As we work toward big reductions in our inventory of bulk herbs, pending our move into new quarters, we’re offering a 40% discount on selected bulk herbs—while supplies last. In our last post, we looked at several of these healing plants for their value in enhancing immune function and helping to cut the risk of coming down with colds and flus.
Now let’s consider another group from this list of discounted herbs, traditionally valued for their benefits in relieving cold symptoms, and especially coughs.
Perhaps the best known among these is Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina), harvested from a tree native to many parts of North, Central, and South America that was cultivated by indigenous inhabitants for food and medicine long before European settlement. It’s widely used in herbal and commercial cough syrups to calm the nerves that stimulate coughing, reduce mucus, and promote restful sleep.
Mullein Leaf (Verbascum spp., pictured above) is an herb originating in Eurasia that is traditionally revered for treating lung conditions like chest colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and pertussis. Both demulcent and astringent, it soothes pain and inflammation, calms spasms, and is antiseptic and mildly sedative. These qualities can also make Mullein Leaf useful for conditions affecting the urinary tract and gut.
Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) is likewise famed as a “lung herb,” with soothing demulcent properties, in addition to strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that are beneficial for many other types of illness too. Note—Elecampane Root's unique, pleasingly bitter flavor is winning attention from innovative chefs!
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) helps clear mucus from the lungs, and is recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil as part of a formula for asthma. Used by Native Americans for sore throats, croup, pain, and numerous other complaints, Lobelia is also known as “Indian tobacco,” and contains a compound that binds nicotine receptors and thus can play a part in programs for tobacco cessation.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a savory kitchen herb that some will recall as a flavoring in Grandma’s Thanksgiving turkey stuffing. It has a long history in herbal medicine as an antiseptic and antimicrobial. Sage's astringent, drying nature comes into play for reducing all kinds of secretions, including sinus, nasal, and lung congestion.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is another delicious culinary favorite with impressive healing credentials, from ancient lore right up through current research. It contains thymol, a powerful and versatile germ-fighting and antispasmodic compound that helps clear mucus, quell coughs, and mobilize immunity.
Remember, this special 40% off, while-supplies-last discount on retail and wholesale prices also applies to Alfalfa, Artichoke Leaf, Ashwagandha, Astragalus (cut pieces and shredded), Basil, Black Cohosh, Blackberry Leaf, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Burdock Root, Catnip, Dandelion Leaf, Dandelion Root, Feverfew, Ginger, Juniper Berries, Lemon Peel, Lemongrass, Marshmallow, Motherwort, Mullein Leaf, Oat Tops, Peppermint, Rosehip shells, Spearmint, Valerian, Wild Yam, and Yellow Dock.