Anti-catarrhals

Anti-catarrhal: removes excess mucous from the body

While mucous is a natural and necessary defense mechanism in the body, the buildup of excess mucous from an infection needs to be cleared out. Some anti-catarrhals will work by thinning out the mucous, making it more watery and easier to expel. Other anti-catarrhals will directly decrease mucous production and secretion at the mucous membranes by their astringent, drying effect. Anti-catarrhals are best used in any upper respiratory infections, especially ear, nose, and throat infections.

Examples:

  • Achillea millefolium (yarrow)

  • Allium sativa (garlic)

  • Baptisia tinctoria (wild indigo)

  • Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape)

  • Capsicum frutescens (cayenne)

  • Echinacea spp. (echinacea)

  • Ephedra sinica (ma huang)

  • Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset)

  • Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright)

  • Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)

  • Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop)

  • Inula helenium (elecampane)

  • Salvia officinalis (sage)

  • Sambucus nigra (elderberry)

  • Solidago spp. (goldenrod)

  • Thymus vulgaris (thyme)

  • Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot)

  • Verbascum thapsus (mullein)