Allertonic By Herbs, Etc. Overview & Drug Interactions

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is characterized by its green leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. Stinging nettle has small, stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, which can cause a painful rash when touched. The leaves and the roots of stinging nettle have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as joint pain, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anemia, and urinary tract infections. It is also used as a diuretic and to help with allergies as it contains the compound quercetin. The leaves and stems of the plant are edible and can be consumed as a vegetable, usually after boiling or steaming to remove the stinging hairs, as the plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Licorice, also known as glycyrrhiza, is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is often consumed in the form of candy, tea, and supplements. Licorice has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive problems. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which can have toxic effects if consumed in large amounts. However, licorice can be processed to remove glycyrrhizin, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Many dietary supplements that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice are often simply named 'DGL'.

Euphrasia Officinalis, commonly known as eyebright, is a plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. The aerial parts of the eyebright, including the leaves, stem, and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes. They contain several compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and iridoid glycosides, which are believed to be responsible for the plant's medicinal properties. Eyebright has traditionally been used to treat various eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and eye strain. It also is purported to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the eyes and nasal passages.

Horsetail, also known as equisetum, is a type of perennial herb that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere and has distinctive, jointed stems that resemble the tail of a horse, hence common name. Some species of horsetail are used medicinally and have been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, including kidney and bladder problems, wounds, and hair loss. It is most commonly used in traditional medicine as an oral diuretic (i.e., water pill) for the treatment of edema. It is important to note that some species of horsetail (e.g., Equisetum palustre) may be toxic and should not be consumed. Additionally, some types of horsetail contain thiaminase, which can cause thiamine deficiency with prolonged use.

Mullein is a biennial flowering plant commonly found in temperate and subtropical mountain regions, known for its tall flower stem, which can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has been utilized in traditional folk medicine for its potential benefits in treating respiratory disorders and gastroenteritis. In various cultures, infusions made from mullein leaves and stems have been employed to alleviate these health issues. Notably, the leaves and flowers of mullein have been historically employed to address respiratory conditions.

Elecampane is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. The roots and rhizomes of the plant are used to make medicine. Preliminary research suggests that compounds in elecampane may have expectorant, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to relieve symptoms of respiratory disorders.