You are about to leave the Herb Pharm website. The website will open in a new browser window.
Please select "OK" to continue to the website, or close this box to return to Herb-Pharm.com.
Herbal KnowledgeFeb 2, 2022
8 Under-the-Radar Herbs That Support the Respiratory System*
You might be familiar with some of the common respiratory herbs, like Goldenrod and Thyme. This blog will look at some of the more obscure herbs that aren’t as widely known — but have a rich history of traditional use.*
From Elecampane and Grindelia to Wild Cherry and Yerba Santa, learn more about eight lesser-known respiratory herbs. Beyond their use in herbalism, which dates back to ancient times, many of these herbs have interesting stories linked to cultures around the world.*
Elecampane
With woolly leaves and beautiful yellow flowers that look like tiny Sunflowers, Elecampane (Inula helenium) is in the same family as Sunflower, the Asteraceae. This plant’s history is full of interesting stories. Its species name, helenium, is named for Helen of Troy, the fabled beauty of ancient Greece. It’s said that Elecampane plants sprung up everywhere her tears fell as she was abducted from Sparta.
In Switzerland and France, Elecampane is one of many herbs used to make absinthe, and it was sacred to the ancient Celts. Some call it Elfwort, as Elecampane was linked to the myth and lore of elves and fairies.
You’ll find it as a single herb extract and as an ingredient in Lung Expectorant™ and Rapid Immune Boost™.
- Botanical Name: Inula helenium
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Native Habitat: Europe and Asia
- Parts Used: Root
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Intensely aromatic and resinous with bitterness and acidity.
Eyebright
Native to Europe, Eyebright (Euphrasia spp.) has lovely little flowers that are almost too pretty to seem real — they have yellow centers, white petals and violet or purple markings. Some say they resemble an eye. They earned their common name based on historical use and are part of the Orobanchaceae family.
We include Eyebright as a single herb extract and as an ingredient in Herbs on the Go: Ready for Pollen™, Pollen Defense™ and Kids Sinus Samurai™.
- Botanical Name: Euphrasia spp.
- Plant family: Orobanchaceae or broomrape family
- Native Habitat: Europe
- Parts Used: Flowering herb
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Smoky and slightly bitter
Grindelia
Like Elecampane, Grindelia (Grindelia integrifolia) is a member of the Asteraceae. The plant’s yellow flowers are high in sweet-smelling resins and are very sticky — one common name is, in fact, Gumweed. This is a bit of a misnomer since it's sticky from resin and not gum. You’ll find Grindelia growing in varied environments from near the ocean in brackish marshes to dry mountains. It has long been used by Native Americans.
Grindelia is available as a single herb extract and as an ingredient in our Calm Breathing™ formula.
- Botanical Name: Grindelia integrifolia
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Native Habitat: North and South America
- Parts Used: Leaf and flower
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Balsamic, aromatic and sweet
Horehound
A member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family, Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) has a history that dates back to ancient Rome and Egypt, where it was used in herbalism and to flavor candy and lozenges.
Its genus name, Marrubium, has more than one origin story, not uncommon among plants that have been used across cultures. Some believe it to be derived from the name of an ancient town in Italy, while others link its name to the Hebrew word marrob for “a bitter juice.” With crinkled leaves covered in white hairs, Horehound is believed to be one of the bitter herbs of Passover.
We offer Horehound as a single herb extract.
- Botanical Name: Marrubium vulgare
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Native Habitat: Mediterranean Europe and Asia
- Parts Used: Flowering herb
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Highly aromatic, very bitter and distinctive
Osha
Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is widely used in Native American cultures across the mountainous regions where it grows. It is also called Porter’s Lovage, but some know it as Bear Root, as bears are said to dig it up and eat the roots after hibernation. They also rub some of the strong-smelling plant on their fur.
This member of the Apiaceae or Carrot family (which also includes Celery and Cilantro) is difficult to cultivate on a commercial scale, so ours is always responsibly wildcrafted.
You’ll find Osha as a single herb extract.
- Botanical Name: Ligusticum porteri
- Plant Family: Apiaceae
- Native Habitat: Southern Rocky Mountains and associated mountains of the United States and into Mexico
- Parts Used: Root
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Sharp, intense aromatic quality resembling strong Celery
Pleurisy Root
You might be more familiar with another common name of Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) — Butterfly Weed. This plant is beloved by monarch butterflies, as it provides food for their larvae as well as nectar for adults.
This species of Milkweed contains several resins and was an important herb among North American indigenous communities. A member of the Apocynaceae or Dogbane family, Pleurisy Root is easily recognized by its clusters of bright orange flowers.
We offer Pleurisy Root as a single herb extract (and grow plenty of it for the pollinators).
- Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Plant Family: Apocynaceae
- Native Habitat: North America
- Parts Used: Root
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Aromatic and bitter
Wild Cherry
Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) bark has been traditionally used in herbalism, while the wood is prized by cabinetmakers and woodworkers. The fresh bark smells like Almonds, due to the phytochemical benzaldehyde. Also known as Black Cherry, Wild Cherry was one of the most popular herbs used by Native Americans and later European pioneers. The plant is in the Rosaceae or Rose family and related to many fruit trees, and as the family name suggests, Roses.
We offer Wild Cherry bark as a single herb extract and as an ingredient in Herbal Respiratory Relief™ and Kids Cough Crusader™.
- Botanical Name: Prunus serotina
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Native Habitat: North America
- Parts Used: Bark
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and fruity with a slightly astringent mouthfeel
Yerba Santa
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a member of the Boraginaceae or Borage family. It goes by many names, several of which mean “sacred or holy herb.” Known to some as Mountain Balm, Tarweed and Gum Plant, Yerba Santa is known for being high in phenols and sticky resins.
The herb has an aromatic, balsamic scent and taste, and it has long been valued in Native American herbalism.
We offer Yerba Santa as a single herb extract and as an ingredient in Lung Expectorant™ and Rapid Immune Boost™.
- Botanical Name: Eriodictyon californicum
- Plant Family: Boraginaceae
- Native Habitat: California, Oregon and into Baja, Mexico
- Parts Used: Herb
-
Use(s):
- Traditional support for the respiratory system.*
- Flavor Profile: Aromatic, balsamic and slightly sweet