BREATH-FREE

Botanical Medicine as a Nutritional Adjunct for Upper Respiratory Conditions

This unique formula for the relief of respiratory complaints is composed of herbal expectorants that enhance the action of the herb Ephendra sinica (ma haung). Ephedra is a rich source of the compounds ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which exert remarkable nasal decongestant and anti-asthmatic activity.

The use of ephedra in conjunction with expectorants is an old time herbal treatment for asthmas, bronchitis, nasal congestion and hayfever. Expectorants are herbs that modify the quality and quantity of teh secretions in the respiratory tract. They cause the expulsion of secretions and improvement in respiratory tract function.

EPHEDRA (MA HAUNG)

Although used for a wide variety of conditions by Chinese herbalists throughout history, its use in asthma, bronchitis, the common cold, hay fever and sinus congestion began in western medicine around 1924. Much of its activity is related to its high content of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These compounds were isolated from ephedra in teh late 1800's and prepared synthetically in 1927. These isolated components of ephedra are still widely used pharmaceuticals in the treatment of asthma, nasal decongestion and allergic disorders.

LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA)

The medicinal use of licorice in both western and eastern cultures dates back several thousand years. Both cultures used licorice as an expectorant, demulcent and antitussive agent. Demulcents are herbs that sooth irritated tissues while antitussives are herbs that relieve coughing .

Licorice is perhaps the most widely studied plant. Licorice's significant anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating and antiviral properties have been demonstrated in many studies. Research supports the therapeutic use of licorice in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders including its use in asthma, bronchitis, colds, and hay fever.

CAYENNE PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens)

Although capsicum possesses no expectorant action, experimental evidence indicates that capsicum induces a long-lasting desensitization of the lining of the respiratory tract to various mechanical and chemical irritants.

GRINDELIA (Grindelia camporum)

Perhaps the most popular herbal expectorant, this native of North America is often used in combination with licorice in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. In addition to its expectorant activity, grindelia is reported to have anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive and demulcent action.

EUPHORBIA (Euphorbia hirta)

This herb is native to Asia and was used in both India and China in the treatment of asthma due to its ability to relax the bronchioles.

SUNDEW (Drosera rotundifolia)

Used in the treamtment of asthma and bronchitis, it has demulcent, antispasmodic and expectorant activities. Sundew combines well with euphorbia, grindelia and senega (Polygala senega) in asthma.

MARSHMALLOW (Althea officinales)

The marshmallow root is composed of 15-20% mucilages that are very soothing to the lining of the respiratory tract and digestive tract. Combined with glycyrrhiza, it is reported to be of great benefit in the treatment of respiratory congestion with an irritating cough.