Herb Groups of the Western Tradition

Traditional Western Pharmacy had a number of groups of medicines that were used in formulas.

These are groups of medicines which complement each other to achieve a common goal. They have similar nature and effects, and so if all medicines of the group are not available, one herb of the group may be used in double proportion to replace another.

The following is taken from Pharmacopoeia Londinensis (London Pharmacopoeia), translated by William Salmon, 1696. In it he lists the standard medicines of the group, along with other medicines of a similar nature which can be used to indicate suitable substitute medicines.

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Two Opening Roots
Fennel, Parsley
To these may be added: Chicory, Endive, Celandine, Squill, Masterwort

Five Greater Opening Roots
Parsley, Asparagus, Fennel, Celery, Sea-Holly (according to some, Butcher's Broom)
To these may be added: Garlic, Onions, Licorice, Angelica, Gentian

Five Lesser Opening Roots
Cough Grass, Sea Holly, Capers root-bark, Madder, Restharrow
To these may be added: Elecampane, Horseradish, Birthwort, Polypody, Turmeric

The Opening Roots are used to open obstructions, promote Urine and clear Phlegm and Damp in particular.


Four Emollient Herbs
Mallow, Marshmallow, Violet, Acanthus

Five Emollient Herbs
Mallow, Marshmallow, Beet, Mercury, Violet leaf
To these may be added: Arrach, Cabbage, Pellitory of the Wall, White Lily, Meliot

The Emollient herbs soothe and soften.


Five Capillary Herbs
Maidenhair, Wall Rue, Spleenwort (Ceterach), Hart's Tongue, Trichomanes (Politricum)

Five Greater Capillary Herbs
Rosemary, Lavender, Peony, Sage, Poppy

Capillary herbs help open the fine vessels.


Three Warm Cordial Flowers
Camomile, Meliot, Dill

Three Cold Cordial Flowers
Violet (or Rose), Bugloss, Borage

Cordial flowers benefit the Heart.

Four Cordial Flowers
Borage, Bugloss, Rose, Violet
To these may be added: Saffron, Spikenard, Rosemary, Clove-Gilliflowers (Dianthus caryophyllus), Poppy

Four Greater Hot Seeds
Aniseed, Caraway, Cumin, Fennel
To these may be added: Cardamon, Grains of Paradise, Mustard seed, Pepper

Four Lesser Hot Seeds
Bishops Weed, Amomus, Parsley (or Celery), Carrot
To these may be added: Cubeb, Dill, Celery, Rocket

The Hot seeds warm the Organs, move Qi and clear Wind and Colic. They especially warm the Stomach, Bowels, Kidneys and Uterus. They are useful for Cold, Phlegm and Damp conditions.


Four Greater Cold Seeds
Pumpkin, Gourd, Cucumber, Melon
To these may be added: various members of the Cucur-bitaceae have been used for the 4 Greater Cold seeds

Four Lesser Cold Seeds
Endive, Chicory, Lettuce, Purslane
To these may be added: Sorrel, Dandelion, Plantain, Chickweed. Arab Physicians often use Plantain, Sebesten seed, Quince seed and Basil seed.

The Cold Seeds clear Heat, relieve inflammation, help clear Phlegm and Damp and help nourish Yin.


Five Myrobalans
Chebulic, Yellow, Black, Emblic and Belleric.

Used to balance, regulate and remove excess of the Humors.


Five Precious Stones
Garnet, Jacinth (Zircon), Sapphire, Sardine (or Carnelian), Emerald.

When Precious stones are called for, equal parts are used. Used in Cordial preparations to calm and gladden the Mind and Spirit.