Understanding the Different Classifications of Herbs

Herbs have been humanity’s companions for thousands of years. They have nourished, healed, and supported people long before modern medicine was established. But while many of us know chamomile as a calming tea or ginger as a digestive spice, herbalists see these plants through an intricate web of categories and relationships.

Understanding the different classifications of herbs not only helps us use them more effectively, but it also connects us to the wisdom of traditional systems while honoring modern scientific insights.

Herbs by Action

In Western herbalism, herbs are often described by their actions—what they do in the body. These actions help herbalists select remedies for specific symptoms or imbalances.

• Adaptogens: Herbs that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance (e.g., Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng).
• Nervines: Herbs that calm or nourish the nervous system (e.g., Chamomile, Skullcap).
• Carminatives: Herbs that soothe digestion and relieve gas (e.g., Peppermint, Fennel).
• Diuretics: Herbs that encourage healthy urination and fluid balance (e.g., Dandelion leaf).
• Emmenagogues: Herbs that stimulate and balance menstrual flow (e.g., Sage, Mugwort).
• Tonics: Herbs that strengthen specific organs or systems over time (e.g., Hawthorn for the heart).

These actions form the practical language of herbalists—like tools in a botanical toolkit.

Herbs by Energetics

Traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) see herbs as carriers of energy and qualities. This is sometimes called the energetic approach.

• Hot vs. Cold: Ginger is warming, while Peppermint is cooling.
• Dry vs. Moist: Marshmallow root moistens dry tissues, while Sage is drying.
• Stimulating vs. Relaxing: Rosemary enlivens, while Valerian calms.

Energetics remind us that herbs aren’t just “for a condition” but for a person—their constitution, environment, and unique needs.

Herbs by Organ Affinity

Another way to classify herbs is by the body systems they support. Many plants seem to have a special relationship or “affinity” with certain organs.

• Digestive system: Peppermint, Chamomile, Ginger.
• Respiratory system: Thyme, Licorice root, Mullein.
• Nervous system: Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Ashwagandha.
• Reproductive system: Red Clover, Raspberry leaf, Wild Yam.
• Cardiovascular system: Hawthorn, Garlic, Motherwort.

This system helps herbalists build blends that target specific areas of support.

Herbs by Plant Part Used

The part of the plant we use often gives clues to its qualities:

• Roots (grounding, stabilizing): Ginseng, Dandelion.
• Leaves (nourishing, respiratory): Peppermint, Sage.
• Flowers (uplifting, soothing): Chamomile, Lavender.
• Seeds (warming, stimulating): Fennel, Cardamom.
• Barks (protective, strong medicine): Cinnamon, Willow.
• Berries (immune support, rich in antioxidants): Elderberry, Schisandra.

By paying attention to which part of the plant we’re using, we gain insight into its role in healing.

Herbs by Tradition & Folk Use

Cultural traditions bring another layer of classification. Some herbs are celebrated as culinary staples, others as sacred ritual plants, and many as household remedies passed down through generations.

For example:

• Sacred/Ritual herbs: Sage, Mugwort, Frankincense.
• Kitchen herbs with medicinal value: Rosemary, Basil, Turmeric.
• “Simples”: Herbs historically used alone rather than in complex formulas.

This classification connects us with ancestral wisdom and the cultural stories of plants.

Herbs by Chemistry

Modern herbal science also organizes plants by their phytochemistry—the active compounds responsible for their effects.

• Alkaloids: Potent compounds, often strong and sometimes toxic (e.g., Lobelia).
• Saponins: Soapy-like compounds that modulate immunity and hormones (e.g., Licorice).
• Volatile oils: Found in aromatic herbs (e.g., Peppermint, Thyme).
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that tone tissues (e.g., Witch Hazel, Oak bark).

This chemical lens bridges herbal tradition with modern pharmacology.

Why Classifications Matter

Herbal classification isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a practical way to match plants with people. Knowing a herb’s actions, energetics, and affinities helps us:

• Select herbs tailored to individual needs.
• Prevent misuse (avoiding overly heating herbs for someone already inflamed).
• Combine tradition and science into a balanced approach to wellness.

A Practical Example

Take Chamomile:

• Action: Nervine, carminative.
• Energetics: Cooling, relaxing.
• Organ affinity: Digestive + nervous system.
• Plant part used: Flowers.
• Chemistry: Volatile oils (calming, anti-inflammatory).

Through these layers, we see chamomile not just as “a calming tea,” but as a multidimensional ally with roles across body, mind, and spirit.

Herbs are living beings with unique personalities and multiple layers of influence. By exploring the different classifications, we deepen our relationship with them and use them with more wisdom, safety, and reverence.

At Flowers from my Meadow, we honor these traditions by offering herbs, teas, tinctures, and creams that reflect the many ways plants bring balance and vitality. 🌸

Explore our collection and find your herbal allies here: www.flowersfrommymeadow.co.za