Thinking Like an Herbalist
To think like an herbalist one must come to know the ways that herbs interact with human physiology. Which herb will support the body’s healing process? Which herb is the best choice for nourishing the part of the body in need of healing? Which one relieves tension, thereby eliciting the relaxation response? How do the energetics of the herbs interact with the energetics of the human being?
To think like an herbalist, one must first consider the herbs that nourish the body and soul. Without proper nourishment, our bodies can’t work optimally.
“Nourishment encourages expansion and growth. Nourishment includes. Nourishment supports each being as a unique, holy individual. Nourishing our problems encourages love for all parts of ourselves.”(1)
Each herb has its own individual personality and each plant’s behavior, while in or on the human body, responds in specific ways.
Deciding which herb to use based on its actions, or properties, is a time-honored approach to herbalism. “Herbal actions describe the ways in which the remedy affects human physiology. Plants have a direct impact on physiological activity and by knowing what body process you want to help or heal, the appropriate action can be selected.”(2) After learning about the categories of herbal actions, one can then learn the subtle differences among the system affinities of various herbs.
As an herbalist, I am interested in the action of the herb, rather than the chemicals in the plant. The chemicals in plants work synergistically, not only within the plant, but also within the human body. For example, an herb that has astringent properties, such as plantain (Plantago major), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), may assist in shrinking hemorrhoids.
The following is a list of herbal actions and the herbs in each category that I have used in my midwifery practice:
Alterative—Cleanse congested, stagnant blood and tissue fluids, gradually increase vitality through nourishment. Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Nettles, Red Clover, Yellow Dock
Anti-catarrhal—Mucus is the body’s way of protecting mucous membranes from foreign bodies. Anti-catarrhals thin mucus that has become so thick that it congests the membranes. Peppermint, Thyme, Yarrow
Anti-inflammatory—These herbs don’t take away the inflammatory response, but soothe and cool the inflammation, which in turn reduces pain. Calendula, Comfrey, Hawthorn, Marshmallow, Peppermint, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow
Anti-microbial—These herbs make the surrounding tissue uninviting to unwanted bacteria, viruses and parasites. They can also stimulate the immune response by activating lymphocytes. Calendula, Echinacea, Garlic, Peppermint, St. John’s Wort, Uva-ursi, Yarrow
Anti-spasmodic—These ease cramps in smooth or skeletal muscle and relax the autonomic and central nervous systems. Black Cohosh, Catnip, Motherwort, Peppermint, Red Clover, St. John’s Wort, Valerian
Astringent—Used to stop bleeding or to bind tissue, which then forms a protective coat. Comfrey leaf and root, Plantain, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow
Bitter—Herbs with a bitter taste stimulate and jump-start digestive juices. Dandelion, Yarrow
Carminative—They calm the lining of digestive tract and help to eliminate gas. Catnip, Motherwort, Peppermint, Valerian
Cholagogue—Stimulate flow of bile from the liver. Dandelion root, Yarrow
Demulcent—Soothe and protect irritated tissue in the digestive and respiratory tracts, aid in healing wounds. Comfrey leaf and root, Marshmallow leaf and root
Diuretic—Increase kidney output and rid the body of extra interstitial fluids. Burdock, Dandelion leaf, Yarrow
Diaphoretic—These are heating herbs that increase circulation and perspiration. Yarrow
Galactagogue—Stimulate breast milk production through nourishment. Alfalfa, Nettles, Raspberry leaf, Red Clover
Hepatic—Tone and nourish the liver. Burdock, Dandelion leaf and root
Hypotensives—Reduce systolic and blood diastolic pressures. Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Garlic, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Nettles, Valerian, Yarrow
Nervines—May be tonic, relaxant or stimulant; many nervines are anti-spasmodic, as well. Black Cohosh, Catnip, Motherwort, St. John’s Wort, Peppermint, Valerian
Another time-honored approach for learning which herbs to use is searching through old literature that contains the wisdom of our ancestors. After all, can a plant that has been used for the same purpose for hundreds of years be dangerous or wrong?
References:
Weed, S. 1989. Wise Woman Herbal: Healing Wise. Woodstock, New York: Ash Tree Publishing.
Hoffman, D. 1992. Therapeutic Herbalism: A Correspondence Course in Phytotherapy. Forestville, California: California School of Herbal Studies.
— Janice Marsh-Prelesnik
Excerpted from "Thinking Like an Herbalist," Midwifery Today, Issue 87
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