Herb Groups of the Western Tradition

Traditional Western Pharmacy had a number of groups of medicines that were often 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.

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 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.

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

Three Warm Cordial Flowers

Camomile, Meliot, Dill

Three Cold Cordial Flowers

Violet (or Rose), Bugloss, Borage

Four Cordial Flowers

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

Cordial flowers benefit the Heart.

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.

The Three Peppers

Black Pepper, White Pepper, Long Pepper

The Three Balsams

Balsam fruit, Balsam wood, Balsam gum

Four Carminative Herbs

Camomile, Dill, Meliot, Rue

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.

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 cheer the Mind and Spirit.