Introduction to Energetics and Herbal Actions

Herbal Energetics:
"Energetics are a method that is applied by herbalist to match herbs to people (instead of herbs
to disease) that is based on the concepts of temperature and humidity." Rosalee de la Foret

Other areas of Energetics look at relaxing/stimulating and excess/deficient. These concepts of hot/cold,
dry/damp, etc. can be applied to both people and herbs. The goal is to create a balance within the
person using the correctly matched herbs.

People are different and herbs can have different affects on each of us depending on our constitutions.
Learning and understanding each person's unique quality along with learning the specific qualities of the
herbs we use will make our remedies more effective. When there is an imbalance in a person it can
cause disease and disharmony in the body. We can use herbs and food with appropriate qualities to help
tip the scale and bring the body back to balance. In order to find and obtain this balance we first need
to be aware that all people are different and each of us have our own constitution. In order to
appreciate these difference and apply them to our work we can look to different traditional medicine
systems that use a classification system to better organize and understand the various patterns of
different constitutions. Although we are all different, our bodies and the way we present illness or react
to medicine will follow a certain pattern to some degree. Keep in mind these are just guidelines and are
by no means the one and only way to classify these topics. Learning these different patterns within an
already established system will give you the language that will help you understand a complex system
and is just one more tool in your tool chest that will help you apply herbal medicine.

Yin and Yang

In TCM everything is categorized in relationship with Yin and Yang. Two opposite but complementary
energies that make up the entire universe. They are interconnected and cannot exist without the other.

Yin: dark, cold, passive, negative, female, moves inward and descends, heavy, interior, psychological,
introspective, parasympathetic, sour, bitter, salty, winter.

Yang: light, active, hot, positive, male, outward, ascending, exterior, physical, extroverted, aggressive,
assertive, sympathetic (nervous system), spicy, sweet, summer.

Tridosha Theory
In Ayurveda, people are looked at in reference to the Three Doshas; Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. Just like in
TCM this theory extends to all material and spiritual planes of nature. In the body Tridosha relates to
metabolic balance. Vata is nerve energy, Pitta is catabolic fire energy, and Kapha is anabolic nutritive
energy. When all three doshas are functioning properly and in equilibrium within the body, physical and
emotional health are at their optimum.
Vata: cold, dry, light, subtle, mobile, rough, clear and changeable. Vata is the driving force behind the
other two and is the most powerful but it also has the strongest potential to create disease.

Pitta: moist, hot, brilliant, piercing, clear, subtle and oily. It is responsible for heat (fire) in the body and
governs body heat, temperature, and all chemical reactions.

Kapha: moist, cold, wet, heavy, slow, dull, static, smooth, dense and cloudy. In charge of substance,
weight, stability, growth and building, tissue repair and inhibiting heat in the body.

The Four Humoral Temperaments

The four humoral temperaments comes to us from ancient Greek medicine and has deep roots in
western herbalism. The humors refer to fluids of the body that correspond to certain trait and
inclinations towards disposition, wellness and imbalance.

Sanguine: hot and damp. Blood/heart. Extraverted, creative, eccentric, spontaneous, optimistic, likable
and likes other people, feels emotions deeply, visionaries.

Choleric: hot and dry; tense. Yellow bile/liver. extraverted, leaders, see patterns and how things fit
together, organized, practical, pragmatic, self motivated, confident.

Phlegmatic: cold and damp. Phlegm/mucosa. introverted, thoughtful and feeling oriented.
Compassionate, empathic, sensitive to energies around them, patient and committed, trustworthy, kind,
get works done without seeking credit.

Melancholic: cold and dry. Black bile/spleen and lymphatic. deep thinkers, deeply perceptive, idealistic,
loyal once respect is earned.

Signs of Disharmony
When the body is out of balance because of to lifestyle or illness, it will present symptoms of this
imbalance. As herbalists we can uses these signs to choose our remedies and support the body in
returning to balance.

Signs of Heat: high fever, thirst, red face, aversion to heat, restlessness, irritability, burning sensation,
red eyes, scanty dark urine, yellow discharge, strong odors, loud voice. Tongue: yellow coat

Signs of Cold: pale, fatigue, lethargy, frequent urination, body aches, clear or white mucus, fear of cold,
loose stools, undigested food in stools, lack of appetite, hypoactive, poor circulation, sleep a lot, crave
heat. Tongue: Pale

Signs of Dampness: Excessive fluids, excess discharges (eyes, skin, nose, colon, vaginal) heavy limbs,
edema, chest fullness, sluggishness, achy, heavy, stiff joints, nausea. Tongue: thick coat

Signs of Dryness: Dry rough skin, dry throat, nose and mouth, dry stool, unusual thirst, dehydration.
Tongue: Dry
 Taste of Plants
Sweet: Neutral to warm. Nourishes, rejuvenates and tones all body tissues. Builds and
strengthens, moistens and sooths. Generally are tonic herbs. Used to support immune function, build
strength, sooth burns and inflammation, moisten dryness, heal wounds. Adaptogens,
immunomodulating, demulcent, Yin and Blood tonics, vulnerary.

Examples: ginseng, ashwagandha, slippery elm, licorice, astragalus, flax seed, marshmallow, Solomon's
seal. Most whole food sources are considered sweet including: whole grains, beans, meat and dairy.

Sour: (TCM-cooling, Ayurveda-hot) improves digestion and enzyme secretion, supports the
liver, high in antioxidants, invigorates the mind, and dispels gas, astringent; contracts and strengthens
bodily tissues.

Example: rose hips, hawthorn berry, cranberry, sumac, sorrel, fermented foods, yogurt, lemon, vinegar.

Salty: cooling/warming, moistening/drying. In small amounts it moistens tissues by helping

balance fluids but large amounts encourage retention which can cause edema. Salt can dissolves cysts,
act as a laxative, restore electrolyte balance and increases appetite. Minerals, nourishing herbs, diuretic,
hydration, nourishes kidney and bladder, strengthen teeth and bones.

Examples: plants high in minerals: nettles, plantain, seaweed, cleavers, celery and ocean fish.

Bitter: cooling and drying, increase secretions in digestive tract, improves digestive function.
Aides in detoxifying and elimination in the body including removing cholesterol from blood. Tend to
have a downward energy. Use with signs of heat, excess and dampness. Can help balance blood sugar
levels and address insulin resistance. Help stop sugar cravings.

Examples: dandelion, gentian, Oregon grape, goldenseal, chaparral, artichoke leaf, kale, arugula,
fenugreek, mugwort, turmeric, horehound, yarrow, boneset.

Pungent/spicy: warming, drying, stimulating, diffusive, improve a sluggish digestion and

circulation, brings on a sweat, increases metabolism. Carminative, stimulating diaphoretic, stimulating
expectorants, stimulating diuretics, antimicrobials.

Examples: garlic, ginger, rosemary, cayenne, cinnamon, mustard, angelica, pepper ,oregano, thyme.

Herbal Actions in Western Language

-Adaptogens: "Hormonal modulating action increases the body's resistance and endurance to a
wide variety of adverse influences from physical, chemical, and biological stressors, assisting the body's
ability to cope and adapt" - James Green.
Adaptogens help the body cope and respond to stress. Generally have a sweet taste, building and
nourishing. Helpful to use with fatigue, adrenal support, thyroid issues, low stress tolerance, low
immunity, longevity, and deficiency.

Examples: Ginseng, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Reishi, Licorice, Schisandra berry,
Tulsi.

-Alterative: "Promote a healthy and balanced state of functioning by supporting the liver,
kidneys, lymphatic & immune system and adrenals" Jim McDonald.

Generally support overall health by improving metabolic processes. Known as "blood purifiers" in older
terms. Alterative move fluids and promote secretions in the elimination organs such as liver, lymph
nodes and kidneys. Mostly they are cooling. Often used for a long period of time and with chronic
conditions such as inflammation, chronic fatigue, impaired immune function, eczema, swollen glands
and acne.

Examples: Red clover, Red Root, Burdock, Nettle, Yellow dock, Oregon Grape, Dandelion, Calendula,
Sarsaparilla.

-Astringent. Dry, draw and shrink swollen tissue. Contracts and tightens. High in tannins.
Astringents are drying locally but moistening constitutionally. They stop bleeding, help heal wounds,
reduce inflammation and swelling (great for sore throats), stops diarrhea, tighten spongy gums, useful
after a long labor.

Rose family characteristics: regular flowers with5 sepals, 5 petals, usually with numerous stamen. Oval
serrate leaves. page 100 in Botany in A Day

Examples: Rose, Wild Geranium, Agrimony, Potentilla, Oak Leaf and Bark, Raspberry Leaf, Sage, Uva Ursi,
Sumac Berry, Black Berry Root, Red Dock

-Carminative- Also known as digestive aromatics. Often high in volatile oils. Generally warming,
with the exception of some mints, help kindle the digestive fire. They promote digestion, relieve gas
and bloating, soothe stomach, relieve spasms by warming and bring blood to intestines. Use with signs
of coldness, food stagnation, nausea.

Examples: Coriander, Fennel, Chamomile, Angelica, Bee Balm, Mints, Ginger, Cow Parsnip Seed,
Cinnamon, Cumin, Dill Seed.

-Demulcent- Contains mucilage, a polysaccharides that when in contact with water swell up and
create a slimy, slippery substance that soothes, coats and protects mucus membranes. Cooling and
moistening. Demulcent=internal, Emollient=external. Have direct and indirect actions. Soluble in cold
water. Use in conditions when there is too much dryness, cough, ulcers, inflammation, especially useful
with digestive inflammation like gastric, colitis, diverticulitis, wound healing, burns, sore throat,
expectorant, and UTI. Demulcent herbs; relax, soothe and protect
Examples: Marshmallow, Mallows ,Yerba de la Negrita, Slippery Elm, Comfrey, Aloe, Flax, Chia, Plantain,
Linden, Violet, Mullein Leaf(only to the lungs), Cinnamon

-Diaphoretic/ Antipyretic/ Febrifuge- "Induces and increases perspiration, dilates capillaries,

increases elimination through skin." James Green. These actions can occur by two different means.

 Relaxing diaphoretic- (antipyretic) works by dilating and relaxing pores so the body can release
heat release heat. Use when a person has a fever and feels hot but not sweating, restless,
headache, uncomfortable. Cooling and relaxing.

Examples: Elder flower, Catnip, Lemon balm, Linden, Boneset

 Stimulating diaphoretic- works by increasing circulation to warm up body and push heat out.
Use with a person who has a fever but feels cold, chilled, curled up. Warming, stimulating,
pungent. Volatile oil create movement.

-Example: Ginger, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Osha, Monarda, Elecampane, Yarrow, Peppermint, Calendula

Expectorant- "Supports the respiratory system by assisting it to remove excess mucus" James
Green

 Moistening- helps bring moister to lungs and thin mucus. Good for unproductive cough, when
mucus is present but dried up, spasmodic cough no mucus present, symptoms of dryness.
Cooling/neutral, moistening, relaxing, sweet taste.

Examples: Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Licorice, Linden, Plantain, Mullein, False Solomon's Seal,
Fenugreek

 Stimulating- stimulating and irritating causing the lungs to respond. Use with a productive cough
with lots of mucus present. Do not suppress.
-Examples of stimulating warming herbs: Ginger, Elecampane, Osha, Monarda, Garlic, Thyme,
Horseradish, Cayenne.

Examples of cooling stimulating expectorants:, grindelia, horehound, immortal, pleurisy root.

Nervine- affect the nervous system

 Relaxing- relax constricted tissues through the nervous system: Use with restlessness, stress,
anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, muscle spasm, insomnia. There are four
categories of nervines: antidepressant, hypnotic or sedative, antispasmodic and nerve tonic

Examples: Warming: Damiana, Valerian, Nutmeg, Sage, Tulsi , Cramp Bark. Cooling: Chamomile,
California Poppy, Hops, St. Johns Wort, Passionflower, Skullcap, Motherwort, Milky Oat Seed, Kava
Kava, Pedicularis .
  Stimulating nervine- stimulates lax or stagnant tissues through the nervous system: low vitality,
lax tissues. Stimulating and drying. Examples: Warming: Rosemary, Peppermint, Ginger.
Cooling: Cocoa, Coffee, Tea (Camellia sinensis), Mate.

Tonic- Strengthen and tone tissue. Promote overall health. Low energy, deficiency. Tonics have
specific systems that they are used with. For example there are liver tonics like dandelion and milk
thistle. Nerve tonics like motherwort and milky oats. Kidney tonics like nettle and nettle seed. Heart
tonics like hawthorn and linden. Etc, etc...

Further reading on these topics

Caldecott, Todd, Food as Medicine Tierra, Michael, Planetary Herbolgy

Mase, Guido, The Wild Medicine Solution Wood, Mathew, The Practice of Traditional
Western Herbalism
Tierra, Lesley, Healing with the Herbs of Life

Resources used to prepare these notes and corresponding presentation:

Avery Garran, Thomas, Western Herbs According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Caldecott, Todd, Food as Medicine

Green, James, The Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook

Hoffmann, David, Medical Herbalism

Kress, Henrette, Practical Herbs

Morningstar, Amadea, The Ayurvedic Cookbook

Tierra, Lesley, Healing with the Herbs of Life

Tierra, Michael, Planetary Herbology

Websites and articles published online:

Mcdonald, Jim "Herbal Properties and Actions" http://www.herbcraft.org/properties.html

Rose, Kiva , A collection of article on energtics and actions

http://bearmedicineherbals.com/category/herbal-energetics-actions/terms

de la Foret, Rosalee, "Herbal Energetics" http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/herbal-energetics.html