Botanical Actions

Reference Sheet

Botanical Action Description Physiology Examples

Adaptogen Increases body’s ability Exact mechanism • Panax ginseng

to handle mental and unclear. May impact • Ashwagandha
physical stress. stress hormones and • Licorice
immune system. • Rhodiola

Anti-inflammatory Decreases Inhibits pro- • Willowbark

inflammation. inflammatory • Turmeric
compounds.

Anti-microbial May have anti-viral, May stimulate immune • Oregano

anti-bacterial, or anti- response or inhibit • Rosemary
fungal properties. growth of the • Thyme
pathogen. • Cranberry
• Tea tree oil

Astringent Contracts and tightens Decreases secretions • Witch hazel

tissue; ideal for wound and inflammation; • Black tea
healing. promotes barrier • Green tea
function. • Yarrow

Carminative Eases gas and bloating; Relaxes smooth muscle • Parsley

also promotes in gut. • Peppermint
digestion.

Decongestant Thins mucus. Constricts mucous • Ginger

membranes. • Butterbur

Demulcent Soothes irritated tissue Forms a protective, • Marshmallow

(GI tract and skin). soothing coating on • Slippery elm
irritated tissue. • Aloe
• Calendula

Diuretic Decreases excess fluid Increases production • Dandelion

in bodily tissues. and excretion of urine. • Parsley
• Hibiscus

 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Botanical Actions
Reference Sheet

Botanical Action Description Physiology Examples

Expectorant Helps expel mucus Thins mucus; some • Eucalyptus

from respiratory tract. types stimulate cough • Horehound
reflex as well.

Hepatic Protects and Helps protect liver • Milk thistle

strengthens the liver. from toxins and has • Dandelion
anti-inflammatory
effect.

Immune modulator Helps prevent or Exact mechanism • Echinacea

decrease severity of unclear, but thought to • Elderberry
infections. help stimulate the • Astragalus
immune system.

Lactagogue Helps increase breast Exact mechanism • Fenugreek

milk. unclear. May stimulate • Fennel
hormones that
produce breast milk.

Nervine (stimulating) Helps with fatigue. Stimulates nervous • Coffee

system. • Tea
• Yerba mate
• Guarana

Nervine (relaxing) Promotes relaxation, Relaxes the nervous • Lemon balm

eases anxiety. system. • Passionflower
• Valerian
• Chamomile

Vulnerary Promotes wound Stimulates wound • Aloe vera

healing. healing compounds in
skin and forms
protective barrier.

 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.