Herbal Energetics
Herbs have energetic signatures that give an indication of how they will work with different systems in the human body. Here are some of the most common herbs grouped by their energetics, but please remember that herbs rarely work in isolation and are much more effective when blended to create synergistic poly-herbal preparations.
Warming Herbs
Warming herbs are often hot, spicy or pungent. They increase blood flow and stimulate circulation, particularly to peripheral areas of the body (which can also sometimes cause sweating).
Common examples of warming herbs include
GINGER
CINNAMON
CLOVES
TURMERIC
CAYENNE PEPPER
BLACK PEPPER
SAGE
OREGANO
Cooling Herbs
Cooling herbs are often bitter and work by reducing inflammation, stimulating tissue, detoxifying blood and lymph or stimulating a sweat response to reduce body heat through the skin.
Common examples of cooling herbs include
PEPPERMINT
CHAMOMILE
ROSE
DANDELION
HIBISCUS
LEMON GRASS
ALOE VERA
BURDOCK ROOT
Drying Herbs
Drying herbs tend to be astringent or diuretic. They typically work by toning tissues to stimulate secretion (e.g. mucus or phlegm) or they absorb moisture.
Common examples of drying herbs include
ROSE
RASPBERRY LEAF
ELDERBERRY
STINGING NETTLE
WITCH HAZEL
LADY'S MANTLE
OAK BARK
DANDELION
Moistening Herbs
Moistening herbs tend to be soothing and nourishing, They are often rich in mucilage - a plant substance that protects tissues by creating a slippery layer over them.
Common examples of moistening herbs include
MARSHMALLOW ROOT
SLIPPERY ELM
ALOE VERA
PSYLLIUM
OAT STRAW
BURDOCK ROOT
LIQUORICE ROOT
CALENDULA
How herbs work
Adaptogens
Interact with the body's stress response system to regain balance and improve resilience.
ASHWAGANDHA
---
RHODIOLA
---
GINSENG
---
TULSI (Holy Basil)
Nervines
Provide calming support for the body's nervous system to relax and restore balance.
PASSIONFLOWER
---
OAT STRAW
---
VALERIAN ROOT
---
SKULLCAP
Carminatives
Stimulate muscle contractions and provide calming support for the body's digestive system.
GINGER
---
FENNEL
---
PEPPERMINT
---
CHAMOMILE
Bitters
Boost the immune system by providing support for digestion, detoxing the body and improving liver function.
DANDELION
---
ARTICHOKE
---
BURDOCK ROOT
---
WORMWOOD
Diuretics
Work on the urinary system but providing support for the kidneys and also boost the cardiovascular system.
NETTLES
---
DANDELION
---
HORSETAIL
---
CORNSILK
Vulneraries
Support tissue repair and regeneration by promoting healing of skin lesions and wounds.
CALENDULA
---
PLANTAIN
---
ALOE VERA
---
CLEAVERS
Immunomodulators
Modulate and regulate the body's immune system, either by stimulating or suppressing a response.
ASTRAGALUS
---
ELDERBERRY
---
TURKEY TAIL
---
REISHI
Lymphatics
Often regarded as "blood purifiers" as they move lymph and stimulate lymphatic flow to encourage drainage.
CLEAVERS
---
RED CLOVER
---
CHICKWEED
---
SELF HEAL
Anti-Inflammatories
Reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes and neutralising free radicals in body tissue and ease pain.
TURMERIC
---
ROSEMARY
---
GARLIC
---
FRANKINCENSE