Herbs contain various
medical properties which are classified as:
Acids, Alkaloids, Bitters, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Gums & Mucilages,
Quinones,
Resins, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids and Volatile oils.
| Herbal Group | Herbal Medical Properties |
| Acids: | Acids taste sour and may have antiseptic or cleansing actions. |
| Alkaloids: | Alkaloids taste bitter and may be poisonous. Alkaloids usually affect the central nervous system. |
| Bitters: | Bitters taste bitter and may be useful stimulants for the digestive juices, stomach and gallbladder. |
| Coumarins: | Coumarins may increase sun-sensitivity of the skin and may be toxic in large amounts. Otherwise they may act antibacterial or as anticoagulants. |
| Flavonoids: | Flavonoids act anti-allergic (Quercetin), anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhagic (Bilberry, Blueberry) and as anti-oxidants. |
| Glycosides: | Depending on the herb, Glycosides have different actions including antispasmodic, cardiac, sedative, acrid, stimulant, antibiotic, cyanogenic, bitter or even irritating. |
| Gums and Mucilages: | Gums and Mucilages are mostly used to treat inflammed soft tissue, membranes and linings. |
| Quinones: | Quinones may act antibacterial and / or antifungal. |
| Anthraquinones: | These types of quinones may be useful for diarrhea. |
| Resins | Resins may be useful antiseptics. They are astringent, acrid and support healing. |
| Saponins: | Saponins may act anti-inflammatory, diuretic, stimulant and / or hormonal. |
| Tannins: | Tannins are astringent (useful to stop bleedings) and may be useful antiseptics. |
| Terpenoids: | Terpenoids taste bitter and display a variety of actions depending on the herb. |
| Volatile Oils: | Volatile Oils are aromatic and may be antiseptic, antifungal, stimulant or irritating. |
Further Resources:
 alternative
medicine 24
best herbs herbs:
past to present German Commission
E Monographs validate herbs herbal links |
Heilpflanzen A-F |
|
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