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