Botanical Medicine I Final Review
Bitter Herbs
Main physiological action: increases gastric mucosa activity & stimulates digestive secretions
from the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder.

Energy is cooling & drying.

Move us out of a sympathetic state and into a parasympathetic state.

Stimulate bitter taste buds on the back of the tongue  secretion of gastric juice which
aids in digestion.
*Additional uses: use with hot patients (heat conditions/high Pitta constitution), in higher doses
can lead to suppression of digestion, may deplete vitality & depress sexual energy.
Systems stimulated: Mainly digestive tract, however there is a large range of systems that may
be promoted depending on the herb being used.
Constituent(s): Sesquiterpine lactones, iridoids, & glycoside iridins
Medicinal indications: stimulate digestion, enhance absorption of nutrients, uses as
tonics/strengthen the body, tonify muscles, tissues and organs, promote elimination of toxins
and metabolic waste products, and purify the blood/eradicate infection.

Decreased appetite, diarrhea, fevers that are in core of body, blood, or when
liver is hot.
Contraindications: pregnancy, kidney stones, gallbladder disease, dysmenorrheal, GERD, hiatal
hernia, gastritis, & peptic ulcer.
Each bitter herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Family
Bitter
constituent (s)
Actions
Additional info
Achillea
millefolium
Yarrow
Asteraceae
Sesquiterpene
lactones
Broad-acting: bitter,
astringent,
antispasmodic,
diaphoretic, diuretic,
antimicrobial,
hypotensive, antiinflammatory, hepatic
Antipyretic- fever due
to GI infection
Gentiana
lutea
Gentian
Gentianaceae
Iridoidsamarogentian
& gentamarin
Bitter, sialagogue,
cholagogue, hepatic,
antimicrobial,
antihelminthic,
emmenagogue
Contraindication:
peptic ulcers
Iris
versicolor
Blue flag
Iridaceae
*Volatile oils- 1° Cholagogue, hepatic,
Glycoside iridin alterative, laxative,
diuretic, antiinflammatory
Sluggish liver, eczema
Contraindication:
*pregnancy*
Menyanthes Bog bean
trifoliate
Menyanthaceae
Iridoids
Bitter, cholagogue,
diuretic, antirheumatic
↑doseslaxative
effect
Matricaria
recutita
Asteraceae
Volatile oil- 1°
Sesquiterpene
lactones
Bitter, carminative,
antispasmodic, antiinflammatory,
antimicrobial, nervine,
vulnerary
Digestive with nerve
component, good for
GERD, anxiety, IBS, &
peptic ulcers
Chamomile
Carminative Herbs
Main physiological action: relieves intestinal gas, pain, spasm, & distension, settles indigestion,
↑ absorption, drying: helps dispel water & mucus (respiratory), & promote proper peristalsis.
Additional: tend to be aromatic herbs with ↑ volatile oils  + GI nerves to promote digestion &
dispelling of undigested food.
Systems stimulated: affinity for the digestive tract. Dependent upon the volatile oil content of
the herb used.
Constituent(s): volatile oils, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, etc.
Medicinal indications: digestive weakness due to nervousness, anxiety, or depression. Intestinal
gas and bloating.
Uniqueness among peer carminatives: What other constituents in each plant sets them apart
from one another?
Contraindications: long term use  too drying.
Each carminative herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Family
Constituent(s)
Action
Additional info
Syzygium
aromaticum
Clove
Myrtaceae
Volatile oils-1°
Triterpenes
Local anesthetic,
antibacterial, antiviral,
antifungal,
antispasmodic, antiinflammatory,
carminative
*Small doses*
Uses:
GI inflammation,
gastritis
Foeniculum
vulgare
Fennel
Apiaceae
Volatile oils-1°
Carminative, aromatic,
antispasmodic,
expectorant,
antimicrobial,
galactagogue, corrigent
Uses:
Pimpinella
anisum
Anise
Aromatic, expectorant,
antispasmodic,
carminative,
antimicrobial, bitter
Uses:
Mentha
piperita
Peppermint
Volatile oils-1°
Triterpenes
Antispasmodic, bitter,
carminative,
antimicrobial, mild
astringent
Uses:
Volatile oils-1°
(Cinnamic
aldehyde &
eugenol)
Aromatic, bitter,
carminative,
antispasmodic,
antimicrobial,
astringent, demulcent
Uses:
Cinnamomun Cinnamon
verum
Apiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lauraceae
Volatile oils-1°
Infant with colic,
help ↑milk
production in
lactating women
Respiratory tract,
Digestive tract
Cooling, calming to
GI tract, nausea &
vomiting, muscle
pain & tightness
GI inflammation
Pungent Herbs
What is a pungent and why are they used?
Digestive & circulatory stimulant, hot energy: ↑internal heat, strengthen metabolism,
stimulate nervous system, expectorant &/or mucolytic; expel excess mucous, rubefacient
(causes blood to migrate to skin surface; can  blistering so be careful!)
Main physiological action (How do they work?):
Improve digestion & assimilation of food, ↑gastric secretions, & ↑appetite, antimicrobial
(internal & external).
Often have additional bitter and carminative actions: blood cleansing, stimulate peristalsis
Systems stimulated:
GI, nervous, circulatory, integumentary, and respiratory.
Constituent(s):
Volatile oils (including sesquiterpenes, sinapine, B-bisabolene, camphene), pungent principles
(gingerols & shogaols), Glucosinolates (sinigrin),
Medicinal indications:
Upper respiratory infections- flu, cold, or sinusitis, ↑digestion and ↓gas
Contraindications:
Gall stones, ulcers, GERD, gastritis, GI inflammation
Each pungent herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Family
Constituent(s)
Action(s)
Additional info
Zingiber
officinalis
Ginger
Zingiberaceae Volatile oils
Antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
antimicrobial, bitter,
diaphoretic,
carminative,
expectorant
Least spicy of the pungents
Uses: cough & mucus, a
↓level of heating
Contraindications: gall stones
Amoracia
rusticana
Horse
radish
Brassicaceae
Glucosinolates
(sinigrin)
Volatile oils
Diaphoretic,
carminative, diuretic,
antimicrobial, bitter,
rubefacient,
sialagogue
Uses: edema, upper resp.
infection- sinusitis,
↑effective when fresh
Contraindications: if ulcer do
not use or in low dose
Brassica
nigra
Black
mustard
Brassicaceae
Glucosinolates
(sinigrin)
Volatile oils
(sinapine)
Rubefacient,
circulatory stimulant,
bitter
Uses: respiratory, warming,
seeds must be crushed
Brassica alba: (white)
contains sinalbin-pungent
constituent, ↓potent than
nigra
Piper nigra
Black
pepper
Piperaceae
Volatile oils (Bbisabolene &
camphene)
Carminative, bitter,
rubefacient
Uses: as a rubefacient needs
to be diluted with a carrier
oil, gas & digestion
Piper alba:
↓potent than nigra
Circulatory stimulant,
carminative,
spasmolytic,
diaphoretic,
antimicrobial,
rubefacient, bitter
Uses: muscle pn & tightness,
use caution as a rubefacient
(patient with ↓sensory?)
Contraindications:
GI inflammation, GERD, ulcers
Pungent
principles
(gingerol,
shogaols)
Alkaloid:
piperine
Capsicum
frutescens
Cayenne,
red
pepper
Solanaceae
Capsaicin
compds
Carotenoids
Astringent Herbs
Main physiological action: coagulate albumin, tone up relaxed/debilitated condition of muscle
fibers, contract both arterioles and capillaries, restrain peristalsis, contract gland ducts, and
repress excessive secretions.
Systems stimulated: Circulatory, muscular, GI tract, endocrine, exocrine
Constituent(s): Tannins, Volatile oils (cinnamaldehyde & eugenol), flavonoids, etc.
Medicinal indications: contracts mucous membranes, dries the mouth, decreases diarrhea &
bleeding, wound healing- acts on epithelial cells and glands  shrinks tissue  ‘Nature’s
bandaid’
Contraindications: pregnancy (acts like oxytocin  uterine contraction), if pt is on medications
 Rx ↓dose for ↓time
Each astringent herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Family
Constituent(s)
Action(s)
Additional info
Geranium
spp.
American
cranesbill
(Stinky Bob)
Geraniaceae
Tannins
Astringent,
antihemorrhagic,
anti-inflammatory,
vulnerary
*Bitter quality!
Uses: Diarrhea,
passive
hemorrhage,
gastric ulcer, GI
inflam., wounds
*lung, stomach,
bowel, & kidney!
Cinnamomum
verum
Cinnamon
Lauraceae
Volatile oils
(cinnamaldehyde
& eugenol)
Tannins
Astringent,
carminative,
antispasmodic,
antiseptic, warming
stimulant
Uses:
Dysmenorrhea,
diarrhea, spastic
constipation, HTN,
GI inflam., URI,
Passive
hemorrhagepostpartum
*↑uterine
bleeding, mouth
(candida)-gargle c
garlic!
Quercus spp.
Oak
Fagaceae
Tannins
Astringent, antiinflam., antiseptic
Uses: diarrhea,
hemorrhoids
(suppository or
compress), passive
hemorrhage- GI
tract, lungs,
kidney, GI inflam.,
Pharyngitis-gargle
Brassicaceae
Flavonoids,
Choline, vit. K &
C, B-carotene, K+,
Astringent, Styptic
(Uterine family)
Uses:
menorrhagia,
fibroids-↑ &/or
Capsella
Shepherd’s
bursa-pastoris purse
Ca2+
*↑Nutrients
passive
hemorrhage,
wounds,
hematuria (renal
calculi),
hemorrhoids
*Menstrual
bleeding!
Demulcent Herbs
Main physiological action: mucilaginous or oily agent that soothes & heals mucous membranes
by forming a protective coating over the irritated/inflamed mucosa.
Systems stimulated: GI, respiratory, integumentary…
Constituent(s): Mucilage, tannins, etc…
Medicinal indications: GI tract inflam/irritation, respiratory, external wounds (stings/eczema)
Contraindications: may delay or prevent absorption of other substances (food, drugs, herbs),
Each demulcent herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Family
Althea
officinalis
Marshmallow Malvaceae
Constituent(s)
Action(s)
Additional info
Mucilage (root
& leaves)
Demulcent,
emollient
(topical
vulnerary),
diuretic, antiinflam.,
expectorant
Uses: GI tract
inflam.,
respiratory
Symphytum Comfrey
offinalis
Boraginaceae
Pyrrolizidine
(alkaloid),
Mucilage
(highest of all
herbs)
Tannins
Vulnerary &
Demulcent, antiinflam.,
astringent,
expectorant
Uses: wound
healing,
Digestion,
regulates blood
glucose
Glycyrrhiza
glabra
Fabaceae
Triterpenes
(glycyrrhizin,
glycyrrhetinic
acid)
Expectorant,
Demulcent, antiinflam.,
hepatoprotective,
adaptogen (↑ ½
life of cortisol )
Uses: chronic
state- antiviral
(herpes, EBV,
CMV,
bronchitis,
stress), GI
inflam., cough
or dry throat
Licorice
Note:
glycyrrhizin may
 ↑BP
Plantago
major &
lanceolata
Plaintain
Plantaginacea Iridoids,
e
Flavonoids,
mucilage,
tannins
Vulnerary,
expectorant,
demulcent, antiinflam.,
astringent,
diuretic,
antimicrobial,
Uses: weeping
wet wounds
(eczema), spit
poultice (bee
stings-draws
out venom)
*major-Better
internally.
*lanceolotabetter topically
& externally
Aperient Herbs
Main physiological action: Gentle laxative
Systems stimulated: GI tract
Constituent(s): Mucilage, Linolenic and linoleic acids, lignans (↑soluble fiber),
Medicinal indications:
Contraindications: wet coughs, can interfere with absorption of other foods, drugs, and herbs,
Each aperient herb & some specifics:
Latin name
Common
name
Ulmus fulba
or rubra
Family
Constituent(s Action(s)
)
Additional info
Slippery elm Ulmaceae
↑Mucilage
Uses: rashes, boils,
GI inflam., GERD,
ulcerations, colitis,
upper GI,
pharyngitis
Linum
usitatissimum
Linseed,
Flax
Linaceae
Linolenic &
Soothes mucous
linoleic acids, membranes, absorbs
Mucilage
fluids/toxins, drawing
action, aperientsbulking laxative,
phystoestrogen
Plantago
psyllium
Psyllium
Plantaginaceae Mucilage
Demulcent, emollient,
aperient, nutrient
(survival food),
astringent, antiinflam.
Aperient, demulcent,
anti-inflam.
Uses: anti-tumor, GI
inflam., pharyngitis,
absorbs fluid
drying effect
(infection/ exudate)
Uses: ↓LDLs
(↑soluble fiber),
regulates BP, prediabetic, gastric
reflux!
Phytochemistry
Primary form essential for life (carb, prot, fat…)
Secondary metabolites alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins!
Food  Medicine!
Wild plants are much stronger than those domestically grown, the environment subjects the
plant to various stresses and this increases the amount of secondary metabolites  self
protective.
Alkaloids
Poisonous agents protects plant from insects & herbivores.
End products of detoxification rxns  sequestration may harm plant.
Regulatory growth factors. Reserves of nitrogen for the plant.
Examples: nicotine, heroin, cocaine, morphine, caffeine
-visionaries psilocybin, mescaline (psychoactives)
-pharmaceuticals morphine, codeine, atropine
-toxins strychnine
-Ephedrine ↑BP, reserpine↓BP
Actions: analgesia, local anesthetic, cardiac stimulation, respiratory stim and relaxation,
antispasmodic, hypertensive and hypotensive properties
*Caution tend to be dangerous so be careful  Very potent use in ↓dose
↑↑ structural diversity, Bitter taste digestive stimulant
Flavonoids
Components of leaves & pigments in flowers, ubiquitous, everywhere, in all plants.
Antioxidants free radical scavengers  clean up toxins from photosynthesis.
NOT diverse structurally.
Actions: anti-inflammatory, regulate cardiac fxn, immunomodulatory, stabilize capillary
permeability  ↑vit C in cell.
Examples: Calendula-flower, quercetin- apples, onion…
Form glycosides- bind mono, di, & tri saccharides  ↑H2O solubility
↑↑ dependent upon gut flora
No adverse side effects.
Tannins
Occurrence: buds, leaves, roots, seeds, stems.
2 types:
Hydrolysable dicotyledon plants, soluble in H2O & alcohol.
Condensed ferns & gymnospersm, angiosperms- especially trees & shrubs.
Interaction with other macromolecules:
-ability to form complexes with ↑other molecules (carb, prot, polysaccharides, bacterial cell
membranes, enzymes)
Actions:
-astringent-dryingm contraction of mucous membranes  ↓secretion from glands,
antimicrobial properties, anti-hemorrhagic effects
Applications:
Internally  Protect inflamed mucous membranes, ↓inflam. & swelling d/t infection, prevents
bleeding from small wounds, ↓uterine bleeding (menorrhagia), relieve symptoms of diarrhea
or dysentery, low-grade bleeding. Also has a styptic effect  binds proteins in blood.
Externally douches, eyewashes
Effect on enzymes:
↑tannins  ↓&/or inhibits enzymes available
↓tannins  ↑&/or stimulates enzymes available
NOTE: We secrete ↑enzymes to
 bind tannins so we can digest foods!
Examples: Wine, black tea, cinnamon, and clove. Too much of a good thing  problems…
Binds iron – good for pts with hemochromatosis!
Toxicity: indicator is nausea decrease the dose,
-Prevention of overdose tannins bind alkaloids before they get to the blood if taken in time!
Plants from the herb walks
In the woods:
Rubus spp
discolor  Himalayan blackberry
ursinus  Trailing blackberry
parviflorus  Thimbleberry
spectabilis  Salmonberry
Mahonia aquifolium & nervosa  Oregon Grape
Urtica dioica  Stinging Nettle
Geranium robertianum American cranesbill / Stinky Bob
Thuja plicata or occidentalis  Western Red Cedar Tree
Sambucus racemosa  Red Elderberry
In the garden:
Arctium lappa  Burdock
Stellaria media  Chickweed
Foeniculum vulgare  Fennel
Achillea millifolium  Yarrow
Mentha spp.  Mint (peppermint, spearmint,…)