The Village Herbalist

The Properties of Herbs

Degrees of Action

Herbs have four degrees of action. A first degree herb is mild. Like a salad, it can be used safely in large amounts and over long periods of time. Often soothing, these herbs are nutritive and healing. Second degree herbs are a bit stronger and like a garnish are used in smaller amounts. These herbs can be used over long periods of time. Third degree herbs are medicinal in nature. Like a strong spice, they are used in small amounts and taken for shorter periods. Fourth degree herbs are poisons and although used in other countries in their whole form, they are only used in the United States by doctors and in homeopathic dilutions.

Catagories

Herbs can be divided into four catagories. Although an individual herb may posess several charactoristics, each has dominant properties that place it in one of the four. Conditions within the body can also be catagorized using the same chart. Some conditions are "hot", others are "tight". Herbs are used for their opposite effect. A "hot" condition needs a cooling herb while a "tight" condition needs an herb with an opening and moving effect. Understanding the properties of an herb, helps the herbalist to understand which herb or herbs to use.

Back To Contents