Breathe Better

Lobelia

Known to treat asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and cough. Clearing of toxins in the body. It has anti spasmodic, diuretic and sedative properties. Is calming by helping to ease tension, panic and muscle spasms. May reduce inflammation. In china it has widely been used as folk medicine for the treatment of lung cancer. 

Certain health conditions should avoid lobelia including pregnancy.

Ginkgo Biloba:

Key Actions: Circulatory tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic

In western medicine Ginkgo has been used to support poor circulation, especially poor circulation to the brain. Clinical trials in the 1960s established the importance of Ginko in aiding in memory improvement and concentration. Due to its anti allergenic and anti-inflammatory actions, it makes it a particular useful herb for asthma. Also used in conditions where nerve tissue is damaged by inflammation.

Mullein: (Verbascum Thapsus)

Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes. Recommended by herbal specialists for asthma, cough, common cold, bronchitis and COPD. Test tube studies showed that this herb may have some strong anti viral effects. 

Nettle:

Key Actions: Diuretic, tonic, astringent, prevents hemoragging, anti allergenic, anti inflammatory, reduces prostate enlargement (root).

Nettle is cleansing and detoxifying. Can increase urine production due to its diuretic action and the elimination of waste products. Is high in potassium. Helps with skin and arthritic problems. Can slow or stop bleeding from wounds or nose bleeds, is good for heavy menstrual bleeding. Nettle is anti allergenic making it a traditional treatment for hay fever, asthma, itchy skin conditions and insect bites.

Skullcap:

Key Actions: Sedative, Nervine tonic, antispasmodic, mild bitter

It has long been used in north American and British herbal medicine to ease anxiety and stress. Todays uses include as a nerve tonic and restorative properties. It helps support and nourish the nervous system as well as calms and relives stress and anxiety. It antispasmodic action makes it useful for muscle tension caused by stress and worry. Often prescribed on its own or with other sedative herbs to help treat insomnia as well as given for period pain.

Chamomile Flowers

At one time or another we have all probably been told by Grandma to drink some Chamomile tea! Why? Because it has so many amazing benefits. This flower is part of the daisy family and the flowers have long been dried and used medicinally. Its therapeutic actions include anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer, bitter, carminative, digestive, anxiolytic, nervine, sedative, vulnerary, diaphoretic, anti-microbial. It’s main use has been for the digestive system especially when worsened or triggered by stress. Also used for canker sores, colic, diarrhea, ulcers, skin conditions such as eczema, gingivitis, indigestion, heartburn, IBS, pain reduction, reducing inflammation, cold symptoms, lowering blood sugar, diabetes, sleep, relaxation and anxiety relief & easing PMS symptoms. Avoid this herb if there is an allergy to the Asteraceae plant family.

Calendula Flowers:

For those in other countries, this is a common garden plant and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Supportive for eczema, gastritis, burns, stomach ulcers, skin diseases, skin ulcerations. Aiding in the reduction of inflammation and used as an antiseptic, this is a very healing herb.

Peppermint:

Key Actions: antispasmodic, stimulates sweating, antimicrobial, analgesic, carminative.

Traditionally used for digestive issues it has also been used as pain relief especially when it comes to headaches and migraines linked to digestive weakness. The oil is used as an inhalant  and chest rub for respiratory infections.