hydrangea, mullein, oak bark, queen of the meadow, St. John wort, slippery elm and witch hazel

BITTER

An agent that acts on the mucous membranes in the mouth to promote appetite and encourage digestion. Herbs in this category include alfalfa, blackberry, blessed thistle, bugleweed, chaparral, chinchona, eyebright, feverfew, gentian, licorice, quassia, watercress, wild cherry and wild lettuce

BLOOD PURIFIER

Agents that clean and remove impurities from the blood, similar to depurative. Examples of blood purifiers include birch, buckthorn, calendula, centaury, couch grass, dandelion, plantain and watercress

CARMINATIVE

Herbs which can help eliminate gas from the stomach and intestine are considered carminatives. Some of the herbs commonly used are angelica root, capsicum, caraway seeds, catnip, chamomile flowers, echinacea, fennel, ginger, hops, lemon balm, parsley root, peppermint, saffron and valerian

CHOLAGOGUE

This herb property increases the flow of bile which aids digestion, as well as acting as a mild laxative. Herbs which are used for this purpose are aloe vera, barberry, culver</R>s root, dandelion, goldenseal, hops, licorice, Oregon grape root and wild yam

DECONGESTANT

An agent that relieves congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Herbs with decongestant properties include ephedra, lobelia, pennyroyal, valerian and yerba santa

DEMULCENT

These herbs work internally to help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the body. Some herbs with this property are aloe vera, burdock, chickweed, comfrey, echinacea, fenugreek, flaxseed, Irish moss, kelp, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, oatstraw and psyllium

DIAPHORETIC

Diaphoretic herbs help the body produce perspiration to help the skin eliminate toxins, similar to sudorific. Herbs with diaphoretic properties include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, borage, butchers broom, capsicum, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, garlic, hyssop, lemon balm leaves and yarrow.

DIGESTIVE

Digestives promote or aid in the digestion process. Such herbs include anise, capsicum, centaury, echinacea, garlic, horseradish, mustard, papaya, safflower and sage

DIURETIC

A diuretic is used to increase the flow of urine to relieve water retention. Some herbs used for this purpose are alfalfa, blue cohosh, buchu leaves, burdock, butchers broom, damiana, dandelion, devil</R>s claw, false unicorn, fennel, hawthorn, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, lily-of-the-valley, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, saw palmetto and uva ursi

EMETIC

An emetic is used to induce vomiting. Emetic herbs include bayberry, boneset, buckthorn, culver, false unicorn, lobelia, mandrake, mistletoe, mustard seed, pleurisy, quassia, rue and senega

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs with emmenagogue properties promote menstrual flow. Some herbs which help with this situation are angelica, aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, gentian, ginger, goldenseal, horsetail, juniper berries, mistletoe, myrrh, pennyroyal and saffron

ESTROGENIC

Estrogenic herbs promote or produce estrus. Herbs with estrogenic properties include blue cohosh, dong quai, false unicorn, fennel and licorice

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help the body expel mucus from the lungs, nose and throat. Herbs used for this purpose include anise seed, blue cohosh, blue vervain, comfrey root, elder flowers, elecampane root, ephedra, flaxseed, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, horehound, hyssop, Irish moss, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein leaves, slippery elm, wild cherry bark and yerba santa leaves

FEBRIFUGE

Herbs with this property help reduce fevers, similar to refrigerant and antipyretic. Some febrifuges are bilberry, boneset, borage, buckthorn, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, hyssop, pleurisy root, sarsaparilla, white willow bark and wormwood

GALACTAGOGUE

Herbs with galactagogue properties stimulate lactation in women. herbs in this category include anise, basil, blessed thistle, borage, fenugreek, horsetail and vervain

GERMICIDE

Germicides are known for their ability to destroy germs and other microorganisms. Herbs in this category include cloves, eucalyptus and tea tree

HEPATIC

These herbs help to strengthen, tone, and increase bile flow to promote normal liver function. Some herbs with hepatic properties are barberry bark, cascara sagrada, dandelion root, gentian, goldenseal, horseradish, mandrake root, milk thistle, olive oil, Oregon grape, parsley, queen of the meadow and rhubarb

HEMOSTATIC

Hemostatics stop blood flow by acting as antihemorrhagic agents. Herbs in this category include bistort, blackberry, bugleweed, calendula, nettle, periwinkle, shepherds purse and witch hazel

IMMUNOSTIMULANTS

Immunostimulants enhance or boost the body's natural defense against illness and disease. Herbs with this ability include astragalus, barley, dong quai, kombucha, maitake, queen of the meadow, reishi and shiitake

INSECTICIDE

Insecticides are used to kill insects. An example of an herb with this ability is bayberry

LITHOTRIPTIC

These are herbs which help dissolve and eliminate urinary stones from the body. They include buchu leaves butchers broom, cascara sagrada, cornsilk, dandelion devils claw, horsetail, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, uva ursi and white oak bark

MUCILANT

Herbs that are considered mucilants have mucilage properties which have a soothing and demulcent effect. They coat and protect mucous membranes from irritations. Mucilants have a wide variety of applications including coughs, sore throats, and irritated stomach bowels, bladder and kidneys. They can also be used for laxatives, cream and ointments because of their soothing effects. Mucilant herbs include aloe vera, chickweed coltsfoot, comfrey, flaxseed, Iceland moss, marshmallow plantain, psyllium seed and slippery elm

NARCOTIC

Herbs with narcotic agents can be used to soothe intractable pain or to induce anesthesia. Herbs with these agents should be used carefully. They include bugleweed, guarana and wild lettuce. Herbs that can be used to counteract narcotic effects include alfalfa (for addiction) and marjoram and mustard (for poisoning)

NEPHRITIC

These are used in healing kidney problems. Herbs with nephritic properties include buchu leaves, couch grass root, goldenseal, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, Oregon grape and queen of the meadow root

NERVINE

Nervine herbs help soothe, calm and nourish the nervous system. Some of the nervine herbs are black cohosh, blue vervain, boneset, catnip, chamomile, cramp bark. damiana, gotu kola, hops, lady's slipper, lemon balm, lobelia, oatraw, passion flower, skullcap, valerian root and wood betony.

NUTRITIVE

Nutritive agents nourish the body.  Herbs iwth nutritive properties include alfalfa, amaranth, barley, bee pollen, chickweed, comfrey, guarana, Iceland moss, Irish moss, kelp, marshmallow, nettle, oatstraw, papaya, pumpkin, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, suma, watercress and yellow dock.

OXYTOCIC

these are herbs which help stimulate uterine contractions to assit and induce a safe labor and delivery.  Herbs with oxytocic properties are black cohosh, blue cohosh, pennyroyal and red raspberry.

PARASITICIDE

parasiticidic herbs are those that destroy parasites in the body.   Herbs with parasticidic agents include chaparral, feverfew, figwort, horseradish, mandrake, papaya, parsley, peach, pennyroyal, plantain, pumpkin, rhubarb, sage, thyme, vervain, wild cherry and wood betony.

PECTORAL

Pectoral agents give relief and rememdy pulmonary and other respiriatory conditions.  Examples of pectorals are chickweed, coltsfoot, couch grass, hyssop, Iceland moss and wild cherry.

PURGATIVE

A cathartic or purgative herbis used for purging and stimulating the action of evacuating the bowels.  this action may be mild or strong depending on the need.  Purgatives and cathartics are similar to aperients and laxatives, which are mild purgative used to relieve constipation.  Herbs considered to be purgative included aloe vera, barberry bark, boneset, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada, elder flowers, goldenseal, mandrake, Oregon grape root, psyllium, rhubarb root and senna leaves.

RUBEFACIENT

hers with rubefacient properties are reddening agens that help to increase the flow of the blood to the surface of the skin to aid in healing in cases such as sprains and muscle soreness.  Some herbs used for this purpose include camphor, capsicum, cloves, eucalyptus, galric, ginger, horseradish, mustard seed, peppermint oil, pine oil, stinging nettle and thyme oil.

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs are used to relieve irritability and promote calm and tranquil feelings.  Some are catnip, chamomile, cramp bark, dong quai, hawthron, hops, kava kava, lady's slipper, lobelia, passion flower, red clovers, St. John's wort, schizandra, skullcap, valerian and wood betony.

SIALOGUGE

Herbs with this property help to promote the flow and secretion of saliva to aid in the diegestion of starches.  Some herbs include bayberry, capsicum, echinacea, gentian, ginger, horseradish, hydrangea, licorice, prickly ash, rhubarb and yerba santa.

STIMULANT

These herbs help to inrease the function of the body energy leels, circulation, and help eliminate toxins.  herbs with stimulant properties are angelica, boneset, capsicum, damiana, devil's claw, echinacea, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, false unicorn, garlic, gentian, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, ho-shou-wu, milk thistle, prickley ash bark, saffron, sarsaparilla root and suma.

STOMACHIC

Stomachics strengthen and tone the stomach.  herbs in the stomachic category included agrimony, anise, barberry, basil, caraway, celery, chinchina, cloves, dandelion, gentian, ginseng, gymnema, hops, horseradish, papaya, peach, pennyroyal, quassia, rhubarb, rosehips and watercress.

VASOCONSTRICTOR

Herbs with vasoldilating agents expand the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.  Herbs in this category included fever few, hawthorn and ho-shou-wu.

VULNERARY

Herbs with vulnerary properties are used to help promote the healing of wounds, cuts and abrasions.  some used are aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, capsicum, fenugreek, flaxseed, garlic, gentian, goldenseal, hops, horsetail, mullein, oatstraw and plantain leaves.

Taken in part from the Today's Herbal Health - Louise Tenney