Glossary of Herbal Actions, Bitter - Expectorant

Categories of Medicinal Herbs and How they Heal

Aug 17, 2009
Maria Blanco

Sassafras Pith Acts as a Soothing Demulcent - Liz West

Cathartic, cholagogue, diaphoretic? These are herbal terms that tell the herbalist which herbs will treat or relieve certain conditions. Discover their meanings here.

Following is a glossary of terms known as "herbal actions". It is necessary to understand these terms and what they mean in order to choose which medicinal herbs can be useful in given situations.

For herbal action terms beginning with the letter, A (Adaptogen to Aromatic), please refer to, Medicinal Herbs and How they Heal: Glossary of Herbal Actions from Adaptogen - Aromatic. This article also gives a good introduction to how and why medicinal herbs are categorized in this way.

Also available is the Glossary of Herbal Actions with terms from Febrifuge to Vulnerary.

Categories of Herbal Action: Bitter - Expectorant

Bitter – bitter tasting herbs are some of the most useful herbs available in the interest of preventative medicine. The bitter taste of these herbs causes a response in the central nervous system that initiates a cascade of other beneficial actions within the body. Bitter herbs stimulate the release of enzymes which are key to proper digestion, they stimulate the appetite and the flow of gastric juices, they stimulate bile production, and they are supportive of the liver’s role in detoxifying the blood. Gentian Root and Agrimony are two examples of herbs with bitter actions.
Carminative – carminative herbs are often those possessing abundant stores of volatile oils that stimulate the digestive organs to perform at their optimal levels. These herbs work to relieve griping, remove excess gas from the stomach and bowels, soothe irritated gut walls and generally help to reduce inflammation within the digestive tract. Garlic and Thyme are two common carminatives.
Cardiac Tonic – these are herbs that act beneficially on the heart. Some herbs which fall in this category are quite powerful, such as Foxglove. Others, like Motherwort and Hawthorn, are safer and far gentler in their actions.
Cathartic – cathartics are used to purge the bowels and stimulate glandular secretions. Rhubarb and Senna are common cathartic herbs.
Cholagogue – cholagogues have an action which stimulates the release and secretion of bile from the gall bladder. Some of these also possess a laxative action, as well.
Demulcent – because of their soothing action, demulcents have a wide range of potential uses. Some of these are in preventing diarrhea, soothing the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, relaxing bronchial tension to ease coughing and fortifying the stomach against gastric acids. Marshmallow and Sassafras Pith are both demulcent herbs.
Depurative – herbs that have a depurative action are those which are useful for cleansing the blood. Some are useful as spring tonics and some are used in recovery from a crisis illness. Dandelion, Garlic and Blessed Thistle are a few of the depurative herbs.
Diaphoretic – diaphoretics promote the elimination of toxins by the skin by promoting sweating, which aids the body in its efforts to maintain a healthy internal environment. This helps to decrease the work load of the kidneys and liver. Some diaphoretics only aid in supporting normal, healthy, perspiration. Others actively accelerate the perspiration process. To achieve this result of increased perspiration the diaphoretic also must dilate the skin’s surface capillaries which improves blood circulation to areas like the extremities. Ginger is a well known diaphoretic herb.
Diuretic – herbs that are diuretic in action are generally supportive of the urinary tract and they help to increase the production and elimination of urine. The benefit of this action is that it aids the body in eliminating waste and toxic substances, as well as supporting the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance of fluid within its tissues. Dandelion is often employed for its diuretic properties.
Emetic – emetic herbs are used to cause vomiting, as in some cases of accidental poisoning.
Emmenagogue – emmenagogues have a toning and normalizing effect on the female reproductive system. They are especially helpful in stimulating delayed or difficult menstruation. Black Cohosh and Pennyroyal can be useful emmenagogues.
Emollient – emollient herbs are those which when applied to the skin, help to soften, soothe, and protect it. Flaxseed and Kelp can be used for their emollient properties.
Expectorant – expectorants are herbs whose actions work to expel mucus from the upper respiratory system. There are two sorts of expectorant herbs. The first type is a relaxing expectorant which soothes bronchial passages, reducing spasms to allow for mucus secretions to loosen. The second is a stimulating expectorant which produces a slight irritation in the bronchioles in an effort to aid in the expulsion of material from the lungs. Mullein and Horehound are common expectorants.

Reference:

Bown, D. (2001). Herbal: The essential guide to herbs for living. Parksgate Road, London SW11 4NQ: Barnes and Noble, Inc., by arrangement with Pavilion Books, Ltd.

Hoffmann, D. (1993). An elder’s herbal. One Park Street, Rochester, Vermont 05767: Healing Arts Press.

Tierra, M. (1998). The way of herbs. 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020: Pocket Books.

Todd, J. (2005). Jude’s herbal home remedies. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125: Llwellyn Publications.