Thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris) warm and dry*

A flavorful spice and a powerful antibacterial, carminative, antiviral, expectorant, antifungal and antioxidant, Thyme is useful for lung congestion and infections, damp coughs, pertussis, colds, influenza, digestive disorders and PCP pneumonia.

Orange Peel (Citrus spp.) warm and dry*

A superb digestive stimulant, carminative, and expectorant that is little used in the U.S. It is a pleasant tasting herb that warms the lungs, enhances expectoration of hot/dry mucus, and is anti-inflammatory.

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) hot and dry*

Increases circulation of blood and qi, improves digestion (stimulates HCL) and is useful for nausea, gas, and motion sickness. This spicy herb is also an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and a diaphoretic. Its anti-inflammatory and expectorant activities make it useful for cold/damp lung conditions.

Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) warm and dry*

Finally being recognized as a major medicinal plant after a long history of use by Native Americans, Osha is antibacterial, an expectorant, and bronchiodilator. It is useful for cold/damp lung conditions, plus it has mild antihistamine activity which makes it useful for rhinitis, head colds and allergies. This aromatic root is also carminative, diaphoretic and an emmenagogue.

Yerba Santa herb (Eryodictyon califonica) warm and dry*

A native of California, this shrubby herb’s leaves are antibacterial and expectorant. Yerba Santa acts as a decongestant to lessen inflammation and dry up the sinuses and upper respiratory tract. It is used for cold/damp coughs, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Bibliography:

Anon.  The Pharmacology of the Newer Materia Medica, G.S. Davis, 1892

Felter, H. W.  The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, J.K. Scudder, 1922

Kuhn, M., Winston, D., Herbal Therapy & Supplements-A Scientific & Traditional Approach, Lippincott, 2001

Moore, M.  The Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Museum of New Mexico Press, 2nd ed., 2004

Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas, HTRL, 8th ed., 2003