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| may produce adverse side effects, but while the theoretical consequences of hydrastine poisoning include respiratory failure, convulsions, miscarriage, the overproduction of white blood cells, depression of the spinal cord and even death, these side effects have not been reported in real life. Considering goldenseal's extraordinary popularity and wide use, most practitioners of herbal medicine consider it safe to use, especially for short periods in the treatment of acute conditions. |
| Grindelia (Grindelia spp.). |
| Grindelia relaxes smooth muscles as well as heart muscles, making it effective in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma when they are linked to rapid heartbeat and nervousness. Grindelia also treats whooping cough and upper respiratory congestion. Because of its relaxing influence on the heart, grindelia may lower blood pressure. |
| Horehound (Marrubium vulgare). |
| Once a popular candy and lozenge ingredient, horehound is a sharply bitter herb with a distinctive flavor. Because of its powerful expectorant properties, horehound is an effective treatment for bronchitis, especially "dry" bronchitis with an unproductive cough. Horehound is an antispasmodic as well as an expectorant, so it soothes and relaxes bronchial muscles while promoting mucus production and its removal. |
| The plant is so bitter than it's rarely used alone. Dried horehound or its tincture can be added to any herbal tea or syrup. Horehound is probably best known for the cough drops it used to flavor, and while authentic, old-fashioned horehound candy may be hard to find today, it's easy to make your own. |
| To make horehound candy cough drops, pour 5 cups boiling water over 4 cups loosely packed horehound, or a blend of 2 cups horehound and 2 cups coltsfoot, or a blend of horehound, sage and thymeor, for that matter, any throat-soothing herbs. Let the tea steep until cool. The tea will be dark, strong and very bitter. Combine 4 cups tea with 4 cups sugar, 1-1/4 cup |
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