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The body types—ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph—align with the stages of fetal development, and they provide a natural way to describe constitutions in Traditional Western Herbalism. This system, originating from early physiomedical doctors, classifies people based on body size: thin, medium, or large. Each body type influences not only physical tendencies but also psychological patterns and susceptibility to certain illnesses.
In addition to body types, I’ll often refer to tissue states when describing constitutions. Tissue states are a unique aspect of Traditional Western Herbalism, used to assess the energetic qualities of people, conditions, and the herbs that match them best.
The Ectomorph Constitution
Ectomorphs typically have very slender frames with thin bones. However, some people may appear skinny but have a larger skeletal structure, placing them closer to the other two body types. A balanced ectomorph is slender, perceptive, and sensitive. When out of balance, they may experience dryness, cold, nervousness, insomnia, trembling, a small appetite, and digestive issues like gas, bloating, or constipation. Ectomorphs are often creative and expressive but are prone to weakness and restlessness due to their sensitive nervous systems.
This constitution aligns with the ectoderm layer in fetal development, which later forms the skin and nervous system—both commonly delicate areas for ectomorphs. In Southern Folk Medicine and medical astrology, ectomorphs correspond to the elements of air and ether. In consultations, I often examine a client’s astrological chart to understand their sensitivities and potential health patterns.
To combat issues like anxiety, ectomorphs benefit from incorporating healthy fats into their diet, such as coconut oil, avocado, or animal fats. Vegetable oils, especially hydrogenated ones, should be avoided as they can contribute to inflammation. Supporting their nervous system and addressing dry skin is essential. I plan to explore nervous system health in depth in an upcoming show, as I believe it will become an increasingly significant health concern.
Dryness in an ectomorph can manifest as a lack of both water and oil in the body. When ectomorphs become too dry, their bodies may struggle to digest fats, causing symptoms like dry skin, hair, and even adrenal fatigue. Herbs like burdock root can help by aiding fat digestion and distributing healthy fats to the adrenals and kidneys. This, in turn, helps the skin produce natural oils, stabilizing the nervous system and emotions. Healthy fats play a role in preventing anxiety attacks, though addressing underlying trauma and habits is also essential.
Ectomorphs are also prone to low stomach acid and allergies. Often, the adrenal glands release histamines to stimulate stomach acid production, but this can mistakenly be interpreted as an allergy. Adding more bitter foods like arugula or dandelion can help improve digestion and prevent the release of excess histamines. Herbalist Jim McDonald notes our diets lack these essential bitter flavors, which aid in detoxifying the body, especially after winter.
Helpful Herbs for this constitution: American Spikenard – a warming nutritive and strengthens weak nervous system. American Ginseng – used for neurasthenia, dryness, and exhaustion of brain and nervous system. Sage – for dryness and premature menopause
The Mesomorph Constitution
Mesomorphs generally have warm to hot tissue states, making them more prone to inflammation. There are two primary mesomorph types: one has a fiery disposition (often with red hair or a ruddy complexion), while the other has darker features and a more willful nature. In an imbalanced state, mesomorphs may experience anger, heat, restlessness, and symptoms like redness, yellow urine, and indigestion.
With naturally athletic builds, mesomorphs have a constitution linked to the mesoderm, the fetal layer that forms muscles and the heart. They embody the elements of fire and water, often with an oily quality. To support their active lifestyles, mesomorphs benefit from high-quality protein intake. They may experience short, deep sleep cycles and, when imbalanced, are prone to skin issues, heartburn, and inflammation. Quick to develop fevers, they usually recover faster than other types if they allow their body to naturally handle the heat.
Cooling fruits can help mesomorphs manage excess internal heat, and they should avoid spicy foods that can exacerbate anger and frustration. Mesomorphs tend to be sharp-witted, ambitious, and action-oriented, and they often have prominent Mars placements in their astrological charts. Though generally robust, junk food habits can catch up to them over time, potentially leading to health issues with an inflammatory component.
Helpful Herbs for this constitution: Yellow dock – for aging mesomorphs taking on endomorph traits. Linden – For those constantly racing to get things done with quick speech that can’t focus. Ginger – muscle relaxant
The Endomorph Constitution
Endomorphs, when balanced, are relaxed, stable, and grounded, enjoying life’s comforts. In imbalance, they can become sluggish, sleepy, or congested. With a thicker build, endomorphs are associated with the fetal endoderm, which forms organs and glands, and they align with the earth and water elements in Southern Folk Medicine. They may experience issues with retention (like water retention) or stagnation (such as slow metabolism or circulation).
Endomorphs have resilient digestive systems, often tolerating foods that other types find problematic. However, poor habits can easily lead to obesity, diabetes, and joint issues. Including fruits and vegetables with every meal is crucial, as well as foods supportive of joint health like celery seed, cayenne, and yarrow. Since they’re prone to heart issues, endomorphs should limit fried foods, unhealthy fats, and excess salt.
Typically calm and nurturing, endomorphs are sound sleepers and enjoy routine. Imbalance may lead to excessive sleep, weight gain, and even thyroid or hormone issues. Supporting hormonal health can sometimes resolve thyroid problems. Astrologically, endomorphs often have strong earth placements like Taurus or Capricorn.
Helpful Herbs for this constitution: Pipsissewa – for water retention, and kidney and spleen deficiency. Rabbit Tobacco or marsh everlasting (they are interchangeable) – middle aged, adrenocortical dominant men with big muscular bellies. Fenugreek – aversion to exercise, overweight, stagnant lymph nodes
In Traditional Western Herbalism, understanding your constitution helps identify the lifestyle and dietary practices best suited to your health. Tailoring these choices can prevent imbalances and support both physical and mental well-being, ultimately helping you thrive.
