How It Works

Ayurveda, Sanskrit for “The Science of Life,” is one of the world’s oldest recorded systems of natural health, preserved through the ages on scrolls and manuscripts. In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words Äyus, meaning “longevity”, and veda, meaning “related to knowledge” or “science”. This alternative medicine system began in India more than 5,000 years ago.

The Ayurvedic view of physical and mental well-being—a healthy way of living—has experienced a renewed interest as people take a proactive approach to their personal health.

Ayurvedic philosophy is based on balance and energy, and it incorporates lifestyle, diet and herbs.

Licorice

Chinese licorice root has been a key part of many Chinese herbal formulas for thousands of years. TCM has relied on licorice root to provide respiratory and digestive system support. Most Chinese herb combinations use licorice to balance the other herbs and to promote vitality. It has a reputation for helping the entire body maintain balance and for promoting well-being. Traditional western herbalists use licorice root as a general tonic and as a natural expectorant to clear the respiratory tract and help the body combat cough. Licorice root helps to loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.

Mullein

Mullein contains mucilage, gum, saponins, flavonoids and other beneficial compounds. Mullein’s high mucilage content and mild saponins make it a support for the respiratory system. Mucilage absorbs water in the body and becomes slippery, which may help explain its use for soothing irritation. In the mid-16th century, German botanist Adam Lonitzer praised mullein for respiratory support, for heart health and for other benefits. More recently, in traditional Irish medicine, mullein has been cultivated for use in respiratory support. And according to the European Union Herbal Monograph, its traditional use is for soothing an irritated or sore throat linked to dry cough and cold.

Asian Bayberry Bark

Asian bayberry bark is derived from the Myrica nagi evergreen tree, which grows up to 50 feet tall in the higher elevations in some parts of southeast Asia and China. Bayberry bark, also known as Kaiphal in Traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is commonly used for respiratory system support. Research suggests that Asian bayberry bark provides antioxidant effects and helps promote a healthy inflammatory response. It may also help stabilize mast cells that release compounds when exposed to irritants, helping to combat seasonal threats and promote easier breathing.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as both food and medicine in Asia for thousands of years. Traditionally, ginger has helped with a laundry list of complaints, including cold, fever, joint discomfort, aches, cramps, nervous system support, circulatory health, and digestion. Ginger is revered in traditional Ayurveda and is referred to as “vishwabhesaj” which means “The Universal Medicine.” Ayurvedic herbal formulas employ ginger for its many respiratory health benefits such as clearing upper respiratory congestion, reducing cold symptoms, easing coughs and soothing an irritated throat.

Spiked Ginger Lily

In addition to Ayurveda, both Traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine have used spiked ginger lily root for its many healthful properties, including supporting respiratory health. And people in Uttarakhand—near the India/Tibet border—chew this rhizome to freshen their breath.

Holy Basil

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat immune challenges, fever and respiratory conditions, and to restore balance throughout the body and promote overall vitality. Holy basil supports immune health by improving macrophage activity (the body’s first line of defense), natural killer cell function, and immune signaling. Holy basil also helps relieve mucus congestion and opens the airways.