Cold and Flu Tonic

Contains concentrated extracts of Echinacea, yarrow mullein, hyssop, blue vervian, distilled water, agave necter in a base of grain alcohol and water.

A dietary supplement for relief of symptoms of the common cold.
If you have a healthy immune system, colds should last about 4 days. Herbs assist the body systems to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and enhance immune response. Flu infections are longer and stronger than colds and require more potent treatment than colds. This formula is best for a mild misery cold.

• Hyssop: expectorant
"Indian Herbalogy of North America" by Alma Hutchens states that "hyssop has been used as an expectorant and stimulant for asthma ad bronchitis" in folk medicine and "for colds, la grippe and chest infections."

• Slippery Elm - anti-inflammatory
Slippery elm contains mucilage that is soothing to the throat and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. The University of Michigan health system reports that "Slippery elm has been used orally to soothe irritation or ulceration of the stomach and intestines."

• Mullein: influenza/herpes
Antiviral activity of Flos verbasci infusion against influenza and Herpes simplex viruses.
Zgorniak-Nowosielska I, Grzybek J, Manolova N, Serkedjieva J, Zawili n ska B. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 1991;39(1-2):103-8.
Department of Virology, Medical Academy, Krakow, Poland.
The lyophilized infusion from flowers of (mullein) Verbascum thapsiforme schrad. (FVI) showed antiviral activity in in-vitro studies against Fowl plague virus, several influenza A strains, influenza B strain as well as Herpes simplex virus. Influenza viruses titer decreased by 1-3 log units, while of H. simplex virus by 2.3 log.

• Pleurisy root: lung problems
From University of Michigan Health system:
Traditional Use
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) Pleurisy root was used by Native American tribes both internally as a remedy for pulmonary infections and topically to treat wounds.
1 The Eclectic physicians seized upon these ideas and continued to use the plant primarily for lung problems such as pleurisy and pneumonia. It was also used as a diaphoretic (a substance that causes sweating) for all manner of infections.
2 Pleurisy root was an official medicine in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1905.

• Buckwheat honey - anti-inflammatory
"In a comparison of honey, DM, and no treatment, parents rated buckwheat honey most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child's nocturnal cough and sleep difficulty due to upper respiratory tract infection."
Effect of (buckwheat) honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents.
Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM Jr.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007 Dec;161(12):1140-6.
An in vitro examination of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of buckwheat honey.
van den Berg AJ, van den Worm E, van Ufford HC, Halkes SB, Hoekstra MJ, Beukelman CJ.
J Wound Care. 2008 Apr;17(4):172-4, 176-8.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Adm.

Cautions:
Those who are ill, pregnant, or nursing should consult a physician before using any herbal products. While these herbs have been found useful against many pathogens, and other infections, those with conditions requiring the services of a physician are urged to consult with one. Do not use this product if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Since this formula is put into boiling water, it is safe for child use with smaller 1/2 the adult amount as stated on the bottle.

Contraindications:
No herbal formula is a substitute for qualified medical care. If a condition requires medical attention, promptly seek a health care practitioner. Bacterial infections such as Strep throat, can cause complications such as rheumatic heart illness and nephritis. Some viral infections are serious and could be life threatening. Because of its alcoholic content, this tonic is for adult use only, and it is not intended for women who are pregnant or nursing.