Understanding Herbal Actions: A Guide to Herbal Healing and Plant-Based Support
Herbs have a unique way of supporting the whole person — body, mind, and energy. Their healing actions in the body can be subtle or strong, immediate or long-term, but always in conversation with your system. Understanding herbal actions gives us a language for that relationship — a way to choose the right plants to match our needs.
Still, when you’re first getting started, herbal terms can feel like learning a new dialect. That’s why we put together this guide: to make the vocabulary of herbalism more approachable. Whether you're exploring herbs for the first time or deepening your knowledge, this list offers a helpful reference to understand how herbs work and how to use them with more confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re a budding herbalist or just beginning to explore the world of herbal teas and wellness, this post will give you a foundational understanding of how herbs work — and how to incorporate them into daily life.
Adaptogen
What it does:
Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress — physical, emotional, or environmental. They promote resilience, boost energy, and restore balance over time.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
ashwagandha, milky oats, tulsi
Commonly used for:
Chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, burnout, low immunity, hormonal balance.
Tulsi (Holy Basil), one of the most beloved adaptogenic herbs, is known for supporting the nervous system and easing the effects of chronic stress. A daily cup of tulsi tea can gently uplift the mood and help restore clarity during times of overwhelm.
Alterative
What it does:
Alteratives support gentle detoxification and improve nutrient absorption. They help restore long-term balance, especially in chronic or systemic conditions.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
calendula, echinacea, nettle, Roman wormwood
Commonly used for:
Chronic skin conditions, sluggish lymph flow, inflammation, joint health.
Nettle shines as an alterative by nourishing the body with minerals while also helping to clear metabolic waste. It’s a wonderful ally for those experiencing eczema or skin flare-ups tied to sluggish elimination pathways.
Anti-inflammatory
What it does:
These herbs reduce inflammation, calm irritation, and cool overheated tissues.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, marshmallow, nettle, skullcap, spearmint
Commonly used for:
Arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, digestive upset, skin flare-ups.
Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Its calming properties make it an ideal choice for soothing menstrual cramps, tension headaches, or an inflamed digestive tract.
Antimicrobial / Antibacterial
What it does:
Helps the body resist and fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
echinacea, Roman wormwood, tulsi, wormwood
Commonly used for:
Colds, flu, sore throats, UTIs, wound healing.
Echinacea is well-known for its antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. Taken at the first sign of a cold or sore throat, it can help the body respond quickly and reduce the severity or duration of illness.
Antispasmodic
What it does:
Relieves muscle spasms and smooth tissue cramps — especially in the digestive and reproductive systems.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
chamomile, hyssop, lemon balm, skullcap
Commonly used for:
IBS, menstrual cramps, muscle tension, colic.
Skullcap is an underrated antispasmodic that eases nervous tension and muscle tightness. It’s especially helpful for people who carry stress in the neck and shoulders or experience menstrual pain paired with restlessness.
Astringent
What it does:
Tightens and tones tissues, reduces secretions, and supports wound healing.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
calendula, cornflower, echinacea, skullcap, wormwood
Commonly used for:
Diarrhea, mouth ulcers, skin conditions, minor wounds.
Calendula is both astringent and healing, making it excellent for skin issues where tissue needs toning and repair. It’s a key ingredient in many natural skincare salves and first-aid blends.
Bitter
What it does:
Stimulates digestive juices like saliva, bile, and stomach acid. Improves digestion and appetite.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
hyssop, Roman wormwood, wormwood
Commonly used for:
Indigestion, poor appetite, sluggish liver function.
Roman wormwood is a classic bitter herb traditionally used to awaken digestion and support liver function. A small amount before meals can help with bloating, sluggish appetite, or a heavy-feeling gut.
Carminative
What it does:
Relieves gas and bloating, soothes the gut, and promotes smooth digestion.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
chamomile, hyssop, lemon balm, spearmint
Commonly used for:
Gas, bloating, stomach cramps, digestive upset.
Spearmint is a flavorful carminative that not only aids digestion but also lifts the mood. It’s a great go-to after meals to reduce gas and gently calm the belly.
Demulcent
What it does:
Soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes. Moistens dryness and calms inflammation.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
marshmallow, milky oats
Commonly used for:
Dry cough, sore throat, digestive inflammation, urinary irritation.
Marshmallow root has a cooling, mucilaginous quality that coats and calms irritated tissues. It's particularly effective for soothing a dry cough or inflamed throat.
Diuretic
What it does:
Increases urine flow to help cleanse the kidneys and reduce water retention.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
cornflower, nettle
Commonly used for:
UTIs, kidney support, swelling, detoxification.
Cornflower is a mild diuretic with a long tradition of supporting urinary health. It can be used to gently flush the kidneys and help relieve fluid retention.
Emmenagogue
What it does:
Supports healthy menstruation by encouraging menstrual flow and reducing stagnation.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
Roman wormwood, wormwood
Commonly used for:
Delayed menstruation, irregular cycles, pelvic stagnation.
Roman wormwood has a rich history of use as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstrual flow and ease uterine congestion. It’s best used under the guidance of an experienced herbalist, especially for those with irregular or painful cycles.
Expectorant
What it does:
Loosens and clears mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
echinacea, hyssop
Commonly used for:
Colds, bronchitis, congestion, productive coughs.
Hyssop is a wonderful expectorant that helps clear phlegm while supporting immune function. It’s a great addition to wintertime teas or steams when lungs feel heavy or congested.
Nervine
What it does:
Supports the nervous system by calming, nourishing, or restoring nerve function.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
chamomile, lemon balm, milky oats, skullcap
Commonly used for:
Anxiety, insomnia, stress, burnout.
Milky oats are a deeply nourishing nervine tonic. They don’t sedate like some other herbs, but instead rebuild the nervous system over time — ideal for those recovering from long periods of burnout or overwhelm.
Tonic
What it does:
Strengthens and nourishes specific body systems over time.
Examples of Herbs (from our farm):
ashwagandha, milky oats, nettle, tulsi
Commonly used for:
Chronic fatigue, low immunity, convalescence, general vitality.
Ashwagandha is a foundational tonic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Taken consistently, it supports deep restoration of energy and vitality, especially in cases of fatigue or adrenal depletion.
Experience the Healing Power of Our Farm-Grown Herbs
From nourishing teas to targeted herbal blends, our collection is crafted to support your journey toward optimal health. Explore our selection of organic herbs today and start feeling the benefits.
More Resources:
The Herbal Academy: www.herbalacademy.com
American Herbalists Guild (AHG): www.americanherbalistsguild.com
Rosemary Gladstar’s Sage Mountain: www.sagemountain.com
International Herb Association (IHA): www.iherb.org