So you now know how to make herbal preparations for both internal (capsules, infusions, tinctures) and external (poultices, fomentations, salves) use. But what herb or herbs should you use in your tisane, decoction, ointment, or syrup? The answer to this question (pay attention because I’m about to tell you what I spent thousands of dollars and a couple years learning while obtaining my Master Herbalist diploma) depends on whether you’re taking the herbs for overall health, to support a particular organ system or systems, or trying to solve a specific health issue or problem. You see, there are 15 groups of herbs, all with different job descriptions, but a good way to generalize them is to put them into 3 buckets:
Herbs that have an affinity for a particular organ system. An example would be diuretic herbs, which love our urinary systems and support the kidneys by either making them do a better job at urine formation or stimulating blood flow to them.
Herbs that help solve a specific problem. An example of this group of herbs would be anthelmintic herbs, or herbs that are good at expelling or destroying intestinal worms and parasites. (Yuck.)
Herbs that help other herbs do their jobs better. These herbs either support multiple organ systems (such as tonic herbs, which strengthen the whole body), or tell other herbs where to go (such as stimulant herbs, which amplify the actions of other herbs).
What’s nice is, there are no ironclad lines of demarcation between each of these 3 buckets, which means that the same herb can fit several job descriptions and do multiple jobs in your body. For example, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is in buckets #1 and #2: as an expectorant it supports the respiratory system by eliminating excess mucus and phlegm from the lungs, but as an anthelmintic or vermifuge, it specializes in solving the problem of intestinal worms. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is in buckets #2 and #3: as an antiseptic, it specializes in inhibiting the formation of microorganisms , and as a tonic, supports and strengthens the whole body. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) falls in buckets #1 and #3. As a carminative herb, it helps support the digestive system (removes excess gas), and as a stimulant, it directs other herbs to the right places so they can be more effective. Some herbs can even do conflicting jobs, depending on what is required: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) can either relax or stimulate, as necessary. (Aren’t herbs wonderful?)
Over the course of this next week, I will be doing a mini-series on the different herb groups and the organ systems they love, which ones work well together and which ones don’t play so nicely in the sandbox, and finally, how to build herbal formulas to keep yourself and your family in tiptop health…naturally! It’ll be kind of like an Herbs 101, so come check back in and have some fun.
What’s nice is, there are no ironclad lines of demarcation between each of these 3 buckets, which means that the same herb can fit several job descriptions and do multiple jobs in your body. For example, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is in buckets #1 and #2: as an expectorant it supports the respiratory system by eliminating excess mucus and phlegm from the lungs, but as an anthelmintic or vermifuge, it specializes in solving the problem of intestinal worms. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is in buckets #2 and #3: as an antiseptic, it specializes in inhibiting the formation of microorganisms , and as a tonic, supports and strengthens the whole body. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) falls in buckets #1 and #3. As a carminative herb, it helps support the digestive system (removes excess gas), and as a stimulant, it directs other herbs to the right places so they can be more effective. Some herbs can even do conflicting jobs, depending on what is required: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) can either relax or stimulate, as necessary. (Aren’t herbs wonderful?)
Over the course of this next week, I will be doing a mini-series on the different herb groups and the organ systems they love, which ones work well together and which ones don’t play so nicely in the sandbox, and finally, how to build herbal formulas to keep yourself and your family in tiptop health…naturally! It’ll be kind of like an Herbs 101, so come check back in and have some fun.