Herbal Glossary

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)

Parts used: Dried root

Energetics: Slightly warming

Herb class/medicinal properties: Adaptogen, anti-viral, diuretic, vasodilator, immune modulator, lung tonic, hepatic

Traditionally used for: Immune support, adrenal support, antioxidant and anti-aging possibilities, increased endurance, upper respiratory infections, liver support

Spiritual uses: Elimination of impurities and undesirable energies. Balancing and protection

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea cerulea) 

Parts used: Flower

Energetics: Cooling

Herb class/medicinal properties: Nervine, aphrodisiac, ant-spasmodic, sati-depressant, muscle relaxant, nootropic, anti-anxiety, sleep aid/sedative

Traditional uses: Sleep aid, anxiety and/or depression, regulating menstrual cycle, dreaming (active, lucid, vivid), enhanced mood and energy

Spiritual uses: The opening and closing of the Blue Lotus flower during the day is symbolic of the cycle of the sun throughout the heavens. it is known as the herb of peace. 

Chamomile (Chamomilla resutitai, Matricaria chamollia)

Parts used: Flower heads

Energetics: Warm, moist 

Herb class/medicinal properties: Nervine, Anti-spasmodic, carminative, analgesic, antiseptic, diaphoretic

Traditionally used for: Nervous systems support, hyperactivity, digestive support, sleep supports, aching muscles, inflammation

Spiritual uses: Money, sleep, love, purification. 

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angostofolia, E. pallida)

Parts used: Flowering herb, root, seeds

Energetics: Cooling, mildly drying

Herb class/medicinal properties: Alterative, anti-microbial, immune stimulant, anti-biotic, anti-viral, rejuvenative, detoxifier, diaphoretic

Traditionally used for: Lymphatic support, immune support (stimulates white blood cells), viral infections, fungal infections, colds and flu, allergies, UTI, strep throat, blood purifier

Spiritual uses: Adds power to charms, sachets, and herb blends. Useful for money attracting. Strengthening to thoughts, vibrations, and prayers. 

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Parts used: Root, bark

Energetics: Mildly warming

Herb class/medicinal properties: Adaptogen, vasodilator, circulatory stimulant, tonic, immune modulator, stress support, adrenal hormone stimulant, kidney tonic

Traditionally used for: Adrenal support, exhaustion/ low energy/ mental alertness, depression, strengthens thyroid

Spiritual uses: Attracts love, money, health, ad strength. Can be burned to dispel negative energy. 

Gentian (Gentiana lutea)

Parts used: Dried root

Energetics: Cold

Herb class/medicinal properties: Bitter, digestive stimulant, cholagogue, tonic, alterative, hepatic

Traditional uses: Digestive support. liver support, energy support, mood support, jaundice

Spiritual Uses: Used in baths for power and strength. Can help one to see things for what they are. Worn, it may help one connect with their higher self. 

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Parts used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems)

Energetics: Cooling to neutral, tonifying 

Herb class/medicinal properties: Brain tonic (nootropic), anti-rheumatic, mild diuretic, sedative, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, nerving, ant-pyretic, antibiotic, stimulating 

Traditional uses: Skins support, musculoskeletal support, brain support, circulatory support, supports the natural aging process, may lower blood sugar levels, blood thinner, energy support, memory and concentration, poor digestion, lowers cholesterol, strengthens nervous system, strengthens adrenal glands, prostate health

Spiritual uses: Burn prior to meditation. Known as the herb of enlightenment. Works to harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestris)

Parts used: Aerial parts (leaves)

Energetics: Cooling

Herb class/medicinal properties: Diuretic, stimulant, laxative, astringent 

Traditional uses: Metabolic support, blood sugar support, diabetes, obesity, coughs, fevers 

digestive support, softening of the stools, increases uterine excretion

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Parts used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

Energetics: Drying, mildly warming, tonifying

Herb class/medicinal properties: Relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, antiviral, nerving tonic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, immune stimulating 

Traditional uses: nervous system support, mood support, brain support, digestive support, nourishes the adrenals, fevers-gentle for children, insomnia, inhibits thyroid function (for overactive thyroid), heart support

Spiritual uses: Lifts the spirit. It is known for love, success, healing, and psychic/spiritual development. Used in ceremony for those suffering from mental or nervous disorders. 

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Parts used: Dried root (3 years old)

Energetics: Gently warming, moist

Herb class/medicinal properties: Adaptogen, expectorant, adrenal tonic, demulcent, mild laxative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, alterative

Traditional uses: Lung support, immune system support, adrenal support, hormone support, inflamed joints, hepatitis, constipation, acid reflux, oral thrush, coughs, liver support, coats the mucus membranes, blood cleansing, anti-microbial, energy support

Spiritual uses: Lust, love, and fidelity. Can help you gain power and control over others.

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Parts used: Roots

Energetics: Cooling, moist

Herb class/medicinal properties: Demulcent, diuretic, emollient, mild laxative 

Traditional uses: digestive problems, ulcers, gastritis, colitis, diverticulitis, IBS, urinary conditions, dry coughs, asthma, bronchitis 

Spiritual uses: Burn as an incense for protection and psychic stimulation. Place on an alter during ritual to draw in good spirits/ energy. Used to cleanse spaces and honor the dead. 

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum, Carduus marianus)

Parts used: Seeds

Energetics: Mildly cooling, moist

Herb class/medicinal properties: Hepatic, cholagogue, bitter tonic, anti-depressant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, kidney tonic

Traditional uses: Liver support, digestive support, kidney support, candida, high cholesterol, hormone support

Spiritual uses: uses include protection, vitality, and strength. Used to relieve melancholy and depression. Helps in breaking bad habits. 

Pau D’ Arco (Tabebula avellanedae)

Parts used: Aged inner bark

Energetics: Cold, astringent, bitter

Herb class/medicinal properties: Alterative, diuretic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, immune stimulant

Traditional uses: Tumors, Leukemia, ulcers, skin diseases, UTI, chronic candida, chronic fatigue 

Spiritual Uses: Increases intention. Ritually, it is used in the healing of severe diseases. 

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Parts used: Leaves and essential oils

Energetics: Cooling, drying

Herb class/medicinal properties: Carminative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti fungal, tonic, relaxant, antibacterial, decongestant, aromatic, nervine 

Traditional uses: colic (through breast milk), gas, stimulates digestive support, immune support, IBS, spastic colon, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headaches, sinus and respiratory infections, healthy inflammatory response, stress support

Spiritual uses: put in sleep pillow to encourage prophetic dreams. Known for its ability to enhance “third eye” awareness and peaceful sleep. used for healing and purification. Burn in home to clear out sickness  and negative energy. 

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Parts used: Herb

Energetics: Cool-warm, dry

Herb class/medicinal properties: Stimulant, carminative, aromatic, styptic, expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial

Traditional uses: Throat infections, upper respiratory infections, dysentery, inhalant, E-coli, salmonella , hot flashes 

Spiritual uses: Most well known for being burned in smudge bundles for spiritual. mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being. Removes negative energy and brings in positive energy. To help lessen grief, burn during funeral and/or memorial ceremonies. Sprinkle around your yard or other outdoor areas to create a sacred space and to keep it clear of negative energy.

Schisandra Berry Whole (Schisandra chinensis)

Parts used: Dried fruit

Energetics: Warming, dry

Herb class/medicinal properties: Tonic, adaptogen, stimulant, antioxidant

Traditional uses: anxiety and stress support, PMS, immune booster, speeds recuperation after surgeries, stabilizes blood sugar and blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, heart palpitations, insomnia, improves concentration and mental clarity, respiratory disorders

tones kidneys, eczema, increased energy

Spiritual uses: Thought to be helpful in sexuality, vitality, health and beauty.

Yerba Mate (llex paraguariensis)

Parts Used: Dried leaves 

Herb class/medicinal properties: Tonic, diuretic, stimulant. depurative, bitter, nervine, antidepressant, astringent, cardio-tonic, hypotensive, purgative, vasodilator

Traditional uses: Mental and physical fatigue, suppressed appetite, aids gastric function,

promotes cleansing and excretion of waste, nerve pain, depression, obesity, headaches, arthritis, hemorrhoids, fluid retention, constipation, cleansing the blood, stimulates the production of cortisone, eases anxiety, aids nutrient absorption 

Spiritual uses: Fidelity, love, and lust.