Herbal Medicine 101--The 8 Classes of Therapeutic Actions

Herbs can classified in any number of ways. Herbs are grouped according to traditional botanical classifications, their chemical constituents or even just their native growing environments. But herbs can also be grouped according to their therapeutic actions and in American herbalism, most herbalists recognize the 8 classifications popularized by Michael Tierra, founder of the American Herbalist Guild.

Herbal Therapy through Diuresis

Nearly all herbalists believe that fresh, clean water is the single most important nutrient for life. When the balance of water in the body is disrupted, any number of problems can result. By carefully regulating the body's water, some herbalists believe that they can alleviate symptoms ranging from emotional upset to hypoglycemia.

Herbs believed to possess water-balancing properties include dandelion, horsetail and juniper berry.

Herbal Therapy through Emesis

Intended to empty the contents of the stomach immediately, emetic herbs cause vomiting. Emesis was once a very popular therapy used to treat everything from indigestion to sinus congestion but, thankfully, it is now used mainly to induce vomiting following an accidental poisoning. Emesis is somewhat controversial in modern herbalism and some herbalists are now calling for an end to this practice.

Herbal Therapy through Perspiration

Sweating is an old therapy used to rid the body of infections like cold and flu and the fever that often accompanies these types of illnesses. Almost without exception, sweating is accomplished through the consumption of warm teas. In some cases, an herbalist may also recommend a hot bath followed by a rest in a warmed bed covered in several blankets.

Herbs used to increase prespiration include cayenne, ginger and peppermint.

Herbal Therapy through Voiding

Achieved primarily through the use of natural laxatives, voiding the colon is a very old but very popular herbal remedy. "Death begins in the colon," some people claim. Regardless of whether this is true or not, Western herbalism places great emphasis on the health of the large intestine, believing that the retention of bodily wastes ultimately leads to other health problems.

Herbs used to aid colon health include cascara, slippery elm and, of course, psyllium.

Herbal Therapy through Purification of the Blood

Many Western herbalists, particularly those following the "vitalist" tradition, believe that if the blood can be purified and then restored to a proper level of alkalinity, all diseases can ultimately be eliminated. Herbalists believe that purification can remove pollutants like food dyes, preservatives, and the waste products produced naturally by the body. Purification is regarded as especially helpful when infections are present.

Herbs traditionally used as blood purifiers include echinacea, dandelion and red clover.

Herbal Therapy through Stimulation

In the same way that traditional Chinese medicine relies on the flow of Qi, North American herbalism believes that most illnesses result from the sluggish flow of energy. This life-giving energy, according to herbalists, takes the form of lymph, blood, nutrients, nerve impulses and even waste products like urine and feces. By increasing, or stimulating, these energies, herbalists believe that health can be restored.

Herbs believed to possess stimulant properties include black peper, ginger and cloves.

Herbal Therapy through Tranquilization

When nervousness, irritability or insomnia are present, herbalists often turn to the herbs they believe act as natural tranquilizers. Herbalists group these soothing herbs as demulcents, nervines and anti-spasmodics. Demulcent herbs soothe and lubricate the joints, bones and digestive tract. Nervines support and quiet the nervous system while anti-spasmodics work to calm tense muscles and relieve pain.

Herbs regarded as natural tranquilizers include marshmallow root, oats and valerian.

Herbal Therapy through Tonification

When a person is feeling run down, weak or just not himself, an herbalist will likely recommend a tonifying herb. Tonification is frequently employed to correct a nutritional deficiency. Many herbs are rich in vitamins and minerals and a knowledgeable herbalist will take this into consideration when recommending certain herbs for certain individuals. Additionally, tonification is also used in cases where a person is recovering from a serious or chronic health condition.

Herbs regarded as natural tonifiers include alfalfa, goldenseal and seaweed.

Reference:

Tierra, M. (1998) The Way of Herbs.