B - D

Balsamic is a bit of an old-school or traditional herbal term, less commonly used in modern clinical herbalism, but you’ll still come across it in older texts and some energetically focused systems.

Balsamic herbs have a soothing, warming, and often resinous quality, particularly beneficial to the respiratory tract. Traditionally, the term refers to herbs that soften and heal inflamed tissues, help loosen mucus, and provide a mild antiseptic effect, especially in the lungs, throat, and bronchi.

These herbs are often aromatic, expectorant, and calming, making them helpful in cases of chronic cough, tight chest, bronchitis, or lingering respiratory infections. They are commonly found in syrups, steams, infused oils, and inhalations.

Examples of balsamic herbs include:

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – softens and soothes dry, irritated lungs and eases coughing

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – warming and clearing; supports expectoration and fights infection

• Pine (Pinus spp.) – resinous and antiseptic; clears phlegm and soothes inflamed airways

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – strongly aromatic and decongestant; often used in steam inhalations

• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) – resin traditionally used to clear and calm the breath and support immune balance

Balsamic herbs are particularly useful in winter remedies, respiratory tonics, and lung-cleansing protocols, and often overlap with aromatic, expectorant, and bronchial tonic actions.

Bitter herbs have a profound influence on the digestive system and overall vitality. When the bitter compounds in these herbs interact with taste receptors on the tongue, they initiate a cascade of digestive responses, stimulating the production of saliva, gastric acid, bile, and digestive enzymes. This process enhances digestion, nutrient absorption, and the healthy function of the stomach, liver, and gallbladder.

Bitters play a key role in liver health by promoting bile production and flow, which aids in fat digestion, detoxification, and waste elimination through both the liver and kidneys. They may also help to regulate appetite, balance blood sugar, and soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Because of the close relationship between the gut and immune system, bitters can also support immune resilience. Additionally, by improving liver clearance of hormones and moderating the stress response, bitters may contribute to hormonal balance.

Examples of bitter herbs include:

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – deeply cleansing and supportive of liver and skin health

• Dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) – stimulates bile flow and digestive function

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – bitter and warming; supports both digestion and lung health

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – bitter and anti-inflammatory; commonly used for migraine support

• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – rich in silymarin; protects and regenerates liver cells

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – bitter cardiac and uterine tonic; helps relieve tension

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – stimulates circulation and digestion

• Sage(Salvia officinalis) – aromatic bitter; supports digestion, memory, and hormonal balance

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – strongly bitter root; calms the nervous system and relaxes spasms

• White Willow (Salix alba) – bitter and anti-inflammatory; used for pain and fever

• Wood Betony (Betonica officinalis) – grounding bitter with nervous system affinity

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – aromatic bitter and astringent; supports digestion and circulation

Bitter herbs are often taken before meals as tinctures or teas to prime digestion, and are a cornerstone in traditional herbal energetics.

Bladder tonics are herbs that support the structure and function of the urinary bladder, helping to strengthen the tissue, reduce irritation, and promote healthy urinary flow. These herbs are often used in cases of chronic urinary tract irritation, bladder weakness, mild incontinence, or frequent infections.

Bladder tonics may have astringent, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, or mild antimicrobial properties. They are particularly helpful in soothing the bladder lining, reducing urgency, and restoring tone after infection, inflammation, or stress on the urinary tract.

Examples of bladder tonic herbs include:

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – supports lymphatic and urinary drainage; soothing to inflamed or sluggish urinary tissues

• Cornsilk (Zea mays) – demulcent and anti-inflammatory; eases irritation and calms frequent urination

• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – astringent and rich in silica; tones the bladder and connective tissues

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – anti-inflammatory and soothing; supports healing in irritated or sensitive bladder linings

• Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – antimicrobial and astringent; traditionally used to strengthen the urinary tract

• Crataeva (Crataeva nurvala) – used in Ayurvedic medicine to support bladder tone and improve retention and flow (included for completeness if you're referencing cross-tradition)

Bladder tonics are usually taken over time as teas, tinctures, or decoctions, often in combination with urinary antiseptics, diuretics, or demulcents, depending on the individual's constitution and condition.

Blood purifiers are herbs traditionally believed to cleanse the blood by supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, particularly through the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and skin. While the term is rooted in traditional herbalism, the concept aligns with modern ideas of supporting elimination, reducing inflammation, and promoting internal balance.

Blood purifiers are often used to help clear chronic skin conditions, support detox after illness, reduce inflammatory load, and promote vitality by encouraging the removal of metabolic waste and environmental toxins.

These herbs typically overlap with alteratives, liver tonics, diuretics, or lymphatics, and are often included in spring cleanses or long-term protocols for improving skin, energy, and resilience.

Examples include:

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – classic alterative and blood cleanser; supports liver, kidneys, and skin

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – gentle lymphatic and kidney-supportive herb; helps move waste through the lymph and urinary systems

• Dandelion root (Taraxacum agg.) – liver tonic and mild laxative; aids digestion and elimination of toxins

• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – supports iron balance and liver clearance; commonly paired with other blood purifiers

• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – nutrient-dense and mildly diuretic; helps rebuild and rebalance the blood

• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – traditionally used in skin and hormonal formulas to support cleansing and renewal

Blood purifiers are commonly taken as infusions, tinctures, or decoctions, often in blends that support the eliminative organs and overall health.

Blood tonics are herbs that help to nourish, strengthen, and build the blood, supporting the quality, quantity, and circulation of blood throughout the body. They are often used in cases of fatigue, pallor, low vitality, iron deficiency, or during recovery from illness, blood loss, or depletion.

These herbs may be mineral-rich, promote red blood cell production, support iron absorption, or aid in the cleansing and enrichment of the blood. Some also act on the bone marrow, liver, or digestive system, which are closely tied to healthy blood formation and metabolism.

Blood tonics are often used in postpartum care, convalescence, or long-term restorative protocols.

Examples include:

• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – rich in iron, chlorophyll, and minerals; strengthens the blood and supports overall vitality

• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – promotes iron absorption and supports liver function; often paired with nettle in blood-building formulas

• Dandelion root (Taraxacum agg.) – supports liver detoxification and aids the digestive uptake of blood-nourishing nutrients

• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) – nourishes the heart and circulation; used in traditional formulas for strengthening the blood and heart

• Rose hips (Rosa × damascena) – high in vitamin C, supporting iron absorption and connective tissue strength

• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) – widely used in traditional medicine to nourish the blood, especially in women's health (not native but often referenced)

Blood tonics are best taken over time as teas, decoctions, tinctures, or nutritive powders, especially in combination with iron-rich foods, vitamin C, and gentle digestive support.

Bronchial tonics are herbs that support the health, strength, and function of the bronchial tubes and respiratory system as a whole. These herbs are used to nourish and restore irritated or weakened lung tissue, promote clear breathing, and build long-term resilience in the lungs and airways.

Unlike acute remedies, bronchial tonics are often taken over time to support those with chronic respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, lingering coughs, or weakened lung function. They may include actions such as anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antispasmodic, demulcent, or immunomodulating.

Examples of bronchial tonic herbs include:

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – soothes irritated tissues, helps clear congestion, and supports long-term lung health

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – warming and clearing; used for deep-seated coughs and bronchial congestion

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – antimicrobial and antispasmodic; helpful for chronic bronchial irritation and infection

• Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – moistens and protects mucous membranes, especially when dry or inflamed

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – demulcent and anti-inflammatory; supports healing of damaged respiratory tissues

• Turkey Tail(Trametes versicolor) – immune-supportive mushroom; aids resilience in chronic or low-grade infections

Bronchial tonics are commonly taken as infusions, tinctures, syrups, or steams, and are often combined with antitussives, expectorants, and immune tonics in respiratory formulas.

Cardiotonic herbs support and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and function of the heart muscle. In herbal medicine, cardiotonics may improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, and nourish the heart over time, often acting as protective, mildly stimulating, or balancing agents.

These herbs often work through antioxidant, vasodilatory, or nervine actions, and may also help reduce the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system. Cardiotonic herbs are commonly used for palpitations, mild hypertension, fatigue linked to poor circulation, and emotional heart strain.

Examples include:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) – a classic heart tonic; improves coronary circulation, regulates rhythm, and protects heart tissue with flavonoids and antioxidants

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – calming to the heart and nerves; often used for stress-related palpitations and mild anxiety

• Linden (Tilia spp.) – gently lowers blood pressure and eases nervous tension; supportive in cases of cardiovascular stress

• Garlic (Allium sativum) – supports circulation, reduces blood pressure, and helps regulate cholesterol levels

• Rose (Rosa × damascena) – considered a heart-soothing tonic in traditional energetic systems; supports emotional balance and circulation

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – mildly cardiotonic, particularly where blood stagnation or circulatory imbalance is present

Cardiotonic herbs are often taken long-term in teas, tinctures, or capsules, and are frequently combined with nervines, circulatory stimulants, or adaptogens for broader cardiovascular support.

Carminative herbs help to relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. These herbs work by relaxing smooth muscle, soothing spasms, and promoting the expulsion of trapped gas, often improving digestion and reducing feelings of fullness or cramping.

Carminatives are especially useful in cases of indigestion, flatulence, colic, or tension-related digestive upset, and are commonly included in post-meal teas, bitters blends, or digestive tinctures. Many carminative herbs are also aromatic, containing volatile oils that provide both soothing and antimicrobial effects in the gut.

Examples include:

• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria chamomilla) – gentle and effective for nervous digestion, colic, and gas

• Chilli (Capsicum annuum) – stimulates circulation and digestion; best used in small amounts for sluggish digestion

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – warming and grounding; useful in digestive and respiratory bloating

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – sweet and soothing; relieves gas, bloating, and colic, especially in children

• Garlic (Allium sativum) – pungent and warming; promotes digestion and reduces intestinal fermentation

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – warming and antispasmodic; helpful in nausea, bloating, and sluggish digestion

• Hyssop (Dracocephalum officinale) – aromatic and gently stimulating; useful for cold, stagnant digestion

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – carminative and nervine; ideal for stress-related digestive tension

• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – calming and mildly astringent; supports digestion with an anti-inflammatory edge

• Peppermint(Mentha × piperita) – cooling and antispasmodic; ideal for gas, cramps, and irritable bowel

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – warming and circulatory; supports sluggish digestion and liver function

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – bitter, aromatic, and gently drying; tones and stimulates digestion

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – antiseptic and warming; supports digestion after rich meals or infection

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – though best known as a sedative, it also relaxes smooth muscle and eases gut tension

Carminatives are often used in digestive teas, tincture blends, or culinary preparations, especially where tension, cold, or poor digestion is contributing to discomfort.

Cholagogue herbs are substances that stimulate the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, supporting digestion, especially of fats, and enhancing detoxification through the liver and bowel. This action helps maintain healthy bile production and flow, which is essential for nutrient absorption, bowel regularity, and the elimination of waste.

Cholagogues are often used in cases of sluggish digestion, bloating after rich meals, constipation, or when supporting the liver–gallbladder axis during cleansing protocols or hormonal balancing.

They are closely related to choleretics (which stimulate bile production in the liver), and many herbs act as both.

Examples of cholagogue herbs include:

• Dandelion root (Taraxacum agg.) – classic bitter and liver tonic; stimulates bile flow and promotes digestion

• Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) – supports bile production and cholesterol metabolism

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – promotes bile flow and acts as a liver anti-inflammatory

• Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) – strongly bitter and cholagogue; useful for sluggish liver and bowel conditions

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – aromatic bitter with gentle cholagogue effects; supports digestion and circulation

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – mild and soothing; supports liver and gallbladder function, particularly in children or sensitive constitutions

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – carminative and cholagogue; helpful for indigestion and gallbladder discomfort

Cholagogues are most effective when taken before meals, often as tinctures, bitters formulas, or infusions, and are commonly included in protocols for detoxification, digestive health, or hormonal balance.

Choleretic herbs are substances that stimulate the liver to produce more bile, increasing the overall volume of bile available for digestion. This is distinct from cholagogues, which focus on the release of stored bile from the gallbladder, while choleretics enhance bile synthesis directly within the liver itself.

Bile is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats, detoxification of waste products, and the metabolism of hormones and toxins. By boosting bile production, choleretic herbs support fat digestion, improve nutrient uptake (especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K), and assist in maintaining healthy liver function.

Choleretic herbs are commonly used in protocols for sluggish liver, digestive stagnation, hormonal imbalance, or general detoxification.

Examples include:

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – mildly bitter and deeply cleansing; supports liver detox and bile synthesis

• Dandelion root (Taraxacum agg.) – classic liver tonic; promotes bile production and overall digestive function

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – warming and stimulating; used to support digestion, bile flow, and uterine health

Choleretics are often taken in tinctures, infusions, or bitters formulas, especially before meals, and are frequently paired with alteratives, cholagogues, or carminatives in herbal protocols for liver and metabolic health.

Circulatory stimulants are herbs that help to stimulate blood flow, improve circulation, and increase peripheral warmth. These herbs work by gently increasing heart rate, dilating blood vessels, or moving stagnation within the circulatory system, making them useful for conditions involving cold extremities, fatigue, poor tissue oxygenation, or congestion.

They are often warming, aromatic, or pungent in nature, and may also support detoxification, lymphatic drainage, and the delivery of nutrients throughout the body. Circulatory stimulants are frequently used to enhance the action of other herbs by improving their delivery via the bloodstream.

Examples of circulatory stimulant herbs include:

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – warming and invigorating; improves peripheral circulation and digestion

• Cayenne/Chilli(Capsicum annuum) – powerful stimulant; increases blood flow and enhances herbal absorption (best used in small amounts)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – circulatory and cognitive stimulant; often used for cold hands and feet, low energy, or foggy thinking

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – moves blood and reduces stagnation; supports both surface and pelvic circulation

• Garlic (Allium sativum) – supports cardiovascular health, reduces clotting, and promotes healthy circulation

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – slightly stimulating to the heart and vasculature; useful in tension-related circulation issues

Circulatory stimulants are commonly taken as tinctures, teas, or topical applications (such as oils or liniments), especially in cases of cold stagnation, menstrual congestion, or poor peripheral flow.

Cooling herbs help to reduce heat in the body, whether from inflammation, fever, irritation, or excessive metabolic activity. In traditional herbal energetics, these herbs are used to balance hot or dry constitutions, soothe redness, swelling, or agitation, and restore a sense of calm and clarity.

Cooling herbs may be anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, or nervine, and are often used in cases of hot, irritated skin conditions, febrile illnesses, menopausal heat, or nervous overactivity. Many are also helpful in digestive inflammation, urinary irritation, or emotional heat such as anger or restlessness.

Examples of cooling herbs include:

• Peppermint(Mentha × piperita) – strongly cooling and soothing; calms the digestive tract and reduces internal heat

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – gentle cooling action; eases inflammation in both the gut and the mind

• Elderflower(Sambucus nigra) – cooling diaphoretic; supports fever resolution and upper respiratory comfort

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – calming and cooling; helpful in stress-related heat, anxiety, and digestive upset

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – cooling and demulcent; soothes inflamed tissues internally and externally

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – balances heat through its diaphoretic and circulatory effects

• Rose (Rosa × damascena) – energetically cooling and emotionally softening; often used for hormonal or emotional heat

Cooling herbs are typically used in teas, tinctures, infused waters, or topical compresses, and are frequently included in blends for heat-related imbalances, summer use, or fiery constitutions.

Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, are herbs that help to calm the cough reflex, reducing the frequency or intensity of coughing. These herbs are particularly useful for dry, irritating, or spasmodic coughs, especially when coughing is exhausting, painful, or interfering with sleep and recovery.

Cough suppressants may work by soothing irritated mucous membranes, relaxing smooth muscle in the airways, or gently modulating nerve signals associated with the cough reflex. They are often combined with demulcents, expectorants, or antimicrobials depending on the type of cough being addressed.

Examples of cough-suppressing herbs include:

• Marshmallow root(Althaea officinalis) – high in mucilage; coats and soothes irritated throat and bronchial tissues

• Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) – gently sedative; calms spasmodic, dry, or tickly coughs

• Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – traditional herb for persistent dry coughs; soothes and moistens the respiratory tract

• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – demulcent and anti-inflammatory; calms irritation and supports adrenal function

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis) – useful for dry coughs with tension or nervous involvement

• Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – mildly sedative; may help relieve night-time coughing and promote restful sleep

Cough suppressants are typically used in syrups, tinctures, lozenges, or herbal teas, especially in dry, non-productive coughs or when rest is needed. They may be used alongside bronchial tonics and immune support during recovery.

A decoction is a traditional method of herbal preparation used to extract medicinal properties from tougher plant materials such as roots, barks, seeds, and hard berries. Unlike infusions (which are made by steeping herbs in hot water), decoctions involve simmering the plant parts in water over low heat to fully release their active compounds.

Decoctions are particularly useful for herbs that require more heat and time to break down and release their benefits into the liquid.

How to make a decoction:

1. Measure around 1 heaped tablespoon of dried herb (or a small handful of fresh herb) per cup of water.

2. Place in a non-aluminium pot with cold water.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Simmer for 20–45 minutes, depending on the herb.

5. Strain and drink warm, or store in the fridge for up to 24–48 hours.

Decoctions are best made fresh daily for maximum potency.

Herbs commonly prepared as decoctions:

• Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) – liver and skin tonic

• Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) – digestive and hepatic support

• Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) – respiratory and expectorant action

• Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus) – blood purifier and iron-rich tonic

• Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) – immune support (may be combined with longer decoction times)

• Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum) (optional) – warming circulatory stimulant

• Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus spp.) – cardiac and vascular tonic

Tip: Decoctions can also be combined with infusions, simmering the tougher parts first, then pouring the hot liquid over delicate herbs like leaves or flowers to create a more balanced herbal blend.

Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage, a soothing compound that forms a protective, moistening film over irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. This action is especially helpful in the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts, where dryness, heat, or inflammation can cause pain, irritation, or coughing.

Demulcents help to ease sore throats, calm dry coughs, soothe gastric discomfort, and relieve urinary irritation. Many are also mildly anti-inflammatory and offer gentle tissue healing support.

These herbs are often used in infusions, cold macerations, syrups, or topical applications.

Examples of demulcent herbs include:

• Chickweed (Stellaria media) – cooling and soothing; helpful for irritated skin and internal dryness

• Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – moistens the lungs and calms dry, tickly coughs

• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – traditionally used for healing damaged tissues and soothing internal membranes

• Linden (Tilia spp.) – gently demulcent and relaxing; used for dry coughs and hot, restless states

• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – liver protective and mildly demulcent; supports detox pathways

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – soothing to the lungs and throat; often used in cough and lung blends

• Oat (Avena sativa) – nutritive and moistening; supports the nervous system and gut lining

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – demulcent and anti-inflammatory; supports healing of mucous membranes

Note:Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). While these are traditionally used internally, modern caution advises consulting a qualified herbalist before internal use, especially long-term or in vulnerable groups.

Depurative herbs support the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body, helping to purify the blood and cleanse the tissues. Traditionally known as “blood cleansers,” depuratives work through key detoxification organs including the liver, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system.

These herbs are often used in cases of skin eruptions, sluggish digestion, chronic inflammation, or systemic stagnation, and are commonly included in cleansing protocols, spring tonics, and long-term wellness plans to restore balance and vitality.

Depuratives frequently overlap with alteratives, diuretics, liver tonics, and lymphatics.

Examples of depurative herbs include:

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – a classic depurative; supports liver, kidneys, and skin health

• Chickweed (Stellaria media) – soothing and cooling; often used for inflamed skin and general detox support

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – supports lymphatic flow and urinary elimination

• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida) – immune modulator with lymphatic and mild depurative action

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – anti-inflammatory and bitter; supports systemic detox when paired with eliminative herbs

• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – promotes elimination via liver and bowel; often paired with mineral-rich blood tonics

Depuratives are typically taken as infusions, tinctures, or cleansing blends, and are most effective when combined with hydration, nutritive herbs, and lifestyle support.

Diaphoretic herbs help to promote sweating, supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature, eliminate waste, and respond to infection or fever. These herbs work by stimulating the sweat glands, either directly or indirectly, often by increasing circulation to the skin, relaxing pores, or activating the nervous system to initiate perspiration.

Diaphoretics are especially useful during fevers, where they aid in the body’s efforts to cool down, flush out toxins, and support immune activity. They may also relieve congestion, improve skin elimination, and encourage detoxification through the skin.

Some diaphoretics are stimulating and warming, while others are gentle and relaxing, making them suitable for different constitutions and fever patterns.

Examples of diaphoretic herbs include:

• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria chamomilla) – gently diaphoretic and calming; ideal for children and sensitive individuals

• Chilli(Capsicum annuum) – powerful circulatory stimulant; used in small amounts to promote heat and sweating

• Elderflower(Sambucus nigra) – classic fever herb; promotes sweating and eases congestion in colds and flu

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – warming and clearing; supports respiratory and skin elimination

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – bitter and slightly warming; traditionally used for fevers and headaches

• Garlic (Allium sativum) – antimicrobial and warming; promotes sweating and supports immune responses

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – circulatory stimulant and warming diaphoretic; excellent in the early stages of cold or flu

• Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) – mild and aromatic; useful in head colds and damp respiratory states

• Hyssop (Dracocephalum officinale) – aromatic and slightly warming; supports fever resolution

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – calming and gently diaphoretic; helpful in children and stress-related fevers

• Linden (Tilia spp.) – classic relaxing diaphoretic; used for restless fevers, nervous tension, and cardiovascular heat

• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – cooling, anti-inflammatory; supports fever without over-heating

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – mildly diaphoretic and nervine; supportive in stress-linked or hormonal fevers

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – warming and circulatory; traditionally used to support elimination and menstrual flow

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – cooling diaphoretic; helpful in early-stage fevers or digestive heat

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – drying and stimulating; useful in night sweats or fever with excess dampness

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – warming and antimicrobial; supportive in infections involving congestion

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – sedative and gently diaphoretic; may assist in tension-based fevers

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis) – mildly bitter and relaxing; supports liver and skin elimination

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – a key herb for managing fever; balances circulation and encourages gentle perspiration

Diaphoretics are often taken as hot teas or infusions during the acute phase of illness to support fever, encourage sweating, and relieve heat while aiding immune resolution.

Digestive tonics are herbs that support the overall strength, tone, and function of the digestive system. Rather than acting in a quick or forceful way, digestive tonics work gradually to nourish, stimulate, and rebalance digestive processes, including enzyme production, bile flow, gut motility, and nutrient absorption.

They are commonly used to address sluggish digestion, poor appetite, bloating, nutrient deficiency, or chronic gut imbalances, and are ideal in long-term protocols for supporting gut resilience, liver function, and overall vitality.

Digestive tonics often overlap with other categories like bitters, carminatives, choleretics, and alteratives, depending on the herb's nature and actions.

Examples include:

• Dandelion root(Taraxacum agg.) – classic bitter tonic; promotes bile flow, liver function, and overall digestive vitality

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile) – gentle tonic and carminative; supports digestion in children or sensitive individuals

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – warming and sweet; relieves bloating and supports tone in the digestive tract

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – stimulates digestion, circulation, and appetite; ideal in cold or stagnant conditions

• Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria) – soothing and anti-inflammatory; supports stomach lining and acid balance

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – a bitter and astringent tonic; promotes digestive flow and gut tone

• Wood Betony (Betonica officinalis) – gently astringent and nervine; supports digestion linked to stress or nervous tension

• Peppermint(Mentha × piperita) – calming and antispasmodic; helps tone the gut and relieve excess tension or gas

• Gentian (Gentiana lutea) – intensely bitter and powerful tonic; supports enzyme production and digestive strength (often used in smaller amounts)

Digestive tonics are best taken as tinctures, teas, or bitters formulas, typically before meals, to gently prepare the system and promote long-term digestive resilience.

Diuretic herbs encourage the kidneys to increase urine output, supporting the body in eliminating excess water, sodium, and metabolic waste. This action can help relieve fluid retention, reduce swelling (oedema), support detoxification, and aid in managing conditions such as high blood pressure by lowering blood volume.

Diuretics act on the nephrons, the kidney’s filtration units, often by inhibiting sodium reabsorption, which draws water out of the bloodstream and into the urine. Many herbal diuretics also support the lymphatic system, improve urinary tract health, and promote hydration balance within the body.

These herbs are often used in protocols for urinary tract infections, skin eruptions, swollen tissues, or menstrual water retention. While generally gentle, prolonged use of strong diuretics should be approached with care to avoid electrolyte imbalances or excessive depletion.

Examples of diuretic herbs include:

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) – cleansing and mildly diuretic; supports the skin, kidneys, and liver

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – lymphatic and urinary cleanser; encourages drainage of fluid and toxins

• Dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) – leaf acts as a potassium-sparing diuretic; supports kidney and liver elimination

• Elderflower(Sambucus nigra) – gentle diuretic; also supports fever management and lymphatic flow

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – primarily a lung tonic, but supports kidney elimination in damp conditions

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – mildly diuretic and carminative; useful in bloating and urinary retention

• Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) – clears dampness and stagnation; supports kidney and lung health

• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) – mild diuretic with heart-tonic properties; may reduce blood pressure

• Linden (Tilia spp.) – relaxing diuretic; useful in fluid retention linked to stress or circulatory congestion

• Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria) – gently astringent and diuretic; supports kidney and bladder tone

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – mildly bitter and diuretic; supports elimination and menstrual flow

• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – rich in minerals and diuretic; supports kidneys, joints, and skin

• Oat Straw (Avena sativa) – nutritive and gently diuretic; supports nervous and urinary systems

• Plantain(Plantago spp.) – moistening and anti-inflammatory; supports urinary tract healing

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – mildly drying; diuretic action useful in menopausal fluid retention

• Silver Birch (Betula pendula) – traditional diuretic; used for joint and urinary complaints

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – primarily a nervine; mild diuretic action through nervous system calming

• White Willow (Salix alba) – anti-inflammatory and mildly diuretic; supports elimination via kidneys

• Wood Betony (Betonica officinalis) – tonic and gently cleansing; supports nervous and renal function

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – promotes elimination through skin and kidneys; used for oedema and fluid imbalance

• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – supports liver and bowel elimination; mild diuretic effect aids detox

Diuretic herbs are commonly taken as teas, tinctures, or infusions, and may be combined with lymphatics, alteratives, or urinary tonics for comprehensive elimination support.