So we’ve discussed Adaptogens, Alteratives, Analgesic’s , Anti-Fungal, & Anti-Inflammatory herbs and I’m bout to shake up the alphabetical order because it’s making me feel OCD’ish. And I don’t like structure. I’m a rebel.
So let’s go into some herbal actions that I think you should really know and look deeper into.
Nervines
Relax your mind and let your conscious be free. Nervines help to support and nourish your Nervous System by soothing, nourishing, and relieving stress in our system. Yes, sounds like they could be Adaptogens since Adaptogens help support the bodies ability to ADAPT to stress. Nervines actually help to aid in relief of stress. Key difference but a lot of Adaptogenic herbs DO HAVE Nervine herbal actions as well.
My absolute favorite Nervines are Oatstraw, Lemon Balm, Lavender, & PASSION FLOWER.
Expectorants
With it being the heart of Allergy Season and this cold weather still prevailing a lot of people are hacking up a storm. Sinus Infections getting passed out like Oprah’s favorite things. Well get you some Expectorants!
Expectorants support your lungs by eliminating excess phlegm/mucous membrane in the tissues by forcing you to cough and loosen up the phlegm. Expectorants come in two categories: Soothing and Stimulating. And they do just that.
You have soothing expectorants like Marshmallow Root, Violet, & Plantain that contain constituents called polysaccharides that have a mucilaginous coating that helps to loosen up excess phlegm in the lungs. These herbs have anti-inflammatory agents as well that soothe any inflamed tissues they come in contact with. Herbs like Wild Cherry Bark and Osha Root help to soothe lingering coughs.
Stimulating expectorants help to stimulate the lungs and the upper digestive tract. These herbs help to not only stimulate the upper respiratory tract and either expel mucous, sweat mucus out through liquefaction (anticatarral action), or break mucus with their volatile oils while simultaneously soothing and healing any inflamed tissues. Such herbs that aid in these actions are Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Lobelia, Garlic, Horseradish, Sage, & Ginger.
Mullein is another herb that I want to list under expectorants but really has a Pectoral aspect to it. Pectorals are herbs that help to tone and strengthen the Pulmonary System.
Mullein acts as both a stimulating and relaxing expectorant. Mullein can be used in two ways. To help support the lungs and soothe/expectorate mucus from them, mullein must be extracted in Cold water to get out the polysaccharides that’ll aid with respiratory relief. For digestive release such as for constipation, Mullein can be steeped in hot water. It’s my favorite two for one. You can also pair it with Marshmallow Root and Cayenne Pepper for digestive actions.
Demulcent
Demulcent herbs help to soothe inflamed tissues or mucus membranes of our digestive tract and respiratory tract. These herbs produce a mucilaginous coating or phlegm that coats and soothes inflamed and irritated tissues.
Herbs that fall under this category are Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Oats, Licorice, and Flax Seed.
Tomorrow I’ll round out my next three Herbal Actions. So far, what’s one action that has sparked your curiosity? Let me know in the comment section below.
In the meantime you can check out some of these herbs in my Herbal Teas! The Gut Support which features Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm is EVERYTHING!
https://heykilo.org/product-category/herbal-remedies/ <— Check out all my herbal remedies in my shop!