RSV/LUNG INFECTIONS! New England Aster Tincture

New England Aster is one of our best allies for lung congestion and constriction, whether acute, as in cold and flu, or chronic, as in asthma or chronic bronchitis.  I use the fresh flowers, but I know people are experimenting with roots and young leaves as well.  It is a warming, calming expectorant that brings heat and life to the chest, lessening congestion, soothing spasmodic hacking coughs, and improving our ability to draw in breath.  It’s also a calming, soothing nervine, decreasing nervous tension especially characterized by flights of fancy, anxiety, “what if” rabbit holes, and anxiety felt in the chest or stomach.  This is an ideal every day ally for those of use who feel allergies, anxiety, and weather changes in our respiratory system.  I use it often for acute respiratory infections as well. One of the primary uses of aster in traditional medicine is for its anti-inflammatory properties. Asters are known to contain various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins