Yogi

Echinacea is a genus of nine species of herbaceous plants, all of which are native to the United States and southern Canada. One species, Echinacea angustifolia, was widely used by the North American Plains Indians for its general medicinal qualities. Today herbalists use the root to stimulate the body's immune system against all manner of irregular conditions. Echinacea increases white blood cell production, making it one of the most powerful and effective herbs for the immune system. Echinacea is a also tissue detoxifier that stimulates digestion and acts to promote perspiration to sweat out toxins. Three Echinacea roots - purpurea, pallida and angustifolia - are used in herbal medicine and are considered to be clinically identical and interchangeable.

Native to Europe, elderberry has been used in European folk medicine since antiquity. Elderberries are high in anthocyanidins - powerful purple pigment compounds that act as potent antioxidants. The berry's anthocyanidins are useful in a range of applications; elderberry helps ease the joints, detoxify tissues and promote better digestion. Elderberry also supports respiratory function, and is used by herbalists to provide relief from the effects of common cold, such as nasal and chest congestion and throat irritation.

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Elecampane is a beautiful tall-growing herb, the flowers of which resemble sunflowers. The plant grows wild throughout Europe, and has been used medicinally for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans recommended elecampane for all manner of respiratory functions, as well as for supporting such diverse areas as digestion and mood balance. Today, this herb is widely used for respiratory health among European herbalists, particularly to help expel phlegm, especially in children. Ayurveda reveres it as a rejuvenative tonic for the lungs.

English Hawthorn Berry, from a small, spiny tree that is indigenous to all of Europe and the Mediterranean region, is the most famous herb in modern Europe for safe and effective support for a variety of cardiovascular functions. The actions come from an assortment of potent antioxidant, bioflavonoid-like complexes in the leaves, flowers and berries. Hawthorn has various favorable effects on the heart and blood vessels. It seems to support coronary artery blood flow and heart muscle contractions, promote proper resistance in arteries and balance circulation throughout the body.

Lavenders belong to the Mint family of plants, which includes many herbs such as sages, thymes, rosemary, savory, oregano, balms and mints. English Lavender Flower, so-called because it formed the basis of England's lavender oil industry in the 18th century, is a beautiful, delightfully fragrant herb that has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, and was once considered an essential item in the home medicine chest. Lavender has been used to lift the mood, help with stress and help promote sleep. It can also help with digestion and minor upset stomach.

Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants by distillation.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia and Tasmania. The leaves and oil have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes in many herbal traditions, beginning with Aboriginal medicine and then spreading to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, among others. Eucalyptus contains antiseptic and expectorant properties, which has made eucalyptus a common ingredient in a variety of over the counter products including inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes. Herbalists also believe that eucalyptus is also broadly immune supportive, benefiting a wide variety of functions, including those of the digestive and urinary tracts.

This all-natural sweetener, derived from the sugar cane plant, provides a healthy alternative to refined sugar. With far less processing than refined sugars, evaporated cane juice retains more of its natural nutrients.