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Today we will be doing the third of a four part series on “herbal actions”.  An herbal action is the specific effects any herb has on a body.  Most herbal guides list these actions and understanding them will improve your effectiveness with herbs.

On this episode of The Survival Podcast we will review 10 more of 40 primary herbal actions which will take us 75% through the series.

Today we cover the following ten herbal actions adaptogen, antacid, anti-microbial, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, lymphatic, rubefacient and styptic.

Join in today to learn about these actions and corresponding herbs…

• Adaptogen – Increase the body’s resistance and endurance to a wide variety of adverse influences from physical, chemical and biological stressors, assisting the body’s ability to cope and adapt.
  • Some adaptogen herbs – Ginseng (American and Asian), Reishi Mushroom, Valerian

• Antacid – Neutralizes excess acid in the stomach and intestinal tract.
  • Some antacid herbs – Dandelion, Fennel, Catnip

• Anti-microbial (aka anti-bacterial or anti viral) – Helps the body’s immune system destroy or resist the proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms.
  • Some anti-microbial herbs – Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Basil and Garlic

• Antiseptic – Prevents or eliminates sepsis (infectious destructive condition of tissue)
  • Some antiseptic herbs – Calendula, Sage, St. John’s Wort and Comfrey

• Cholagogue – Promotes the discharge and flow of bile from the gallbladder (gogue means to “flow”)
  • Some cholagogue herbs – Dandelion, Tumeric, Rosemary

• Diaphoretic – Induces increased perspiration, dilates capillaries, increasing elimination of toxins through the skin.
  • Some diaphoretic herbs – Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon Balm

• Diuretic – Increases the flow of urine
  • Some diuretic herbs – Hibiscus, Lovage, Black Pepper

• Lymphatic – Support the health and activity of the lymphatic system
  • Some lymphatic herbs – Red Clover, Echinacea, Plantain

• Rubefacient – Generates a localized increase in blood flow when applied to the skin.   Often used to warm the skin and ease the pain and swelling of joints.
  • Some rubefacient herbs Oils of Peppermint, Spearmint, Pine

• Styptic – Reduces or stops external bleeding by astringent action.
  • Some styptic herbs – Plantain, Blackberry, St. John’s Wort (oil)

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

• Members Support Brigade
• TSP Gear Shop
• Join Our Forum
• Bulk Ammo – (sponsor of the day)
• Ready Made Resources – (sponsor of the day)
• The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual
• Herbal First Aid and Health Care
• The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide (The book I mentioned today)
• Members Support Brigade

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