How do Herbal Remedies Work?

Many people are once again turning to herbal remedies for the same sort of health promoting benefits that have been long used in history, as described below. Yet, how do these herbs actually work to promote better health? This blog explores the world of herbal remedies and delves into the science behind their therapeutic effects, answering the question 'how do herbal remedies work?'.

10 Commonly Known Herbs that have Medicinal Benefits

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Mechanisms of Action: How Do Herbal Remedies Work?

At the core of all herbal remedies are active constituents that interact with our bodies in various ways. These active constituents give herbs their 'method of action'. Understanding these active constituents, and their method of action, is part of the study of herbal pharmacognosy, where qualitative and therapeutic monographs of the key indications for use, their mechanism of action, the part used and active constituents, contraindications, dosage restrictions, and safety of herbal remedies, is recorded in herbal reference books. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia is an example of such a record.

The active constituents of herbs are phytochemicals, or natural compounds produced by plants that have a definable physiological or medicinal effect on the body. Common categories include flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants found in fruits and flowers; alkaloids, known for their bitter taste and interaction with the digestive system; volatile oils (essential oils), responsible for the aromatic qualities of herbs like peppermint and rosemary; saponins, which lather in water, and tannins, which are astringent. 

An example of a powerful alkaloid is morphine from the opium poppy, known for its strong pain-relieving properties. In contrast, flavonoids found in chamomile can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. By understanding these active compounds, naturopaths can tailor herbal remedies to meet specific health needs more effectively.

A brief summary of some of the mechanisms of action of herbal remedies include:

Herbal Action	Mechanism of Action & Examples
Adaptogen	Improves the body's ability to deal with stress e.g., Withania (Ashwaghanda), Licorice, Ginsengs
Alterative/ Depurative	Improves the body's ability to eliminate waste e.g., Cleavers, Burdock, Yellow Dock, Dandelion
Analgesics	Help with pain relief e.g., Californian Poppy, Jamaican Dogwood
Anti-microbial	Eliminates parasites e.g., Garlic, Black Walnut, Wormwood, Thuja. Eliminates fungus e.g., Pau d'arco. Eliminates bacteria e.g., Echinacea, Garlic, Thyme.
Anti-inflammatories	Help the body control inflammation e.g., Calendula, White Willow, Boswellia, Turmeric
Anti-spasmodics	Help ease cramps in the body e.g., Cramp Bark, Wild Yam, Ginger, Peppermint
Astringents	Tightens tissues e.g., Shepherd's Purse, Ladies Mantle
Bitters	Trigger a bitter sensation in the mouth which stimulates digestion e.g., Gentian, Dandelion Root, Oregon Grape
Carminatives	Regulate digestive contractions e.g., Fennel, Dill, Peppermint, Chamomile
Choleretics/ Cholagogues	Stimulate flow of bile from the liver into gall bladder (cholagogues) and release from gall bladder (choleretics) e.g., Dandelion Root, Globe Artichoke
Demulcents	To heal mucous membranes e.g., Slippery Elm, Flaxsee, Marshmallow
Diaphoretic	To promote sweating and control the fever process e.g., Yarrow, Elderberry, Ginger
Diuretics	Relieve fluid retention e.g., Dandelion Leaf, Corn Silk, Celery, Parsley
Expectorants	Help to clear mucous from lungs e.g., Mullein, Elecampagne
Hepatics	Aid the work of the liver in detoxification e.g., St. Mary's Thistle, Oregon Grape, Dandelion Root
Hormone Balancers	Affect circulating levels of sex hormones e.g., Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex), Black Cohosh, Sage, False Unicorn Root, Wild Yam, White Peony
Immune Enhancers	To boost the immune response e.g., Astragalus, Echinacea, and the mushrooms: Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shitake
Laxatives	To stimulate bowel movements e.g., Senna, Cascara, Psyllium, Flaxseed, Marshmallow
Nervines	For beneficial support of the nervous system e.g., Oats, Valerian, St. John's Wort, Chamomile, Passionflower
Stimulants	To quicken the physiological processes of the body e.g., circulatory stimulants help with blood circulation e.g., Ginger, Cayenne
Tonics and Specifics	Act on specific organs in the body, or for specific circumstances e.g., Eyebright (Eyes); Gingko (Brain); Golden Seal (Mucous Membranes); Hawthorn (Heart); Feverfew (Headache); Rehmannia (Adrenal Glands), Chaste Tree (Increases Progesterone); Damiana, Tribulus, Shatavari (boost for libido); Saw Palmetto, Nettle (BPH); Black Cohosh, Sage (Menopause); Goat's Rue (Diabetes); White Peony, Licorice (PCOS), Shepherd's Purse, Ladies Mantle (Menorrhagia); Thuja (Growths); Turmeric (Oxidative Stress); Valerian (Sedative); Withania (HP Axis management)
Vulneraries	Wound healing e.g., Calendula

Table showing Herbal Methods of Action

History Of Herbal Medicine

Herbal remedies have been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for thousands of years. The history of herbal medicine use can be traced back to many ancient civilisations. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognised the importance of balance and promoted the use of herbs like ginseng to enhance cognitive function, reduce fatigue, and help with stress adaptation. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of life and emphasises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, utilising herbs, diet, lifestyle adjustments, and spiritual practices for holistic well-being. In Ancient Greece, herbs were integral to daily life, used in cuisine to enhance flavour and as medicine to heal, with Hippocrates (the father of medicine) famously advocating "Let food be your medicine". A lot of the culinary herbs we use in meal preparation today come from ancient Greek civilisations use which was often regarding supporting digestion (e.g., oregano, mint). Ancient Egyptians used garlic and onions for strength. There are many more examples, and the history is deeply fascinating.

Herbal Remedies Used in Pharmaceutical Preparations

You may be surprised to find out that modern pharmaceutical preparations often have the active ingredient from herbal medicines. While herbal remedies are organic in nature and only minimally processed, pharmaceutical medications become synthetic even if the active ingredient is herbal, and are highly processed. Often the effects are much greater than in original herbal format.

Some examples of pharmaceuticals medications derived from herbs:

• Aspirin: A precursor to aspirin, salicylic acid, is found in willow bark. 

• Cardiac Medications: Digoxin, a cardiac stimulant used for heart failure, is derived from the beautiful foxglove plant Digitalis. 

• Antimalarials: Quinine, used to treat malaria, comes from cinchona bark. 

• Cancer Therapeutics: Vinca alkaloids from Catharanthus roseus and camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminate are used in tumour therapy. 

• Antibiotics: Penicillin and erythromycin are examples of antibiotics that are derived from fungi. 

• Antihypertensives: Reserpine, a drug used to treat high blood pressure, is sourced from Rauwolfia species. 

• Statins: Lovastatin used to lowers blood cholesterol comes from a fungus. 

• Organophosphorus poisoning: Atropine is derived from Atropa belladonna and the injection is used to treat poisoning caused by organophosphorus nerve agents.

Safety of Herbal Remedies

While herbal remedies can be beneficial, it's essential to approach them thoughtfully, and should be undertaken via a qualified Naturopath or Herbalist. The effectiveness and safety of herbs can greatly depend on their source, dosage, and individual health situations. For example, St. John's Wort is effective for mild depression but can interact with various medications, including antidepressants. Consulting with a naturopath or herbalist before starting any herbal remedy is vital to avoid potential complications.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to alleviate specific ailments you may have, then herbal remedies can be a very effective and safer choice. If you would like to discuss your current circumstances to see how herbal remedies may be of benefit, then please feel free to make a booking to discuss.

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Herbal Actions

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