The Wakan Circle

The chart below describes the sometimes confusing terms associated with what herbs do. Understanding the termology helps us know if a particular herb is exactly what we require for our health needs. Although this is not a complete list of all herbs it will hopefully provide you with ideas as to what your family needs are for your medicine chest. As well often the herbal action we need can be found by wild crafting and thus saving us money. Often a hard to get herb can be substituted with one that is less expensive or available in the local habitat.

Property & Meaning Herbs with this Property
Alteratives: Alter or purify the blood. Most herbs that purify promote cleaning action of the spleen, liver, kidneys and bowels. Alfalfa, Barberry, Bayberry, Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Burdock Root, Cayenne, Chaparral, Chickweed, Cleavers, Comphrey, Dandelion, Devil's Claw, Echinacea, Elder, Eyebright, Garlic, Gingeng, Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice Root Mandrake, Marshmallow, Nettles, Oregon Grape Root, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Poke Root, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Sarsparilla, Sassafras, St. Johns's Wort, Uva Ursi, Wood Betony, Yellowdock

Anodynes: Relieive pain by lessening the excitability of the nerves and nerve centers Chamomile, Cloves, Echinacea, Ginger, Hops, Juniper berries, Kava kava, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mullein, Passion flower, Pulsatilla, Skullcap, Valerian, Vervain, white willow, Wild lettuce, Wild Yam, Wood Betony

Anthelmintics: herbs that have the capacity to destroy intestinal worms and parasites. There are 2 types. Verminicides:Type 1: destroy worms but do not cause expulsion from the bowels, need to be followed with a laxative. Black Walnut, Garlic, Tansy, Thyme, Wormwood

Anthelmintics: Vermifuges:Type 2: expels worms from the bowels Cascara Sagrada, Gentian, Senna, Tansy, Wormwood

Antacids: agents that correct acid conditions in the stomach, blood and bowels Comphrey leaves, Comphrey root, Flax seed, Hops, Mullein, Red Raspberry, Slippery Elm, Wood Betony

Antibiotics: agents that inhibit the growth of and destroy viruses and bacteria and promote the body's own immunity. Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Hops, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Rosemary oil, Thyme

Anticatarrhals: eliminate mucus conditions Angelica, Anise, Bayberry, Bistort, Cayenne, Coltsfoot, Comphrey, Cranesbill, Cubebs, Elecampane, Figs, Flax Seed, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Irish Moss, Lobelia, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Raisins, Tormentil, Wild Cherry, Yerba Santa

Antiemetics: relieving and preventing sickness of the stomach preventing vomiting Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Goldenseal, Lobelia, Peach leaves, Peppermint, Red Clover, Spearmint, Sweet Basil

Antipyretics: cool the system, used to reduce fevers. Also called refrigerants. Alfalfa, Benzoin, Boneset, Camphor, Chickweed, Cranberries, Elder Flowers, Gotu Kola, Lemon Balm, Lemons, Licorice, Limes, Oranges, Skullcap, Valerian

Antiseptics: prevent the growth of bacteria Anise Oil, Barberry, Beth root, Bistort, Black Walnut, Buchu, Chaparral, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Nettles, Oregon Grape root, Plantain, Rosemary, Saw Palmetto, Thyme, White Oak Bark, White Willow, Wormwood

Antispasmodics: relieve muscular cramps, spasms, and convulsions Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Calendula, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Crampbark, Fennel, Garlic, Hawthorn berries, Kava kava, Lady's Slipper, Lemon Balm, Lobelia, Motherwort, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mullein, Oat, passion flowers, peppermint, Pleurisy root, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Rue, Sage, Scullcap, Skunk cabbage, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain, Wild Yam

Aperients: mild laxative affects of softening stool without purging Agar-agar, Figs, Flax seed, Fruit, Licorice root, Olive oil, Prunes, Raisins, Rosehips

Aphrodisiacs: correct conditions of impotence and impure sex power Cloves, Damiana, False Unicorn, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Kava kava, Sarsparilla root, Saw Palmetto

Aromatics: fragrant smell and agreeable, pungent taste Anise seed, Barberry, Buchu, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander seed, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper berries, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosemary, sage, Sassafras, Spearmint, St. John's Wort, Wood Betony, Wormwood

Astringents: increase the tone and firmness of the tissues and lessen mucus discharge from the nose, intestines, vagina, and draining sores Bayberry, Beth root, Blackberry, Black Walnut, Bugleweed, Calendula, Cayenne, Cleaver, Comphrey root, Crampbark, Cranesbill, Dandelion, Elecampane, ephedra, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Gravel root, Hawthorn berries, Horsetail, Juniper berries, Mullein, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rosehips, Rosemary, Sage, Shepherd's Purse, Slippery Elm, Squaw Vine, St John's Wort, Stoneroot, Tormentil root, Uva Ursi, Vervain, Wild Cherry bark, Witch Hazel, White Oak bark, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yerba Santa

Cardiacs: increase the power of the heart Black Cohosh, Bugleweed, Hawthorn Berries, Motherwort

Carminatives: stimulate the expulsion of gas Angelica, Anise, Caraway, Cardamon, Catnip, Cayenne, Celery, Chamomile, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper berries, Myrrh, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pleurisy root, Rosemary, Sarasparilla, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian

Cathartics: create a rapid evacuation from the upper intestines and the bowels Aloe, Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb, Senna

Cholagogues: promote the flow of bile Barberry, Beets, Bistort, Boneset, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Damiana, Dandelion, Elecampane, Gentian, Goldenseal, Hops, Hyssop, Mandrake, Olive oil, Oregon Grape root, Vervain, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yellow Dock

Condiments: season foods and increase digestive activity Bay leaves, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Curry, Dill, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pimento, Sweet Basil

Demulcents: soften & relieve irritations of the mucus membranes Agar-agar, Aloe Vera, Burdock root, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comphrey root, Corn silk, Fenugreek, Flax Seed, Irish Moss, Kelp, Licorice root, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Peach Bark, Psyllium seed, Slippery Elm

Deobstruents: remove obstructions Barberry(liver, gall bladder), Culvers root (bowel), Goldenseal(glands), Gravel root(kidneys), Hydrangea root(kidneys), Plantain (blood, kidneys)

Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Stimulating: Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Buchu, Elder Flowers, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Spearmint, Yarrow

Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Neutral: Horehound, Safflower, Sarsparilla, Sassafras

Diaphoretics: increase circulation. The diaphoretics influence the entire ciculatory system, there are 3 categories of diaphoretics. Relaxing: Blue Vervain, Burdock root, Calendula, Catnip, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Mugwort, Passion Flower, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, Vervain, White Willow, Wild yam

Discutients: dissolve and remove tumors and abnormal growths	Black Walnut, Burdock Root, Chaparral, Devil's Claw, Garlic, Red Clover
Diuretics: increase the flow of urine	Blackberry, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Buchu, Burdock root, Celery Seed, Chaparral, Cleavers, Corn silk, Damiana, Dandelion, Elecampane, Flase Unicorn, Fennel, Gotu Kola, Gravel Root, Hawthorn berries, Horseradish, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper berries, Kava kava, Kelp, Marshmallow, Mistletoe, Mullein, Parsley, Pipsissewa, Plaintain, Pleurisy Root, Rosemary, Sassafras, Saw Palmetto, Senna, Shepherd's Purse, Squaw Vine, St. John's Wort, Stoneroot, Uva Ursi, White Oak bark, White Willow
Emetics: used to induce vomiting	Bayberry, Chaparral, False Unicorn, Ipecac, Lobelia tincture, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Poke Root
Emmenagogues: promote menstrual flow	Angelica, Beth Root, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blesssed Thistle, Gentian, Blue Cohosh, Chamomile, Damiana, Goldenseal, Horsetail, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Mugwort, Myrrh, Pennyroyal, Prickly Ash, Rue, Safflower, Squaw Vine, Tansy
Emmollients: soften and soothe	Almond Oil, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comphrey root, Fenugreek, Flax seed, Irish Moss, Linseed Oil, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Olive oil, Plantain, Slippery Elm, Wheat germ oil
Expectorants: facilitate the excretion of mucus from the throat and lungs	Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comphrey, Elecampane, Ephedra, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Horehound, Horseradish, Hyssop, Licorice root, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettles, Parsley, Plantain, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, Vervain, Wild Cherry, Yerba Santa
Febrifuges: used to reduce fevers	Boneset, Catnip, Dandelion, Hyssop, Peppermint, Shepherd's Purse, White Willow, Yarrow
Galactagogues: increase milk flow for nursing mothers	Anise seed, Blessed Thistle, Cumin, Dandelion, Fennel, Fenugreek, Raspberry, Vervain
Hemostatics: stop internal bleeding and hemorrhaging	Bayberry, Beet root, Blackberry, Horsetail, Mullein, Nettles, Tormentil root, White Oak Bark, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Hepatics: tone and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver, used for jaundice and hepatitis	Aloe Vera, Barberry, Bayberry, Buckthorn, Carrot, Dandelion, Wild Yam, Wood Betony, Yellowdock
Laxatives: promote bowel action	Agar agar, Boneset, Buckthorn bark, Cascara Sagrada, Cleavers, Elder, Flax seed, Goldenseal, Licorice root, Mandrake, Motherwort, Oregon Grape root, Peach bark, Pole root, Psyllium seed, Rhubarb, safflower, Senna, Yellowdock
Lithotriptics: dissolve and discharge urinary and gall bladder stones and gravel	Barberry, Buchu, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Corn silk, Dandelion, Devil's Claw, Gravel root, Horsetail, Hydrangea root, Juniper berries, Marshmallow, Oregon Grape root, Parsley, Tormentil, Uva Ursi
Lymphatics: stimulate and cleanse the lymphatic system	Black Walnut, Chaparral, Dandelion, Echinacea, Garlic, Oregon Grape root, Poke, Yellow Dock
Mucilages: soothe inflamed parts	Agar agar, Chickweed, Comphrey root, Flax seed, Lungwort, Marshmallow root, Mullein, Okra, Slippery Elm
Nervines: tonic to the nerves, relieve pain and regulate the nervous system	Catnip, Celery, Chamomile, Crampbark, Gravel root, Hops, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Mugwort, Oats, Parsley, Passion Flower, Peach bark, Pleurisy root, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vervain, Wood Betony
Nutritives: supply a substantial amount of nutrients and aid in building and toning the body	Agar agar, Alfalfa, Comphrey leaves, Comphrey root, Horsetail, Irish Moss, Kelp, Marshmallow root, Mullein leaves, Nettles, Red Clover, Rosehips, Slippery Elm. Watercress, Yellow Dock
Opthalmics: used to treat diseases of the eyes	Chickweed, Eyebright, Fennel, Mullein, Rue
Oxytocics: assist labour and promote easy childbirth	Angelica, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Juniper Berries, Raspberry, Squaw Vine
Parasiticides: kill and remove parasites from the skin	Black Walnut, Cojuput Oil, Cassia Oil, Chaparral, Echinacea, False Unicorn, Garlic, Gentian, Rue, Thyme, Wood Betony
Purgatives: have an energetic evacuative effect	Buckthorn bark, Castor Oil, Mandrake root, Senna
Rubefacients: used externally to stimulate and promote blood flow to the surface	Cayenne, Mustard seed, Peppermint Oil, Prickly Ash, Rosemary Oil, Rue, Thyme Oil
Sedatives: influence circulation, reducing nervous expenditure	All mints, Black Haw, Bugleweed, Catnip, Chamomile, Hawthorn berries, Hops, Hyssop, Kava Kava, Lady's Slipper, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Peach Bark, Red Clover, Rue, Saw Palmetto, Skullcap, Sorrel, St John's Wort, Valerian, Wild Cherry bark, Witch Hazel, Wood Betony
Sialagogues: promote an increased flow of saliva	Black pepper, Cayenne, Echinacea, Ginger, Licorice, Prickly Ash
Stimulants: natural agent in assisting the functional activity of the body, increasing energy	Angelica, Bayberry,Black pepper, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Cardomon, Cayenne, Celery, Cloves, Devil's Claw, Elder Flower, Elecampane, Ephedra, False Unicorn, Fennel, Fo-Ti, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Gravel Root, Horseradish, Hyssop, Juniper berries, mandrake, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Oats, Onion, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Prickly Ash, Raspberry, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Rue, Sassafras, Shepherd's Purse, Spearmint, Tansy, Valerian, Wild Cherry Bark, Yarrow, Yerba Santa
Stomachics: strengthen the functions of the stomach	Agrimony, Barberry, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Elecampane, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Hops, Juniper berries, Mugwort, Peach bark, Rhubarb, Rosehips, Rue, Wormwood
Styptics: arrest bleeding, hemorrhaging and draining wounds	Beth Root, Bistort, Blackberry, Cranesbill, Horsetail, Plantain leaves, Tormentil, White Oak Bark, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Gall Bladder:	Goldenseal, Oregon Grape Root, Parsley, Wild Yam
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Heart:	Bugleweed, Hawthorn berries, Ginseng (Panax), Mistletoe, Motherwort
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Intestinal:	Barberry, Blackberry leaves, Cascara Sagrada, Cranesbill, Goldenseal, Rhubarb
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Kidney:	Buchu, Burdock root, Celery, Cleavers, Fo-Ti, Horsetail, Kava Kava,, Mistletoe, Parsley, Pipsissewa, Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Liver:	Barberry, Buckthorn bark, Cascara Sagrada, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fo-Ti, Goldenseal, Mandrake, Stoneroot
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Lungs:	Beth root, Comphrey, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Garlic, Irish Moss, Lungwort, Pleurisy root, Wild Cherry
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Nerve:	Celery, Chamomile, Hops, Lady's Slipper, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Oats, Valerian
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Sexual:	Black Haw (female), Damiana (both), Dong Quai (female), Flase Unicorn (female), Ginseng (both), Sarsaparilla (male), Saw Palmetto(male), Squaw vine (female)
Tonics: increase energy and strengthen the body Stomach:	Agrimony, Blessed Thistle, Elecampane, Gentian, Goldenseal, Mugwort, Raspberry, Wild Cherry bark, Wormwood
Vulneraries: protect against bacteria in wounds by stimulating cellular growth	Aloe Vera, Apricot seed, Black Walnut, Calendula, Comphrey root, Fenugreek, Garlic, Horsetail, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Plantain, Rosemary, Slippery Elm, Yarrow

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The Wakan Circle	[email protected]