Echinacea fresh root (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)*

Indicated for acute viral or bacterial infection (colds, flu, bronchitis, septicemia, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus.) Echinacea is also used for acute prostatitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and pyorrhea. Locally it is used for infections, inflammation, and abscesses.

Osha root (Ligusticum porteri)*

After a long history of use by Native Americans, Osha has finally gained recognition as a major medicinal plant. An antibacterial expectorant and bronchiodilator, it is useful for cold/damp lung conditions. Its mild antihistamine activity is useful in the treatment of rhinitis, head colds and allergies. This aromatic root is also carminative, diaphoretic and an emmenagogue.

Eyebright fresh herb (Euphrasia canadensis)*

Rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids. It reduces secretions from the mast cells and histamine response in the sinuses. These properties make Eyebright useful in cases of acute irritation of the sinuses, nasal passages and eyes, with profuse mucus, pain and itching. It is also indicated for hay fever, sinusitis, head colds and ear infections in children.

Horseradish fresh root (Armoracia rusticana)*

A rich source of antibacterial sulfur compounds. It acts as a powerful bronchiodilator and antispasmodic herb.

Bayberry root bark (Morella cerifera)*

Long been used by Native Americans and later by Thomsonian and Eclectic practitioners for excessive mucous discharge. It helps dry up boggy mucus membranes, strengthen tissue and re-establish normal function.

Bibliography:

Felter, H. W.  The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, 1922

Moore, M.  Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Santa Fe, 1979

Sherman, J. A., ND  The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 3rd edition, 1993

Therapeutic Approaches to Allergy, Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, vol. 1 #2, 1995, pp. 52-91