Herbal Possibilities
How Herbs Work

Herbal Actions

There are four basic actions of herbs:
First to stimulate body tissues to restore energy when they are sluggish and cold
Second to contract tissues that are loose, spongy and discharging.
Third to relax and open tissues that are tense blocked or obstructed.
Fourth to soothe tissues that are irritated, sore or inflamed.

Herbs that stimulate usually have aromatic or spicy qualities. They include most of our kitchen spices. Children often respond to sweet or mild herbs. Adults may respond to a stronger herbs.

Herbs that contract tissues have a sour or astringent (drying and tightening) taste. Remember the lemon and how your mouth puckers and tightens. Astringent herbs are famous in assisting the body to reduce swelling, arrest diarrhea and bleeding, counteract bites and stings, stop discharges, and restore tone to flabby organs. Many berries and fruits have a mild toning action and are very suitable for children.

Herbs that open obstructions in the body, relax tissues, clean out the liver, blood and bowels and otherwise detoxify the system are generally bitter tasting. We can try using them in a tea, tincture, glycerin, honey menstrum, or in capsules if one does not like the herbal tea.

Herbs that soothe irritation, build up weakened and depleted bodies, help tissues to heal faster, pull poisons out of the body through the bowel or skin and sometimes act as bulk-forming laxatives are usually sweet tasting and have a slippery feel to them. Children like these herbs.