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	Five Lesser Opening Roots
Fennel, Parsley	Cough Grass, Sea Holly, Capers root-bark, Madder, Restharrow
To these may be added: Chicory, Endive, Celandine, Squill, Masterwort	To these may be added: Elecampane, Horseradish, Birthwort, Polypody, Turmeric
Five Greater Opening Roots	The Opening Roots are used to open obstructions, promote Urine and clear Phlegm and Damp in particular.
Parsley, Asparagus, Fennel, Celery, Sea-Holly (according to some, Butcher’s Broom)
To these may be added: Garlic, Onions, Licorice, Angelica, Gentian

Four Greater Cold Seeds	Four Greater Hot Seeds
Pumpkin, Gourd, Cucumber, Melon	Aniseed, Caraway, Cumin, Fennel
To these may be added: various members of the Cucur-bitaceae have been used for the 4 Greater Cold seeds	To these may be added: Cardamon, Grains of Paradise, Mustard seed, Pepper
Four Lesser Cold Seeds	Four Lesser Hot Seeds
Endive, Chicory, Lettuce, Purslane	Bishops Weed, Amomus, Parsley (or Celery), Carrot
To these may be added: Sorrel, Dandelion, Plantain, Chickweed. Arab Physicians often use Plantain, Sebesten seed, Quince seed and Basil seed.	To these may be added: Cubeb, Dill, Celery, Rocket
The Cold Seeds clear Heat, relieve inflammation, help clear Phlegm and Damp and help nourish Yin.	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	Five Capillary Herbs
Camomile, Meliot, Dill	Maidenhair, Wall Rue, Spleenwort (Ceterach), Hart’s Tongue, Trichomanes (Politricum)
Three Cold Cordial Flowers	Five Greater Capillary Herbs
Violet (or Rose), Bugloss, Borage	Rosemary, Lavender, Peony, Sage, Poppy
Four Cordial Flowers	Capillary herbs help open the fine vessels.
Violet, Rose, Bugloss, Borage	Five Myrobalans
To these may be added: Saffron, Spikenard, Rosemary, Clove-Gilliflowers (Dianthus caryophyllus), Poppy	Chebulic, Yellow, Black, Emblic and Belleric.
	Used to balance, regulate and remove excess of the Humors.
Cordial flowers benefit the Heart.	Five Precious Stones
Four Emollient Herbs	Garnet, Jacinth (Zircon), Sapphire, Sardine (or Carnelian), Emerald.
Mallow, Marshmallow, Violet, Acanthus	When Precious stones are called for, equal parts are used. Used in Cordial preparations to calm and cheer the Mind and Spirit.
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