Ineffable
While it’s useful and important to understand herbal actions in a modern medical sense, many herbs have properties that effect the body in ways that aren’t easily categorized into medical terms. Valerian, for example, promotes a spiritual sense of strength in times of adversity; astragalus builds deep, healing energy from within us. What can we say about these herbs? If their effects can’t be measured in a lab, then should we ignore them? Does the scientific negate the spiritual? By no means! The emotional experience of an herb is just as important as it’s measurable effects. This page includes herbal actions that don’t neatly fit into a body system: actions like nutritive, awakening, fortifying to the spirit, roborant, etc. I’ve included a lot of my own personal experience here, so don’t assume these herbs will elicit these reactions in everyone — that’s the beautiful, hidden mystery of herbs that keeps me utterly captivated every day! Please see the Materia Medica page, or Teas & Guides, for more information on specific herbal actions.
A
Achillea millefolium - used for millennia as a vulnerary, but it also gives potent dreams, especially in combination with sedative herbs, and in my experience, rose as well. I can’t say if it awakens the spiritual aspect of dreams, or if it just increases the propensity to dream.
Astragalus membranaceus - great immune support, but it also reconstructs our inner energy infrastructure, allowing us to better utilize our energy in the future.
Artemisia annua -
B
C
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. verum - physically and spiritually warming. Cinnamon increases my awareness of my physical wellbeing.
Codonopsis pilosula -
Crataegus monogyna - a beautiful remedy for opening up the emotional heart. I’ve used this before to help me face emotions I couldn’t even name, and move past what was keeping me from experiencing love.
D
E
Eleutherococcus senticosus
F
G
Ganoderma lucidum
Glycyrrhiza glabra - so deliciously sweet! I experience this herb as grounding, but in a way that elevates me. I feel like a vine: rooted, but moving to experience novelty.
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Ocimum tenuiflorum - a wonderful immune stimulant, but also spiritually healing. It feels like you’re being slowly collected into one person again.
P
Paeonia lateriflora - I’ve heard it described as being bathed in a rich, white light. White peony is uniquely peaceful and calming to our inner self.
Q
R
Rhodiola rosea - brings back our balance. It helps us identify our footing in our environment, physically and mentally.
S
Salvia rosemarinus - great antioxidant, but also energizing! It awakens inner vitality. Some people feel so much stimulation it actually makes them more tired.
T
Turnera diffusa - oxytocic: chemically increasing good feelings. It gives a deeper sense that things are going to be alright if we just do our best and don’t give up.