How It Works

Capsicum

Capsicum is one of the hottest spices, stimulating digestion and enhancing blood flow and circulation. Capsicum also provides antioxidant and immune system benefits. In traditional herbal medicine, capsicum has been used throughout the ages for a variety of health concerns, including cough, throat soreness, poor appetite, and sluggish digestion, to name a few. Capsicum contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which can help to loosen and clear congestion (similar to how your nose runs when eating spicy food) and relieve sinus pressure.

Burdock

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), burdock root helps to detoxify the blood and promote healthy circulation. Burdock also stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids to promote efficient and complete digestion. Poor digestion can trigger an immune response which may lead to sinus congestion and irritation. Burdock root is a rich source of inulin, a non-digestible dietary fiber that stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria and promotes gut health. A healthy gut microbiome can positively influence immune responses in the sinuses and lungs.

Goldenseal

Often called ‘the King of mucous membranes’ goldenseal is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to reduce excess mucus and relive mild upper respiratory tract congestion. Goldenseal’s immune-supporting properties are largely due to its hydrastine, berberine and canadine alkaloids. These active ingredients support the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, helping the body maintain strong immunity and providing respiratory system support.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow root is well-known for its soothing properties, especially for the mucous membranes. Marshmallow naturally contains mucilage, which provides demulcent (soothing) effects on the respiratory systems. Marshmallow's tissue-soothing effects have been used in traditional herbal medicine to relieve dry coughs and soreness in the mouth, throat and lungs. It has also been used historically for respiratory support to loosen and expel excess mucus.

Yerba Santa

Yerba santa has long been known to have medicinal properties. Yerba santa was revered by Native American tribes for its respiratory support. It was traditionally brewed into a tea, eaten or used as a poultice. Historically, it was used for a variety of complaints, including respiratory problems, fever, head discomfort, bruises, immune challenges, and muscle spasms. Yerba santa contains substances that help loosen up mucus in the chest, which helps explain its use for coughs, colds, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory complaints.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange fruit extract contains natural compounds that support respiratory passages, including synephrine, which helps promote open airways. Synephrine exhibits properties somewhat similar to the alkaloid ephedrine (used in over-the-counter decongestant preparations) in providing respiratory support, but it acts much more mildly in the body. Bitter orange also helps break up mucus congestion. Bitter orange is commonly used in TCM to reduce excess phlegm and help relieve respiratory congestion.