Classification of Herbs By Dr.M.Jothimuniyandi

Types of herbs

1. Classification of Herbs By Dr.M.JOTHIMUNIYANDI

2. Herb Herb is an herbaceous plant, defined as a small, seed-bearing plant without a woody stem in which all aerial parts (i.e. above ground) die back to the ground at the end of each growing season . Herbs are plants with savoury or fragrant properties whose leaves or seeds are used for medicinal purposes, flavouring and garnishing dishes, in perfumes.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF HERBS: Herbs are classified in to three main categories. There are: Based on usage Based on active constituents Based on period of life

4. Based on usage According to the usage, the herbs are classified into following: Medicinal herbs Culinary herbs Ornamental herbs

5. Based on usage Medicinal Herbs - Medicinal herbs have curative powers and are used in making medicines because of their healing properties. e.g. Chamomile, Cinnamon, etc. Culinary Herbs - Culinary herbs are probably the mostly used as cooking herbs because of their strong flavours like mint, parsley, basil. Ornamental Herbs - Ornamental herbs are used for decoration because they have brightly coloured flowers and foliage like lavender, chives.

6. Based on active constituents According to the active constituents present in them, the herbs are divided into five major categories: Aromatic Astringents Bitter Mucilaginous Nutritive

7. Based on active constituents Aromatic Herbs - Aromatic Herbs, the name is a reflection of the pleasant odour. They are used extensively both therapeutically and as flavourings and perfumes. Aromatic herbs are divided into two subcategories: stimulants and nerviness . Stimulant Herbs - It increase energy and activities of the body, or its parts or organs, and most often affect the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems e.g. fennel, ginger, garlic, lemon grass. Nervine Herbs – They are often used to heal and soothe the nervous system, and often affect the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems as well. e.g . ginger, catnip.

8. Based on active constituents Astringent Herbs have tannins, which have the ability to precipitate proteins, and this “tightens,” contracts, or tones living tissue, and helps to halt discharges . They are analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, homeostatic, and styptic e.g. peppermint, red raspberry.

9. Based on active constituents Bitter Herbs are named because of the presence of phenols and phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, or saponins , and are divided into four subcategories: laxative herbs, diuretic herbs, saponin-containing herbs, and alkaloid-containing  herbs . e.g . pumpkin , dog grass , yam root,

10. Based on active constituents Mucilaginous herbs derive their properties from the polysaccharides they contain, which give these herbs a slippery, mild taste that is sweet in water . They eliminate the toxins from the intestinal system, help in regulating it and reduce the bowel transit time. They are antibiotic, antacid, demulcent, emollient, culinary, and detoxifier in nature. For e.g. fenugreek

11. Based on active constituents Nutritive Herbs - They are true foods and provide some medicinal effects as fibre, mucilage, and diuretic action. But most importantly they provide the nutrition of protein, carbohydrates, fats , vitamins and minerals that are necessary for adequate nutrition. For e.g . apple, banana , barley grass, broccoli , cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, grapefruit, hibiscus, lemon, onion, orange, papaya, pineapple, and wheat germ.

12. Based on period of life According to the period of life, herbs also can be classified as annuals, biennials, and perennials . Annual herbs In this type of herbs complete their life cycle with in one growing season. Annual herbs are includes Basil , Coriander, Fennel, Parsley, Saffron.

13. Based on period of life Perennial herbs This herbs grow for more than one season and take two years to complete their life cycle. For example, Aloe Vera, Bay leaves, Lavender , Mint . Biennial herbs This kind of herbs are live for more than two season and bloom in the second season only. For example, Caraway seeds, Prime rose, Teasel.

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