What Are the Different Types of Herbs for Health?

Herbs for health are given different classifications, depending on what kind of reaction they cause in the body. For example, an herbal medicine that lowers a fever is called a febrifuge, and a natural treatment that provides relief for gastrointestinal disorders is classified as a carminative. Some other herbs for health are stimulants that increase physiological processes; certain herbs are diuretics that increase urination and are used to relieve water retention, while others are astringents, which cause veins and tissues to contract. There are dozens of classifications for the different types of herbs for health, and some herbs have various healing properties that allow them to fall into different categories. The roots of ginger and the leaves of peppermint and clary sage are just a few of the many herbs that can address various health disorders.

Ginger root is one of the herbs for health that defies a single classification, since it has demonstrated centuries of proven effectiveness in treating a variety of ailments. It is a carminative, a stimulant, and a diaphoretic, which means it promotes perspiration to help cleanse the system. Studies have shown that ginger is an effective treatment for nausea, indigestion, colic, and other digestive disorders. It is also a sialogogue, which increases the production of bodily secretions such as saliva, and an adjuvant that increases the potency of the mixture when combined with other herbs. Ginger is also an anti-spasmodic and has been used to treat intestinal and menstrual cramps.

Peppermint leaf is another one of the herbs for health that has many uses. Like ginger, it is an anti-spasmodic and carminative, so it is good for cramps as well as digestive upsets. Mint is also an anodyne, or agent that can reduce pain, and it has stimulant properties as well.

Clary sage has many of the same properties as ginger and peppermint. It is a carminative that is also used for the same digestive complaints. Clary sage is also a nervine that can calm the nerves, and it is an astringent that can be used topically to promote the healing of wounds.

Many people advocate the use of herbs as alternative medicine, while some prefer medications prescribed by their doctor. Herbs can be as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs and can cause serious interactions when taken along with drugs. Consultation with a medical doctor or other professional health care provider is recommended before taking any herbs for health. Pregnant women especially should never take any herbs without first seeing a professional, since some herbs can induce miscarriage or cause other harm to the fetus.