The Father of Western Medicine, Hippocrates, once said, ""Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food."" Was he referring to plants when he said this?
Humans have been tapping into the healing properties of plants for over 4,000 years. Ezechiel in 47:12 even said, "And the fruit there shall be for meat, and the leaf for medicine."
Throughout history, the healing abilities of plants had been explored and used all over the world. David L. Hoffman, who has written several books on herbalism said that “The realm of plants provides everything our body needs for a balance and integrated existence.”
What are herbs?
Plants that are known for their flavor, fragrance and medicinal properties are called herbs. Up until 90 years ago, most of the drugs prescribed by practitioners of allopathic medicine were herb-based. However, chemical technology and the development of chemotherapy significantly diminished the role of herbs in western medicine.
The increasing interest in traditional medicine has focused the spotlight once more on herbs. The growing popularity of herbs has resulted in medical herbalism - a sophisticated system of natural medicine that uses plant extracts and herbs to address physical and mental disorders.
Herbs and the different actions on the body
Some herbs improve the overall functioning of the body. Herbs that help the body by preventing it from reaching a state of collapse and improve the ability to adapt to the problem are called adaptogens. Panax Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng are well-known adaptogens.
Cardiac tonics are herbs that are good for the heart. Some are considered powerful cardio-active agents. Examples are Foxglove, Hawthorn Berries, Motherwort, and Lily of the Valley.
A few herbs work well on the skin. Emollients soothe and soften the skin and herbs known to accomplish this function are Greater Plantain, Flaxseed, and Chickweed. Rubefacient herbs cause vasodilation or increase in blood flow when applied to the skin. Cayenne, Garlic, Peppermint, and Rosemary all perform this function.
Hepatic herbs such as Dandelion, Boldo, and Milk Thistle tone and strengthen the liver. Herbs that help the lungs, such as Elecampane, Lobelia, and Blood Root are called pectoral herbs.
There are herbs that induce the body to purge. Alteratives are herbs that were once called “blood cleansers.” Alteratives such as Burdock, Cleavers and Nettles gradually restore the body’s proper functioning and promote well-being and vitality.
Yarrow, Cayenne, and Boneset are called diaphoretic herbs. This herbal action promotes sweating and as such helps the body get rid of toxins and waste.
Anti-Catarrhal herbs help the body remove phlegm from the sinuses, ears, nose and throat. Golden Rod, Elder, and Peppermint perform this function. On the other hand, Rhubarb Root and Yellow Dock induce a mild, gentle laxative action and are called aperients.
Diuretics such as Dandelion, Bearberry, Couch Grass, Buchu, Cornsilk, Hydrangea and Parsley help the body excrete urine, while emetic herbs induce purgation and cleansing through vomiting. Echinacea, Wild Indigo and Myrrh are emetics.
Herbs that help the body remove phlegm from the lungs such as Balm of Gilead, Blood Root, Daisy, Elecampane, Mouse-Ear, Violet and White Horehound are called expectorants.
Laxatives bring about active stimulation of bowels to induce movement. Herbs that are laxatives are Butternut, Senna Pods and Blue Flag.
There are herbs that help the body fight micro-organismas. These herbs have an anti-microbial action on the body. Astringents help the body remove unwanted substances by binding with the mucous membranes, skin and other exposed tissue. Agrimony and Oak Bark are both astringents.
Another group of herbs help the body by preventing things from happening or forming. An anti-spasmodic herb such as Cramp Bark, and Black Haw help prevent and ease spasms in the muscles. Anti-lithics prevent stones from forming in the urinary system and help in the removal of these stones. Cornsilk, Bearberry, and Hydrangea perform this function.
Black Horehound and Balm prevent vomiting and reduces nausea. They are called anti-emetics. Herbs that help the body fight inflammations such as German Chamomile, Wild Yam, and Willow Bark are called anti-Inflammatory herbs. Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage and give a soothing effect on inflamed or irritated tissue. Comfrey, Marshmallow and Slippery Elm Bark are well known demulcents. Vulneraries, on the other hand, reduce inflammation and heal wounds. Marigold, Willow Bark and Comfrey are considered vulnerary herbs.
Aside from these functions on the body, another group of herbs stimulate specific bodily functions. Arromatic herbs such as Aniseed, Angelica, Basil, Cinnamon, Rosemary, and Sage have strong and pleasant odors that stimulate the digestive system. Fennel, Ginger, and Caraway are carminatives and stimulate the digestive system to work efficiently.
Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile from the liver are called cholagogue herbs and Balmony, Fringetree, and Golden Seal perform this function. On the other hand, some herbs are emmenagogues: they stimulate blood flow during menstruation. Galactagogues increases the flow of milk in lactating women. Goat’s Rue, Milk Thistle, Fennel and Fenugreek are galactogogues.
There are herbs that work directly on the nervous system. Nervines are herbs that have a beneficial effect on the body because they stimulate or relax the nerves. Nervine stimulants are Oats, St. John’s Wort and Vervain. Chamomile, Skullcap, and Lemon Balm are called Nervine relaxants.
Chamomile, Vervian, and Passionflower are hypnotic herbs. They induce a deep state of healing during sleep. Sedatives such Valerian, Lady Slipper and Wild Lettuce calm the nervous system and produce a general feeling of relaxation in the body. Bayberry and Pricklyash, on the other hand, are stimulants and enliven and quicken the physiological activities of the body.
Sources: Hoffman, David. Thorson's Guide to Medical Herbalism, A comprehensive and practical introduction. Grafton Books, 1991
Hoffman, David. New Holistic. Element Books Limited, 1990
