Baikal skullcap 

One of our favourite herbal defenders, Baikal skullcap is excellent at keeping infections and allergic reactions at bay, and at enhancing our resistance to illness. This herbal root helps clear any heat and inflammation in the body, and effectively aids the body in combating acute or chronic infections – particularly in the respiratory system. A great circulation booster, Baikal skullcap supports natural detoxification processes and keeps the system free of congestion. It is also an excellent tonic for the nervous system, very useful for depletion from stress and anxiety. 

Bupleurum 

Bupleurum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. It supports the body’s anti-inflammatory responses, modulates immune function, alleviates coughs and helps clear respiratory infections. It has antibacterial and antiviral activities. It also supports the liver’s natural detoxification activities, helping clear out any toxins.. It protects the liver, stomach and kidneys from toxic damage. 

Sweet wormwood

The main constituent of sweet wormwood, artemisinin, was first isolated by researchers in 1972, and since then it has become hugely popular as an effective remedy for malaria. Much more widely, sweet wormwood enhances immunity, modulates  inflammation, aids in combating infections and in reducing fevers. It also improves digestion and helps treat digestive infections including Salmonella. 

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a potent immune booster: it increases the number of natural killer cells (which seek and destroy infected or mutated cells), improves T-cell immunity (including supporting the production of antibodies, to fight off invaders) and increases resilience to stress, which compromises immunity. It increases physical and mental strength and performance. Rhodiola supports blood supply to the brain and muscles, improving mental acuity, memory and concentration. It elevates the mood, stimulates your natural defences and increases protein synthesis, which is useful for increasing strength and endurance. Whether your body is fighting a recent illness or a long-term one, this wonderful herb will promote both physical and mental health and help you get on your way back to health.

Liquorice

In addition to soothing scratchy throats and irritating coughs and supporting the body to fight off unfriendly bacteria and viruses, liquorice also enhances the function of the adrenal glands (the bean-like glands that sit on top of our kidneys), which are responsible for production of cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones play a key role in mediating inflammation in the body. Healthy adrenal function is essential to good health and healthy immunity. Liquorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects similar to cortisone — but without its side effects.

Cinnamon

With a wonderfully sweet and aromatic flavour, cinnamon is a great invigorating warming remedy to lift fatigue and low spirits, reduce tension and improve mental energy and concentration. Its essential oil is powerfully antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It inhibits the growth of unfriendly microorganisms in the gut. It helps throw off fevers, colds and flus and other infections. It enhances digestion and absorption and protects the gut lining against irritation, infection, inflammation and ulcers. Cinnamon also stimulates circulation and helps keep you warm in winter, whilst also lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Elderflower

The beautifully fragrant, creamy-white flowers of the elder tree help to relax, soothe and decongest the airways. They are also antimicrobial, making them particularly useful for infections, irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract or digestive system. Elderflower helps reduce fevers, soothes rashes in eruptive infections, and hastens recovery. It is calming and soothing for tension and stress.

Elecampane

The pungent root of elecampane is a warming decongestant, excellent for catarrh, colds, hayfever or bronchitis. It is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and it enhances immunity. It increases blood circulation to the periphery, causing sweating and helping to bring down fevers. It invigorates digestion and absorption and helps clear toxins from the gut. 

Calendula

Calendula is a gentle but powerful healer. It is a natural antiseptic, so it can help prevent and aid the body in dealing with infections, and it is also extremely gentle and soothing to the mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive tracts. It supports lymph flow, reduces congestion, enhances immune action and supports the natural elimination of toxins.

Linden blossom

Linden blossom helps clear out catarrh and soothes the respiratory tract. It is helpful for feverish colds, flu, irritating coughs or bronchitis. As a soothing diuretic, it helps clear out toxins via the kidneys. It is mildly sedative, and as a nervine helps to alleviate tension, anxiety, insomnia, pain, nervous headaches, migraine, restlessness and agitation. 

Wild indigo

Wild indigo is a potent antimicrobial which can help the body to deal with  acute and chronic infections. It enhances immunity and can be very effective when used at the onset of colds, flu, fevers, infections of the respiratory and digestive system, tonsillitis, laryngitis, among other infective conditions. As a mild laxative, it helps clear toxins and infections from the bowels. It also supports the body in combating unfriendly microorganisms in the gut. 

Nettle root