
The Mechanisms of Herbs
Herbal formulas can be individualized for the patient to include benefits for their specific conditions.
Here are some examples of the benefits of herbs.
Cardiac Actions
- Antiarrhythmics – calms irregular heartbeat
- Anticoagulants – thins the blood
- Cardiac tonics – tonifies the heart and vessels
- Hypolipidemic – lowers cholesterol
- Hypotensives – lowers blood pressure
Endocrine Actions
- Adaptogens – supports stress response
- Hypoglycemic – lowers blood sugar
- Pituitary balancing – balances brain hormones
Female Actions
- Antispasmodics – relaxes cramps
- Emmenagogues – stimulates menses
- Galactagogues – stimulates lactation
- Parturient – prepares for pregnancy
- Phytoestrogen – balances estrogen
Digestive Actions
- Anti-helminthic – kills parasites
- Antispasmodic – calms abdominal cramping
- Bitters – stimulates digestion
- Carminative – reduces gas
- Demulcents – heals the gut
- Laxative – stimulates peristalsis
Immune Actions
- Antimicrobial – kills bacteria
- Antiviral – kills viruses
- Immunomodulator – balances the immune system
- Lymphogogue – stimulates lymph flow
- Vulnerary – stimulates healing
Male Actions
- Anti-inflammatory – calms inflammation in the prostate
- Hormone Modulator – support hormone balance
- Venotonics – support healthy blood flow
- Androgenic – supports male hormones