Herbal energetics refers to the energetic qualities of plants and how they affect the body. It is based on the concept of traditional systems of medicine. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, which view the body as an interconnected system of energy pathways.
Herbal energetics categorizes plants based on their energetic properties. Warming/Hot, Cooling/Cold, Neutral, Moistening, Drying, Balancing, Constricting, Relaxing, and Nourishing are the main properties. These properties are used to determine how a particular plant will affect the body when it is ingested, applied topically, or used in other ways.
For example, a plant with a hot and dry energy may be used to treat conditions that are cold and damp, such as a respiratory infection with thick phlegm. On the other hand, a plant with a cooling and moistening energy may be used to treat conditions that are hot and dry, such as a dry cough.
How Herbs Affect Energy Production
Herbs can affect energy production in the body in a variety of ways, including stimulating the metabolism and circulation through warming properties. Reducing inflammation and swelling in cooling properties and providing essential nutrients to neutralize and balance the body.
Warming or Hot Energetics
For the first category of herbal energetics, there are warming or hot herbs. Herbs can be warming in several ways. Some herbs have thermogenic properties, which means that they can increase body heat production and promote blood circulation. Other herbs can have a warming effect on the digestive system and help improve digestion. This can also have an indirect warming effect on the body.
In addition, some herbal remedies for colds and flu, such as elderberry and Echinacea, are believed to have a warming effect on the body. These help to relieve chills and promote a feeling of warmth.
Other herbs can have a spicy or pungent taste. This also helps to increase circulation and stimulate the body’s natural heat production.
Examples of herbs that can be warming include:
- Ginger: an herb that is known for its warming and stimulating effects on the body, especially for the digestive system.
- Cinnamon: an herb that is commonly used to promote warmth and circulation, and to support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Cayenne pepper: an herb that contains capsaicin, which can help to increase circulation, promote warmth, and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Turmeric: an herb that contains curcumin, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, especially in the joints.
- Black pepper: an herb that contains piperine, which can help to improve digestion and increase circulation.
Cooling or Cold Energetics
For the second category of herbal energetics, there are cooling or cold herbs. Herbs can be cooling in several ways, depending on their properties and uses. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and heat in the body. Other herbs can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Other herbs can have a bitter or astringent taste. Bitters can help to cool and dry excess heat and dampness in the body.
Examples of herbs that can be cooling include:
- Peppermint: an herb that is known for its cooling and refreshing effects, especially for the digestive system.
- Chamomile: an herb that can help to soothe and calm the nerves, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
- Aloe vera: an herb that can help to soothe and cool the skin, especially for sunburns and other skin irritations.
- Lemon balm: an herb that can help to soothe and calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
- Fennel: an herb that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion, especially for hot and spicy foods.
Neutral Energetics
For the third category of herbal energetics, there are neutral herbs. Some herbs are considered neutral, meaning that they do not have a warming or cooling effect on the body. These herbs are often used as a base or filler in herbal formulas or as a gentle tonic for the body.
Neutral herbs are generally considered safe for most people. Although, it’s always important to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies. Especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition or are taking medications.
Other herbs can have a gentle taste and texture, which can make them easy to tolerate and use in a variety of applications.
Examples of herbs that can be neutral include:
- Dandelion root: an herb that can help to support healthy liver and digestive function, without causing excessive stimulation or relaxation.
- Nettle leaf: an herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help to support overall health and wellbeing, without causing excessive stimulation or relaxation.
- Oatstraw: an herb that can help to support healthy nervous system function and reduce stress and tension, without causing excessive stimulation or relaxation.
- Alfalfa: an herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help to support overall health and wellbeing, without causing excessive stimulation or relaxation.
- Red clover: an herb that can help to support healthy hormone balance and reduce inflammation, without causing excessive stimulation or relaxation.
How Herbs Affect The Density of Tissues
Herbs can affect the density of tissues in several ways. Some herbs are known to have a tonifying effect on the tissues. This means that they can help to strengthen and improve the density of the tissues over time.
Other herbs can have a soothing or anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues. This can help to reduce swelling and improve tissue health.
Moistening Energetics
For the fourth category of herbal energetics, there are moistening herbs. Moistening herbs, also known as demulcents or emollients, have a soothing and protective effect on the body’s tissues and can help to alleviate dryness and inflammation. They work well to sooth mucus membranes, reduce inflammation, and lubricate joints.
Additionally, they can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. They are known to be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and respiratory infections.
Other herbs can have a nutritive effect on the body. This can help to support healthy tissue hydration and improve overall moisture balance.
Examples of herbs that can be moistening include:
- Marshmallow root: an herb that is rich in mucilage, which can help to soothe and moisten the mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts.
- Slippery elm bark: another herb that is rich in mucilage, which can help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
- Licorice root: an herb that can help to soothe and moisturize the throat, respiratory tract, and digestive tract.
- Aloe vera: an herb that is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, especially for the skin and digestive tract.
- Nettle leaf: an herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help to support healthy tissue hydration and overall moisture balance in the body.
Drying Energetics
For the fifth category of herbal energetics, there are drying herbs. Drying herbs are known to have an astringent or drying effect on the body, which can help to reduce excess moisture and fluid, and tighten and tone tissues. Herbs that are considered to be drying in nature will dry out the tissues in the body. This can be beneficial in certain cases, such as when there is excess moisture or dampness in the body. However, it can also be harmful if the body is already dry or dehydrated.
Other herbs can have a bitter or sour taste. This can help to dry and reduce excess heat and dampness in the body.
Examples of herbs that can be drying include:
- Sage: an herb that is known for its astringent and drying effects, especially for the respiratory and digestive systems. Sage should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation due to its ability to dry up milk production.
- Witch hazel: an herb that can help to tone and tighten the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Rosemary: an herb that can help to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion, while also having a mild astringent effect.
- Shepherd’s purse: an herb that can help to reduce bleeding and excess fluid, especially for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Horsetail: an herb that can help to strengthen bones, teeth, and connective tissues, while also having a mild diuretic effect to reduce excess fluid.
Balancing Energetics
For the sixth category of herbal energetics, there are balancing herbs. Balancing herbs are known to have a harmonizing or adaptogenic effect on the body, which can help to support overall balance and wellbeing. This balance allows the body’s natural ability to regulate various physiological processes. For instance, supporting hormonal balance, promoting healthy digestion, or boosting immune function.
Other herbs can have a gentle and supportive effect, which can help to balance specific systems or functions in the body.
Examples of herbs that can be balancing include:
- Ashwagandha: an herb that is known for its adaptogenic properties, which can help to support healthy stress response and hormone balance.
- Holy basil: an herb that can help to support healthy nervous system function and reduce stress and tension, while also having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Licorice root: an herb that can help to support healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and support adrenal gland function, while also having a sweet and soothing taste.
- Rhodiola: an herb that can help to support healthy energy levels, mood, and cognitive function, while also having adaptogenic properties.
- Schisandra: an herb that can help to support healthy liver function, reduce stress and fatigue, and support healthy immune function.
How Herbs Affect Muscle Tone, Flow, And Secretion
Herbs can affect muscle tone, flow, and secretion in various ways. Constriction, relaxing, and nourishing are the three main properties.
Constricting Energetics
For the seventh category of herbal energetics, there are constricting herbs. Constricting herbs, also known as astringents or styptics, have a tightening and toning effect on the body’s tissues. This can help to reduce inflammation, bleeding, and excessive secretions. For instance, tighten and tone muscles, constrict blood vessels, promote blood clotting, reduce excessive sweating, or even the formation of scar tissues.
Some examples of herbs with a constricting effect include:
- Witch hazel: an herb that can help to tone and tighten the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Oak bark: an herb that can help to tighten and tone tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, especially for the skin and digestive system.
- Horsetail: an herb that can help to strengthen bones, teeth, and connective tissues, while also having a mild diuretic effect to reduce excess fluid.
- Shepherd’s purse: an herb that can help to reduce bleeding and excess fluid, especially for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Yarrow: an herb that can help to reduce bleeding, especially for nosebleeds and heavy menstrual bleeding.
I have personal experience with the use of Oak Bark to reduce the rash in poison ivy. Watch the video of the tincture I made on YouTube below. Poison Ivy Tincture.
Relaxing Energetics
For the eighth category of herbal energetics, there are relaxing herbs. In general, herbs with a relaxing effect can help to calm the mind, reduce stress and tension, and promote healthy sleep. Relaxing herbs are also known as nervines. However, some individuals have different results when taking them. Some have more sleep; some are more stimulated.
Some examples of herbs with a relaxing effect include:
- Chamomile: an herb that can help to calm the nerves, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote healthy sleep.
- Lavender: an herb that can help to reduce stress and tension, promote relaxation, and support healthy sleep.
- Passionflower: an herb that can help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and tension, and promote healthy sleep.
- Valerian: an herb that can help to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and tension, and support healthy sleep.
- Lemon balm: an herb that can help to calm the nerves, reduce stress and anxiety, and support healthy sleep.
Nourishing Energetics
Finally, for the last category of herbal energetics there are nourishing herbs. Herbs with a nourishing effect can help to provide the body with essential nutrients and support healthy function of various systems and organs. Nourish herbs are rich in nutrients and promote overall well-being. Think of nourishing herbs as superfoods.
Some examples of herbs with a nourishing effect include:
- Nettle: an herb that is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, and can help to support healthy immune function, digestion, and kidney function.
- Dandelion: an herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron, and can help to support healthy liver and kidney function, digestion, and skin health.
- Red clover: an herb that is rich in nutrients such as calcium, chromium, and vitamin C, and can help to support healthy skin, hormonal balance, and lymphatic function.
- Alfalfa: an herb that is rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, calcium, and chlorophyll, and can help to support healthy digestion, bone health, and hormonal balance.
- Oatstraw: an herb that is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and can help to support healthy nervous system function, digestion, and skin health.
By understanding the energetics of plants, herbalists can create customized formulations and treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of their clients. This approach can be particularly effective for chronic or complex conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatments.
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