Herbal 101

Decoct

In the world of herbalism, decoct simply put, means to “simmer”. To decoct herbs is the process of extracting the constituents from tough, woody barks and hard dried seeds and berries by simmering them in a pot of water for anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour. After the herbs have decocted for the appropriate amount of time, strain the herbs and store them in the freezer for future use, and store your tea in the fridge for up to three days. 

As tougher, harder herbs contain high concentrations of their healthful constituents, previously decocted herbs can be decocted at least once more along with a partial serving size of fresh herbal blend. At this point, it is okay to respectfully dispose of the used herbs.

Adaptogens:

Adaptogen is a descriptive term for herbs that quite literally help your body to adapt to stressors in a healthy way. They work to restore balance in the body and aid in providing support in ways the body needs most. 

Adaptogen herbs we use: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Schizandra Berries, Eleuthero

Alternatives:

Blood purifying herbs that aid in the clearing of metabolic waste products from the blood while providing absorbable nutrients to strengthen and nourish the blood. Alternatives can also neutralize acidic conditions in the body and are supportive to the liver.

Alternative herbs we use: Burdock, Echinacea, Nettle leaf, Red Clover, Yellow Dock

Analgesics/Anodynes/Antispasmodics:

Analgesics and anodynes are pain-relieving herbs. Most of them work by reducing pain signals to the brain. Antispasmodics help to relieve cramps in the body, including muscles and menstrual cramps.

Analgesic/anodyne herbs we use: Chamomile, Cayenne, Ginger, Rosemary, lavender, Camphor essential oil, Wintergreen essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil 

Antispasmodic herbs we use: Chamomile, Ginger, Skullcap, Passionflower

Antibiotics:

Antibiotic herbs stimulate the immune system to help the body fight/ward off infections.

Antibiotic herbs we use: Echinacea

Anti-inflammatory:

Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties have similar effects on the body as nervine and vulnerary herbs. Anti-inflammatory herbs help to reduce inflammation throughout the body by directly targeting or working in tandem with other herbs to target the root causes of inflammation and encouraging healing of inflamed inflammatory pathways, to reduce pain and discomfort in the body. 

Anti-inflammatory herbs we use: Black pepper, Ginger, Rosemary, Turmeric root, Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil

Antiseptics:

Antiseptic herbs help to resist and prevent the growth of bacteria and pathogenic microbes. 

Antiseptic herbs we use: Calendula, Lavender essential oil, Rose essential oil

Astringents:

Herbs with astringent properties constrict tissues and reduce the amount of secretions/discharge.

Astringent herbs we use: Damiana, Rose

Bitters:

“Bitters” is a descriptive term for herbs that are bitter in flavor and have a stimulating action upon the digestive system by activating the production of digestive secretions. Bitter herbs are often also tonic and cleansing herbs.

Bitter herbs we use: Burdock, Hops, Orange Peel, Skullcap

Carminatives:

Carminative herbs are similar to bitters in that they stimulate the digestive system. More specifically, they stimulate peristalsis, relax the stomach, and aid the release of gas and “gripping” on the bowels.

Carminative herbs we use: Cardamom, Cloves, Chamomile, Ginger, Peppermint, Spearmint

Demulcents:

Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage that is soothing and healing for irritated tissues within the body .

Demulcent herbs we use: Chickweed, Oat straw, Oat tops, Malva, Marshmallow root

Diaphoretics:

Herbs with diaphoretic properties raise body temperature, stimulate circulation and induce sweating by stimulating the kidneys.

Diaphoretic herbs we use: Ginger, Peppermint, spearmint

Diuretics:

Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine and are often used to treat edema, bladder, and skin infections.

Diuretic herbs we use: Nettle leaf, Parsley root, Saw Palmetto Berries

Emollients:

Emollient herbs are essentially the same as demulcent herbs. However, herbs are termed as emollients when they are used topically to soothe and soften the skin.

Emollient herbs we use: Beeswax, Chickweed, Comfrey

Lithotripics:

Lithotripic herbs help to dispel and/or dissolve urinary and kidney stones and are supportive to urinary health.

Lithotripic herbs we use: Parsley Root, Nettle leaf

Nervines:

Nervine herbs are supportive to the nervous system and help to calm, strengthen and tone the nervous system. Some nervines can also have a stimulating rather than calming effect, and can encourage the healing and repair of the nervous system.

Nervine herbs we use: Chamomile, Ginkgo leaf, Gotu Kola, Hops flowers, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Oat straw, Oat tops, Passionflower, Rosemary, Skullcap, St. John’s Wort, Valerian root, Rosemary essential oil

Rubefacients:

Herbs with rubefacient properties stimulate the dilation of capillaries and increase circulation and localized irritation when applied topically.

Rubefacient herbs we use: Cayenne, Ginger, Camphor essential oil, Wintergreen essential oil

Sedatives:

Sedative herbs induce calm, reduce stress, and dissipate nervous exhaustion throughout the body and mind. They are often helpful for encouraging restful sleep.

Sedative herbs we use: Chamomile, Hops, Passionflower, Skullcap, Valerian root

Stimulants:

Stimulant herbs increase energy used by the body and mind through increasing physiological functions.

Stimulant herbs we use: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Codonopsis, Eleuthero, Peppermint, Schizandra berries, Rosemary, Ginger, Rosemary essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, Sweet Orange essential oil

Tonics:

Tonic herbs are often nutritive and best taken regularly and over extended periods of time in order to experience the full benefits. Tonic herbs help to strengthen and nourish organs in the body and often have an effect on the whole body to support overall health.

Tonic herbs we use: Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Oat straw, Oat tops, Nettle leaf, Ginkgo leaf, Schizandra berries

Vulneraries:

Vulnerary herbs are primarily used topically to aid in the healing of wounds. 

Vulnerary herbs we use: Calendula, Chickweed, Comfrey