Module # 6 – Herbal Actions
See Herbal Action Power Point- have a download for power point
Herbs are categorized according to the pharmacological action they exert. The above download list is important and needs to be memorized, as it provides an understanding of the way herbs work according to their active principles.
Using these common categories allows us to recognize patterns that can inform our learning process when using new herb, making decisions about formulations, or for terms when we are in need of a suitable substitute for one of our go-to preparations. Many times, a plant will exhibit several actions, making just a cup of that single herb as a tea or a few drops of tincture making it the perfect remedy on its own.
Herbwork under a seperate lesson
PRACTICE!
Studying herbal medicine is an exciting new adventure! Once you begin you realize how vast the topic actually is. Once hooked there are endless avenues to follow but the more you understand the vocabulary, the easier it will all flow. Here are some study suggestions for this section:
Studying Herbal Actions
Try out the flash cards we provided to study these terms. You can use the flash cards in a few ways:
Read the definition and give the term
Read the term and give the definition
Read the term and give an example or two of the herb that has that action.
Make sentences using the action word. For example: “If your skin is irritated, you might try using an emollient herb like oatmeal to soothe it.”
Make a chart and list herbs that fall into each action category.
Read what other herbalists say about these actions. For example, check out these musings by Jim Mcdonald-https://www.herbcraft.org/properties.html and Kiva Rose. https://enchantersgreen.com/terms-of-the-trade-actions-lingo
Studying Herbal Energetics
Feel them: The best way to learn energetics is to experience them. Feel the heating quality of Ginger and the moistening quality of Marshmallow. Spend time with the herbs, tasting and touching them.
Herbal Meditation: You can do this on your own or with friends. Spend time tasting an herb, smelling it, touching it. Try it in different preparation types (i.e. as a tea and as a tincture). Journal your thoughts and reactions.