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One
of the most common ways for classifying medicinal
plants is to identify their activities; for example,
whether they are sedative, antiseptic or diuretic
and the degree to which they affect different
body systems. Herbs often have a pronounced activity
on a particular body system; for example, a plant
that is strongly antiseptic in the digestive tract
may be less so in the respiratory tract. Some
examples that show how herbs work on the body
are given below. |
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Skin
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Antiseptics,
e.g., tea tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) disinfect
the skin. Emollients, e.g., calendula (Calendula
officinalis) reduce itchiness, redness and soreness.
Astringents, e.g., witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
tighten the skin. Depuratives, e.g., burdock (Arctium
lappa) encourage removal of waste products. Healing
and vulnerary herbs, e.g., self - heal (Prunella
vnlgaris) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale) aid
the healing of cuts, wounds, and abrasions. |
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Nervous
System
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Nervines,
e.g., rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) support
an strengthen the nervous system. Relaxants, e.g.,
lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) relax the nervous
system. Sedatives, e.g., mistletoe (Viscum album)
reduce nervous activity. Stimulants, e.g., kola
nut (Cola acuminata) increase nervous activity.
Tonics, c.g., oats (Avena sativa) improve nerve
function and tone, and help to restore the nervous
system as a whole. |
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Immune System
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Immune
stimulanting, e.g., echinacea(Echinacea) and lapacho
(Tabebuia) encourage the immune system to ward
off infection. |
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Respiratory
System
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Antiseptics
and antibiotics, e.g., garlic (Allium sativum)
help the lungs resist infection. Expectorants,
c.g., elecampane (Inula helenium) stimulate the
coughing up of mucus. Demulcents, e.g., marsh
mallow (Althaea offlcinalis) soothe irritated
membranes. Spasmolytics, c.g., visnaga(Ammi visnaga)
relax bronchial muscles. |
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Circulation & Heart
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Cardiotonics,
e.g., dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) vary in action.
Some slow heart beat rate, while others increase
it. Some improve the regularity and strength of
the heart's contractions. Circulatory) stimulants,
e.g., cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) improve the
circulation of blood to the extremities. Diaphoretics,
e.g., ju hua (Chrysantemun morifolium) encourage
blood flow to the surface of the body, promote
sweating, and lower blood pressure. Spasmolytics,
e.g., crampbark (Viburnum opolus) relax the muscles,
helping to lower blood pressure. |
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