There’s not much better than a vapor rub/steamer filling your sinuses when dealing with allergies, respiratory illness, or a sinus infection. Why not experience the soothing power of vapors and coat the throat with healing herbs at the same time?
Respiratory IQ is designed to do just that. This unique liquid blend offers pungent herbs like horseradish, garlic, cayenne, peppermint, and onion to immediately vaporize throughout the entire respiratory tract. Powerful immune-support agents like echinacea, elderberry, and olive leaf provide a soothing, healing coating to the throat to offer relief and fight pathogens.
Here’s how these powerful two-pack-punch ingredients provide much-needed relief to an irritated respiratory tract and fight illness-causing invaders at the same time.
Horseradish is a COX-2 and LOX pathway inhibitor, meaning it regulates inflammatory processes within the body (1). Another study observed anti-inflammatory effects within the same pathways and also a reduction of other inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a and IL-6 (2).
One study found that individuals who drank echinacea tea daily at the onset of a cold or flu experienced faster resolution of symptoms than those who did not (4). Another study found that a higher daily intake further enhanced cold symptom resolution (5).
Alkemides, an active constituent of this plant, have been studied for their effects on respiratory tract infection with promising outcomes (7). It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities (8).
Studies also show that elderberry can enhance overall immune function (10) and boost healthy cytokine production, which are the molecules the immune system uses to communicate with and fight invaders (11).
Garlic is also a potent antiviral herb. It inhibits viral entry into host cells, reduces viral DNA/RNA replication if the virus does enter the host cell, and modulates the immune response to help the body's immune system fight and clear it (13). It is also a well-known anti-inflammatory agent that regulates several inflammatory pathways in the body (14).
It is also antiviral against the virus strain that causes strep throat (16). Its effects span beyond the respiratory tract, even showing enhancements to metabolic rate and vascular health outcomes (17).
Several constituents of olive leaf provide antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits against various respiratory illnesses (19). One study showed impressive outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were supplemented with olive leaf extract for 5 days. They have higher oxygen saturation rates, lower inflammatory markers, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature (20).
In addition, horehound is also antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and an antioxidant (21).
Many cultures traditionally use it for various respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, colds, flu, COPD, and asthma, and it has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs (23).
Peppermint has antiviral, antinausea, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties (24). Inhaling peppermint oil was shown to instantly increase respiratory capacity and physical performance, likely by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs (25). Peppermint oil is also a useful agent for respiratory illnesses (26).
One study found that wild cherry bark and horehound together inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation (32).
Research on this herb is still in its infancy, but new focuses of Native American Studies, such as the Native American Plant Research Program of the University of Kansas, are shedding scientific light on the healing potential of this and many other Native American remedies (33, 34).
Yarrow has broad therapeutic uses and potent anti-inflammatory properties, including respiratory system support. A recent study found that it is effective in reducing viral activity of the SARS-nCoV-2 virus in vitro (38).
Respiratory IQ is designed to do just that. This unique liquid blend offers pungent herbs like horseradish, garlic, cayenne, peppermint, and onion to immediately vaporize throughout the entire respiratory tract. Powerful immune-support agents like echinacea, elderberry, and olive leaf provide a soothing, healing coating to the throat to offer relief and fight pathogens.
Here’s how these powerful two-pack-punch ingredients provide much-needed relief to an irritated respiratory tract and fight illness-causing invaders at the same time.
Horseradish Root
If you’ve ever eaten horseradish, you know the distinct astringent feeling of it flooding your sinuses. Horseradish has been used for centuries for sinus and respiratory distress. This herb is so pungent that all one needs to do to be convinced of its potency is eat it, but the studies make for great validation.Horseradish is a COX-2 and LOX pathway inhibitor, meaning it regulates inflammatory processes within the body (1). Another study observed anti-inflammatory effects within the same pathways and also a reduction of other inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a and IL-6 (2).
Echinacea Angustifolia Root
Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea can be found in many gardens. This herb is commonly used as a natural aid for respiratory tract infections, both during active infections and for preventative purposes. It has been shown to stimulate the immune system to fight invaders (3).One study found that individuals who drank echinacea tea daily at the onset of a cold or flu experienced faster resolution of symptoms than those who did not (4). Another study found that a higher daily intake further enhanced cold symptom resolution (5).
Spilanthes
This lesser-known herb is native to Africa and is commonly used for toothache relief. It offers many therapeutic benefits, including boosting and stimulating immune function (6).Alkemides, an active constituent of this plant, have been studied for their effects on respiratory tract infection with promising outcomes (7). It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities (8).
Elderberry
A well-recognized natural immune agent. Elderberry enhances one’s immunity to cold and flu viruses (9) and reduces the duration and severity of them (10).Studies also show that elderberry can enhance overall immune function (10) and boost healthy cytokine production, which are the molecules the immune system uses to communicate with and fight invaders (11).
Garlic
Another pungent culinary food, garlic, has been used for centuries for its vast healing benefits. I possess antimicrobial effects and can protect against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains of bacteria (12).Garlic is also a potent antiviral herb. It inhibits viral entry into host cells, reduces viral DNA/RNA replication if the virus does enter the host cell, and modulates the immune response to help the body's immune system fight and clear it (13). It is also a well-known anti-inflammatory agent that regulates several inflammatory pathways in the body (14).
Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin, the constituent that makes peppers spicy, is excellent for the lungs and respiratory system. One review demonstrated its effectiveness for non-allergy-related rhinitis symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. It also works by constricting the blood vessels of the respiratory tract (15).It is also antiviral against the virus strain that causes strep throat (16). Its effects span beyond the respiratory tract, even showing enhancements to metabolic rate and vascular health outcomes (17).
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract is a powerful upper-respiratory support agent. In one study, high school athletes who took olive leaf extract daily had 28% fewer sick days than those who did not take it (18).Several constituents of olive leaf provide antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits against various respiratory illnesses (19). One study showed impressive outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were supplemented with olive leaf extract for 5 days. They have higher oxygen saturation rates, lower inflammatory markers, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature (20).
Horehound
This herb has been traditionally used by various cultures for lung health. It increases bronchidialation of the lungs, allowing for increased airflow and improved lung capacity (21). In animal studies, horehound also reduced scarring of the lungs caused by antibiotic-induced lung damage (22).In addition, horehound is also antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and an antioxidant (21).
Licorice Root
Licorice impacts many systems of the body, including the digestive, adrenal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. In addition to being another pungent herb, it is antiviral against certain respiratory illnesses (22).Many cultures traditionally use it for various respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, colds, flu, COPD, and asthma, and it has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs (23).
Peppermint Oil
The cooling astringent effect of peppermint is undeniable. That’s why we find toothpaste, muscle-relaxing oils, and lotions and use them to ease stomach aches. But the healing benefits of peppermint are more than just a pleasant sensation.Peppermint has antiviral, antinausea, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties (24). Inhaling peppermint oil was shown to instantly increase respiratory capacity and physical performance, likely by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs (25). Peppermint oil is also a useful agent for respiratory illnesses (26).
Boneset Herb
Another powerful herb for respiratory support, boneset has shown antiviral activity against RNA respiratory viruses (27), including the flu virus (28). It is also an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and mild diuretic (29).Goldenseal Root
While this herb is commonly used for metabolic support, goldenseal also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions (30). It is traditionally said to also help relieve sore throat associated with respiratory illness, though this has not been directly studied.Wild Cherry Bark
Cherry bark has historically been used in traditional Native American medicine. Little research has been done on cherry bark alone, but it is known to be rich in bioactive tannins and various other beneficial phytochemicals that modulate the expression and function of KCNQ5 voltage gates channels found in smooth muscle, including those of the respiratory tract (31).One study found that wild cherry bark and horehound together inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation (32).
Osha Root
Osha is another traditional Native American medicinal herb that has long been used for colds, flu, and immune-boosting properties (33).Research on this herb is still in its infancy, but new focuses of Native American Studies, such as the Native American Plant Research Program of the University of Kansas, are shedding scientific light on the healing potential of this and many other Native American remedies (33, 34).
Andrographis
This Traditional Chinese Medicine herb has long been used for its respiratory-supporting effects. A meta-analysis of over 7000 participants found that it helps to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory illness (35).Onion
Another pungent culinary herb, onion, is often an ingredient in “fire cider,” a home remedy for respiratory illness support. And for good reason. Studies show that onion is beneficial for several areas of respiratory health, including immune function, allergies, bronchial dilation, and inflammation (36).Yarrow Herb
Yarrow is cited as being the oldest known herb used for therapeutic purposes by humans and “one of the most important medicinal plants in the pharmaceutical field” (37).Yarrow has broad therapeutic uses and potent anti-inflammatory properties, including respiratory system support. A recent study found that it is effective in reducing viral activity of the SARS-nCoV-2 virus in vitro (38).
