Willner’s Phyto-Tech Herbal Supplements for the Common Cold

Article by Arnie Gitomer

If you’re not familiar with Willner Chemists Phyto-Tech Herbal Supplements, an introduction is in order. Master herbalist Mitch Coven helped us formulate a line of herbal blends that address a wide range of health conditions, using the highest quality ingredients and best extraction methods available. Our reliable and effective cold and flu products were designed to enhance and optimize immune system function, supporting your body’s ability to fight off infections; relieve symptoms of sinus and lung congestion, sore throat, coughs, bronchitis, etc. To help you sort through the many products, we’ve picked out formulas that address specific symptoms.


A fast acting blend of herbs formulated to exert a direct, strong immune push, stimulating immune function when you are already sick. This formula is designed for treatment, rather than prevention, kills microbes, boosts the immune system, and frees breathing. Contains the herbs; Forsythia Fruit 45 mg, Honeysuckle Flower 46 mg, Isatis Root 45 mg, and Licorice Root 13 mg from the classic Chinese herbal formula Yin Chiao. Also contains; Astragalus Root 50 mg, Maitake Mushroom 50 mg, Shiitake Mushroom 50 mg, Fresh Echinacea angusifolia Root 75 mg, Colloidal Silver 15 ppm, 0.05 ml, Garlic Bulb 13 mg, Beta-Glucan 5 mg, Eucalyptus Oil 0.6 mg, Menthol Crystals 1.5 mg. Take 30 drops, 1 to 3 times per day in juice or water. Increase frequency when needed.
                                                 


This new addition to Willner’s Phyto-Tech Herbal Supplements is a pleasant tasting liquid and contains ingredients that studies show can reduce symptoms of colds and flu, or shorten their duration.
    In our July 2016 newsletter, we presented a study showing that zinc supplementation can enhance immunity.  Zinc helps regulate the immune response and supports the function of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that defends the body against infections and cancer. In the October newsletter we also featured an article showing that Elderberry is effective for or treating cold and flu symptoms. Studies show that elderberry helps with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and body aches. Rounding out the formula is umckaloabo also known as pelargonium sidoides; is more specific to the common cold and respiratory conditions, although I'm not sure that distinction is accurate, as ongoing research seems to indicate a more general immune action. (This is why we sometimes recommend products such as ZincImmune Plus, as they have a synergistic blend of various immune enhancing herbs and nutrients). Studies have shown that in one week Umckaloabo resolves acute symptoms in 40-60% of patients suffering from bronchitis. ZincImmune Plus contains the following, per teaspoon (5 ml): Zinc, 15 mg (as Zinc Glycinate); Elderberry Fruit, Organic, 350 mg; Umckaloabo Root (Pellargonium), 100 mg; Echinacea angustifolia Root, Organic, 50 mg; Stevia Leaf Extract, 0.5 mg. Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerine, Deionized Water, Organic Elderberry and Blackberry Juice Concentrates, Citric Acid. Take 1 teaspoon 2 to 4 times at onset of symptoms. Not to be taken for more than 3 consecutive days.



Sinus Decongest contains herbs like Horseradish and Peppermint that exert an immediate, dramatic effect on the sinus area. Sinus Decongest opens and dilates breathing passages, helps thin out mucus for sinus drainage and clearing the lungs. Sinus Decongest will open the most stubborn clogged sinus. The formula also includes Osha root, one of the best herbs for lung and throat infections, is an immune stimulant, bronchodilator and expectorant; and Wild Cherry bark to suppress coughs and soothe lungs. But it doesn’t stop there, Sinus Decongest contains herbs like Echinacea, Goldenseal, Elderberry, Olive leaf, Andrographis and garlic to fight off viruses and boost the immune system. Boneset and yarrow are added to help manage fever. Take 15-30 drops directly in mouth and hold to allow vapors to penetrate sinuses and lungs, then swallow. Take 1-5 times daily as needed. For acute infections take every 30 minutes until relieved. Sinus Decongest also comes as a spray, 2-3 pumps in mouth as directed above.
 

A blend of Ginger and other herbs especially useful for soothing coughs. Makes coughs more productive and clears lungs. Each 1/2 teaspoon provides Ginger Root 268 mg, Fresh Osha Root 100 mg, Fresh Ginger Root 43 mg, Wild Cherry Bark 33 mg, Licorice Root 33 mg in a base of Vegetable Glycerine, Hoeny, Purified Water. Each serving is equivalent to 6,000 mg of fresh Ginger. Herbs are certified organic or wild harvested.
Suggested Dose: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed. Can be diluted in hot water. Shake well before using.
 

Respiratory Complex is a great respiratory remedy for acute colds, flu, sinus infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, smokers’ lung, pneumocystis and general lung congestion. It is a powerful lung macrophage (white blood cell) stimulant to help the lung powerfully address viral and bacterial conditions. It helps clear the lungs of congestion in order to resolve lingering mucus that wants to be expelled. Herbalists believe that If mucus stays in the lungs too long, it becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria to continually live, thus prolonging recovery from colds and flues. For colds and flu, Respiratory Complex is a powerful and immediate lung white blood cell stimulant (Osha, Lomatium). Phlegm is loosened with Licorice, the chest cavity is opened with Lobelia, lungs relax with Wild Cherry and Mullein and Yerba Santa excites the lung cilia to remove the phlegm. This is especially good for spastic cough.  The formula is very effective as a preventive for those who get sick easily and/or anticipate exposure to others who are sick. Taking Respiratory Complex, along with Immune Acute Complex, at the initial onset of a respiratory illness can be very effective in reducing the severity and duration of the condition. Phyto-Tech™ Respiratory Complex Veggie Caps contains Fresh Osha Root, Fresh Yerba Santa Leaf, Lomatium Root, Garlic Bulb, Mullein Leaf, Thyme Herb, Licorice Root, Oregon Grape Root, Echinacea purpurea Flowering Tops, Wild Cherry Bark, Ginger Root, Oregano Oil. Phyto-Tech™ Respiratory Complex Liquid, regular and alcohol free, is similar, but does not contain the Oregano Oil. Oregano Oil adds additional antimicrobial action to the blend.
 


Phyto-Tech™ Throat Spray contains the following: Fresh Osha Root, Echinacea angustifolia Root, Propolis, Thyme Herb, Fresh Spilanthes Flower, Fresh Ginger Root, Licorice Root, Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerin, Deionized Water, Organic Honey, Natural Flavors (Raspberry and Mint)
Throat Spray can be used as a preventive measure, i.e. before lecturing, flying on airplanes, contact with sick people, etc, or at the first onset of a respiratory illness.
For colds and flu, Throat Spray is a powerful and immediate lung white blood cell stimulant (Osha, Propolis). Phlegm is loosened with Licorice and the lungs are opened with Osha. Thyme is specific for throat infections while Propolis coats and helps create an immune barrier. General immunity is stimulated with Echinacea and Spilanthes. Both of those herbs also increase saliva, which pH corrects the mouth and throat to prevent bacteria penetration. As long as saliva and healthy mucus cover the throat, microorganisms such as Strep and influenza will have a harder time penetrating tissue and moving into the body. Licorice, Aloe Vera and honey help to coat mucosal tissue like the throat as demulcents. Ginger increases blood supply to the respiratory tract to bring in innate immunity and help resolve an infection.
Throat Spray may be helpful to athletes, asthmatic and those exposed to high altitudes as Osha will increase oxygen uptake. It is great for high altitude sports. Osha brings blood into the capillaries of the lungs, thus facilitating oxygen uptake via hemoglobin.