What's in this blend and why:
Wild Cherry Bark - One of the most treasured herbs of Native American Tribes, wild cherry bark was used as a powerful cough suppressant, particularly for whooping cough, as a general GI tonic, as a treatment for diarrhea, and as a laxative for colds. It has powerful antitussive (cough suppressing) action as well as astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator actions, which help dry up mucus, increase expectoration, ease coughing, and open the airways.
Mullein Leaf is used for cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat.
Astragalus Root bolsters the immune system reduces inflammation and helps to regulate normal blood sugar levels.
White Willow Bark - Often called "nature's aspirin," white willow bark has been used for over 5,000 years as a pain reliever. In 1829, French pharmacist H Leroux identified willow bark's active chemical constituent – salicin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Several other components of willow bark (including polyphenols and flavonoids) have antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties. Some studies show that this plant is as effective as aspirin for reducing pain and inflammation at much lower doses. White willow bark can also relieve menstrual cramps and bring down a fever.
Peppermint has antioxidants that increase circulation and allow white blood cells to travel faster throughout the body, increasing the speed with which your body can fight off viruses and bacteria.
Spearmint can soothe digestion, improve the immune system, protect the body against fungal infections, and lower inflammation.
Skullcap—Native to North America, skullcap was the go-to herb for relieving anxiety and nervous tension. It stimulates the release of endorphins and generally balances your mood. It also promotes sound sleep without unwanted side effects, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized in the morning.
Marshmallow Root - The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used marshmallow root to soothe coughs, sore throats, and congestion. Fast-forward a few thousand years to a 2018 study into cough preparations containing Marshmallow root, which found that it worked in the majority of cases within 10 minutes, leading the researchers to conclude, “The results of the surveys justify the long-established use of Marshmallow preparations for symptomatic treatment of dry cough.”
Elecampane Root - Used as a general health tonic by the ancient Greeks and Romans, Elecampane root is rich in the phytochemicals helenalin, helenin, and most importantly, inulin. Inulin coats and soothes the bronchial passages while acting as an expectorant, helping to reduce bronchial secretions and cleansing the lungs of congestion. Elecampane also soothes the irritation and inflammation that results from coughing, acting as a suppressant. Sesquiterpene lactones in Elecampane have a natural antibiotic effect that may be useful in treating bacterial respiratory infections.
Elderberries are full of antioxidants, are a great source of flavanols, and contain anthocyanins, which help to reduce inflammation and may also have other health benefits. Some studies have shown that elderberries can boost immunity to decrease the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms.