Hello there from Breathless in Seattle!

I was so looking forward to spring it took my breath away. Literally. I don't know if many of you know this but my asthma is what got me interested in herbs. After spending my childhood in and out of the hospital and on very large amounts of steroids I heard about an herb named horehound that could help to relieve my coughing. Well I drank a cup of the tea and slept through the night without coughing. This inspired me to continue to learn more about how to relieve and revive my breathless body.

Well my asthma hit me hard this last month and I went to western medicine to relieve my symptoms. And it didn't. When you can't breathe you just want the magic bullet to open up your lungs and get on with your life. I don't know if many of you ever read the book Back to Eden. When I first got interested in herbs some 30 years ago it was one of the only books out that wrote about the medicinal qualities of herbs. It came to me that for me my herbals, such as Lung Mend, are my magic bullet. I need to remind myself that when I am in trouble and my breath is short go 'back to Eden' - and there is where relief is found.

Here is a photo of myself at my "not quite yet 50" party.
The breath is one of the most healing qualities we can utilize to create more balance in our busy lives. When you find yourself stressed out - breathe. When you want to say something you might regret - breathe. When someone or something bugs you - breathe. A deep breath is relaxing, energizing, life-giving, and essential. Use it often.

Wishing you health and happiness.

Tierney Salter

Photo: Tierney all dressed up at her "not quite yet 50" party.

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Save 15% with our Allergy Preparedness Kits!

Allergies - Seasonal

Seasonal Hayfever, Allergic Rhinitis, Respiratory Allergies

Somehow when someone with allergies looks at the colors of spring, the flowers blooming, the grass growing long and green, and the trees dusting the landscape with a light coating of pollen - they see this intense beauty but feel absolutely miserable and highly reactive to the abundant landscape.
A person with allergies can react in a variety of ways - sinus and eye congestion or irritation such as sneezing and itchy sensitive eyes, asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and congestion, itchy dry skin such as eczema, psoriasis, and hives.

Clear lung congestion:

Lung Mend Plus Triple Kit - NEW!

Contains the following 1 oz. bottles:

Lung Mend: This product is very helpful for asthma. It helps promote healthy lung tissues and reduces sensitivity. It promotes a more productive cough and helps to bring up thick mucus that is often difficult to dispel. The herbs in this blend also relax an irritating cough that tickles the throat.

Astragalus Plus: This combination contains herbs that promote a stronger immune system response when afflicted with allergies. It also contains herbs that cleanse lymph glands in the jaw and throat area that tend to get congested and sensitive when the body is trying to fight allergies. Astragalus helps restore energy or the body's 'chi' after antibiotics or steroid use.

Herbal Biotic: This product contains herbs that are rich in berberine, an alkaloid that helps resist infection. Often times with allergy induced asthma one is prone to congestion as well as infection. The astringency and tissue toning qualities of its contents, Oregon Grape, Golden Seal, and Yerba Mansa, restore health to inflamed mucous membranes.

Clear sinus, ear, and eye congestion:

Sinutone Plus Triple Kit Contains the following 1 oz. bottles:

Sinutone Sinus and Allergy Support. Promotes Body's Natural Resistance

Astragalus Plus Strengthens & Supports Immune System.

Herbal-Biotic Restores Overall Health to Body Systems.

Clear the skin:

Skin Clear Plus Triple Kit Contains the following 1 oz. bottles:
 

Skin Clear Promotes Healthy Skin.

Anti-Fungal Supports Body's Ability to Eliminate Yeast.

Astragalus Plus Strengthens & Supports Immune System.

Natural Antihistamines:

Along with the herbs above the following supplements are the perfect complement to reduce allergies and sensitivity in the body.

Quercetin/Nettle Plus: Suggested dosage for acute symptoms: Take 3 tablets, two to three times daily in between meals or on an empty stomach. For complete allergy relief take additional. This product contains: Per 3 easy to swallow tablets: Quercetin: 1000 mg  Bromelain: 150mg. Stinging Nettle leaf: 100 mg. Pantothenic Acid: 250 mg. Vitamin C: 250 mg. Magnesium: 66 mg.

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that is often found in grapefruit, green tea, onion, and evening primrose, among other plants. Studies have shown that Quercetin along with nettles work by inhibiting the release of histamines from the mast cells, thereby reducing allergy symptoms such as runny nose and watery itchy eyes. Other conditions that benefit from quercetin are asthma and inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is often combined with bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, which also reduces allergy related inflammation. Quercetin and bromelain need to be taken on an empty stomach. Pantothenic acid: Reinforces defenses against allergies.

Ultimate C: Suggested dosage for acute symptoms: Take 2 500mg. caps 4 to 6 times daily. This product contains Ester C which helps protect the body from allergens and moderates the inflammatory response.
 

What is a Neti Pot?

Neti pots have been used for thousands of years by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine. Also known as nasal irrigation or lavage, Neti pots are used largely for infection and blockage in the nasal cavities due to congested mucus that manifests as allergies, head colds and sinus infections. Traditionally, Neti pots are used with warm water and non-iodized salt to help cleanse and open up the nasal passages. This safely, gently and effectively rinses small particles and debris from the sensitive mucosal lining of the sinuses. Salt is astrigent and helps dry up excessive mucus production. At first glance, many people are intimidated by using Neti pots. One too many experiences getting water up their nose at the beach, and the thought of purposefully pouring water up there is a total turn off! Once they try it, though, they are sold. Here at The Herbalist, we have heard many success stories from customers with perpetually clogged noses breathing freely once again!

Neti pots look like little tea pots or "Aladdin's lamps". They usually have a round base that holds 8-10 ounces of liquid and a long tapered, rounded spout that should fit easily into the nostril. Some Neti pots have a handle, and some have a base that is easy to grip. Neti pots come in either ceramic or plastic. Many people like the plastic kind for traveling. Both kinds work equally well.

Using a Neti pot is easy, but can be tricky to get the hang of. Here are step-by-step instructions for use:

1. Fill the Neti pot with lukewarm water and 1/4-1/8 teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Allow salt to dissolve.

2. While standing over a sink, bend forward slightly and insert the Neti pot spout into one nostril (from the side, not the front) and gently tip your head to the opposite side. For example, if you have the Neti pot spout in your right nostril, tip your head to the left.

3. Relax, breathe through your mouth and allow half the water to flow through your sinuses and out the other nostril. The water will not go down your throat. If your sinuses are clogged, then the water will not flow out, but the contact with the salt water will help astringe and reduce the blockage. When you are done, gently blow your nose.

4. Repeat with the other nostril.

5. Thoroughly wash and dry your Neti pot before putting it away.

Here are some suggestions of other things to put in Neti pots besides salt:

Sinutone or Herbal Biotic: 5-10 drops per 8 ounces of water. These tinctures  can also be taken internally for allergies, head colds and sinus infections. They may burn if too much is used.

Yarrow tea: Cooled to room temperature, Yarrow is an astringent herb that is very effective at reducing swelling.

Baking soda: increases the mucus-thinning action of the rinsing solution, add 1/2 teaspoon in addition to salt.

Order a neti pot in either porcelain or plastic.

Save 15% on The Herbalist's Favorite Supplements!

The following products are eligible for this special discount:

Respitonic
This tonic is specific for relieving upper respiratory tract infections and helping to ease symptoms associated with chest colds and flu. It helps to open the chest and sinuses’, so breathing is easier; helps clear congestion in the lungs, bronchioles, and sinuses; and soothes dry and moist coughs. Respitonic eases symptoms of the flu i.e. upset stomach, achiness, and fever. It can help reduce the symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis, allergies, pneumonia, laryngitis, and cold sores.

Respi-Oil
Respi-Oil is a natural alternative to petroleum and synthetic blends and contains Nutmeg oil, an original ingredient in Vick’s Vaporub®. This aromatic blend of pure essential oils, such as Eucalyptus and Rosemary, help dilate passageways of the lungs, bronchioles, ears, and sinuses’ so breathing is easier. Eucalyptus is widely used to clear congestion associated with colds, cough, flu, asthma, sinusitis, and croup. When inhaled, eucalyptol, the oil's key medicinal ingredient, works as an expectorant, loosening sticky mucus and making it easier to cough up and out of the chest.

Respi-Tea
A soothing tea to calm and coat the throat and stomach. The expectorant qualities of the herbs help to clear congestion in the lung, bronchiole, sinus, nasal, ears and chest areas. Respi-Tea soothes inflammation and discomforts of the upper respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts. This tea can also calm an upset stomach, and stimulates circulation, helping to relieve symptoms of fever, colds, and flu.

This newsletter is for educational purposes only. The theories and formulae presented in this newsletter of The Herbalist's products are opinions expressed by The Herbalist, and as such are not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe, or administer in any manner to any physical ailments. In any matters related to your health, please contact a qualified healthcare practitioner. The Herbalist is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should carefully read all product packaging. All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.