Herbs affect animals in many different ways conveniently categorised as herb actions. Some actions are modern while others are traditional, and there are many overlaps between categories. As herbs are chemically very complex often containing hundreds of active molecules, a single herb may have numerous actions.
- Adaptogens
- Alteratives
- Analgesics
- Anthelmintics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antimicrobials
- Antispasmodics
- Anti-rheumatics
- Astringents
- Bitters
- Carminatives
- Cholagogues
- Circulatory Stimulants
- Demulcents
- Digestive
- Diuretics
- Hepatics
- Hypnotics
- Laxatives
- Nervines
- Rubefacients
- Vulneraries