The Allergy tonic contains a blend of stinging
nettles, eyebright, goldenrod, elderberry (flower and berry) and lemon balm in a
honey base, flavored with tangerine and orange essential oils. These herbs have
traditionally been used for colds, flues, congestion, and allergies (air-borne
and food based). It tonifies mucus membranes and acts as an expectorant,
mobilizing old mucus. This reduces the likelihood of repeat infections from
microorganisms embedded in the old mucus. The tonic also has anti-microbial
properties, and acts as a mild diaphoretic (which brings fever to the surface)
and diuretic (which eliminates water-soluble toxins). It can help reduce
inflammation and swelling, and stabilize mast cells which reduces histamine
load.
Patients of any age may use this formula as long as the dose is modified
appropriately. For infants, a dose is 5-30 drops; for children 6-12 years the
dose is 1-2 dropperfuls; adult dose is 2-4 dropperfuls. Dose more frequently
when symptoms are their worst, up to six times daily. Decrease dosing as
symptoms improve. Most herbal concoctions are not “long acting”; frequent dosing
over the long term is often more effective than larger doses during acute
episodes. The tonic may be mixed with any foods or beverages.
Urtica dioica (stinging nettles)
– Astringing and tonifying, nettles also act as a diuretic, promoting the
excretion of nitrogenous wastes. It is high in minerals and other nutrients and
helps replace electrolytes when stressed. It is specifically used for sinus
allergies.
Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright)
– Eyebright is a trusted remedy for mucus membranes because of its astringent
and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally it was used specifically for
acute or chronic eye inflammations.
Solidago virgauria (golden rod)
– Golden rod also has an anti-inflammatory effect on mucus membranes. It is used
for the flu, urinary track inflammations, and respiratory infections.
Sambucus nigra (elder)
– Elder flowers and berries have a long history of use in the treatment of
colds, flu, hay fever, and sinusitis. Combined they have diaphoretic,
anti-catarrhal and diuretic properties.
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
– Often referred to as the gladdening herb, lemon balm can lift the spirits and
calm agitation. It has mild anti-viral properties and has long been a favorite
remedy for childhood illnesses.
