Alterative

[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]

Alteratives work by gradually restoring proper functioning to the body's metabolism to bring about balance. 

How Alterative Work 

Alteratives improve the metabolism, which in turn, nourishes and purifies the blood. This allows cells, tissues, and organs to improve physiological functions and improve overall health. 

Alteratives stimulate the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands, improving functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. They move fluids within the body and remove stagnation. 

Alteratives are similar to tonics and depuratives.  

Consequences of Herbs with Alterative Properties  

• Increased overall energy, strength, and vitality.  

• Improved absorption and assimilation of nutrients.  

• Promoted lymphatic flow.  

• Improved detoxification by the liver and kidneys.  

Excess use of alterative herbs may cause frequent urination.  

Alterative Are Beneficial For 

-The integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.  

-Chronic disease and wasting diseases.   

-Cleansing the chakras and releasing emotional stagnation.  

List of Herbs with Alterative Properties  

• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) 

• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) 

• Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) 

• Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)  

• Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) 

• Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

• Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

• Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

• Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) 

• Blue flag Iris (Iris versicolor) 

• Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) 

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) –Highly effective  

• Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) 

• Celery (Apium graveolens)

• Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)  

• Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla)  

• Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) 

• Chickweed (Stellaria media) 

• Chili Pepper (capsicum annum) 

• Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) 

• Cleavers (Galium aparine)–Highly effective  

• Damiana (Turnera diffusa) 

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) –Highly effective  

• Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) 

• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp)

• Elecampane (Inula helenium) 

• Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) 

•  Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) 

•  Garlic (Allium sativum) 

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)  

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba) 

• Ginseng (Panax, various species)  

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)  

• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) -Highly effective 

• Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)  

• Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)  

• Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) 

• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)  

• Myrrh (Commiphora, various species)  

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)  

• Nettle, Stinging (Urtica dioica)   -Highly effective  

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

• Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)  

• Pokewood (Phytolacca decandra) 

• Red clover (Trifolium pratense) –Highly effective 

•  Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

• Sarsaparilla (Smilex ornata)

• Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea)  

• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) 

• Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)  

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 

• Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos una ursi)

• White willow (Salix alba)

• Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) 

• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 

• Wood betony (Stachys officinalis)

• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)  

• Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) –Highly effective  

• Yucca (Yucca ssp.) 

Sincerely,

Emilee Wright

A Mercurial Consciousness