This is the most popular herbal supplement in the United States today. Its the herbal equivalent of vitamin C. Nine speices of the plant, also called purple coneflower, grow perennially throughout midwestern North America, as far north as Saskatchewan and as far south as Texas.

Echinacea is a very potent immune system stimulant, a decent fighter of inflammation and viruses, and a mild antiseptic. One phytochemical, inulin, improves the white blood cells' ability to speed to tackle infections (whether viral, fungle, or bacterial).

Other uses are for Blood poisoning, cancer, canker sores, carbuncles, chemotherapy, colon cancer, crohn's disease, earache,goiter, meningitis, scarlet fever, and tuberculosis.

A member of the honeysuckle family, People have been cultivating this small tree, with its clusters of tiny white flowers and blackish purple berries. Elderberry grow in various parts of North America and Europe. The bark, berries, and flowers all have been used to make tonics said to do everything from induce sweating and treat colds to encourage excretion. The phytochemicals in European elder are good viral vanquishers, particularly in the respiratory system.

Elderberry can also help with Bronchitis, breathing problems, mucous membrane inflammation, sinusitis, laryngitis, obesity, fever, and headaches.

As a remedy for bronchial congestion, elecampane has been used since ancient Greece and Rome. In the 1800's, the roots of this pretty, garden flower were mixed with sugar, then boiled and made into cough drops.The plant also was deemed a decent digestive aid. Elecampane, notably the phytochemical inulin, is a pretty good expectorant, assisting users in coughing up phlegm and bronchial congestion. Inulin also aids in maintaining a good balance of intestinal bacteria, helps ensure regular bowel movements, and soothes inflamed tissue.

Elecampane can also help withDiarrhea, dysentery, gas, respiratory problems, diabetes, emphysema, gastric, kidney, liver, and heart disease, tuberculosis, and whoopin cough.

Whether you call it by it's American or Chinese name, this controversial plant is one of the oldest known medicines.Ephedra is a primitive, almost leafless shrub with minute, yellow green flowers.

The North American variants do not contain the medicinal compounds found in those native to China. Its active ingredients, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are strong bronchial dilators and decongestants. They narow blood vesels and constrict other smooth muscles, which is why they're used to treat bed-wetting and low blood pressure.

Other uses are for Asthma, spasms, coryza, incontinence, and obesity.

Eucalyptus, a genus with some 500 species, is on of the tallest trees in the world. Some species-indigenous to Australia and found in varoius parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and India can grow up to 300 feet tall.

The leaves have long been used as a aromatic treatment for respiratory problems, the oil is the next best thing to smelling salts. The vapors help break up phlegm and bronchial congestion, Its cineole is an antiseptic, eucalyptus is the active ingredient in Vicks VapoRub and other decongestants. Eucalyptus can alsp help with, Asthma, arthritit, dysentery, gallbladder problems,diabetes, intestinal disease, scarlet fever, liver disease, measles, croup, and whooping cough.

Native Americans used all parts of this plant for various teas, tonics, and poultices, and its the best source of natural medicine. Evening primrose's therapeutic value comes of its rich concentrations of three nutrients. The seed oil contains gamma-linoleic acid, (GLA) an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture a prostaglandin vital to soothing inflammation and supporting the immune system. It also helps keep blood flowing freely, reduces high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.

GLA is helpful against arthritis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, eczma, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, and premenstrual tension, among other conditions. Its also been shown to prevent and reverse impairment of diabetic neuropathy. It also contains, the bioflavonoid quercetin, which keeps blood vessels healthy, improves circulation, and eases asthma.

Eyebright grows naturally throughout the northwestern part of North America, boasts almost 200 siblings. They're tiny, no more than about 6 or so inches tall, with small, red-tinged, white flowers that somewhat resemble bloodshot eyes. It also helps keep blood flowing freely, reduces high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.

Certain phytochemicals in eyebright display antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent qualities.

Eyebright can also help with Blepharitis(eyelid inflammation), colds congestion, coughing, hoarseness, pinkeye, sinusitis, sore throat, styes.