Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Bacopa, also known as Water Hyssop or Brahmi, is a creeping succulent perennial that can grow to about 20 inches. It features spatula-shaped fleshy leaves and pale blue or white flowers on slender stalks. Thriving in marshlands and along the edges of mangrove swamps in warmer temperate and tropical climates—especially southern Asia—it develops into dense mats on mudflats. This herb has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for supporting cognitive function and treating various nervous system disorders, and it is increasingly recognized in Western herbalism for its brain-enhancing properties.

Elecampane (Inula helenium), a perennial reaching up to 10 ft (3 m), produces bright, yellow daisy-like flowers and broad, pointed leaves. Revered since Roman times, it was linked to Helen of Troy in Greek legend. The root is gently warming, especially valuable for chronic respiratory irritation or infection, as it soothes bronchial linings and encourages phlegm expulsion. It also contains inulin, a prebiotic supporting healthy gut flora.

Eucalyptus, a traditional Aboriginal remedy, is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats, and other infections. It is warming and stimulating, and for many people its scent conjures up days spent in bed during childhood with eucalyptus and other oils smothered on the chest. Eucalpytus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a semi-evergreen shrub growing up to about 2 ft (60 cm), with narrow leaves and clusters of bright blue, two-lipped flowers. Known since ancient times as a “cure-all” for respiratory ailments, it clears congested phlegm and supports recovery from infections. Hyssop also has antiseptic qualities beneficial for cuts, abrasions, and insect bites.

Lobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. A powerful antispasmodic used for respiratory and muscle disorders, it was a traditional Native American remedy for many conditions. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting, as a remedy for worms and venereal disease, and as an expectorant. Lobelia was also smoked as a substitute for tobacco and was reputed to share some of its magical qualities. Indigenous to North America, especially eastern parts of the United States, it grows by roadsides and in neglected areas, preferring acid soil. The aerial parts are harvested in early autumn when the seed capsules are most numerous and are carefully dried. Its use was later championed by the American herbalist Samuel Thomson (1769–1843), who made the herb the mainstay of his therapeutic system, mainly using it to induce vomiting.

Lungwort is a perennial herb growing to 1 foot with broad oval basal leaves, smaller upper leaves mottled with white spots, and clusters of pink-purple flowers. Native to Europe and the Caucasus, it flourishes in mountain pastures and damp sites. The leaves are gathered in late spring. According to the medieval Doctrine of Signatures, which held that a plant's appearance pointed to the ailment it treated, lungwort was effective for chest ailments because its leaves were said to resemble lung tissue. This folk belief, while not scientifically founded, turned out to have merit—the herb is indeed valuable for respiratory conditions.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an upright biennial reaching up to about 6½ ft (2 m), with distinctive gray-green, oval to lance-shaped leaves that are softly hairy, and tall spikes of bright yellow flowers. Leaves and flowers both contain saponins that assist in loosening mucus, making mullein especially beneficial for respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, dry coughs, and congestion. Mullein root is specifically valued for lower back pain and inflammation.

Sweet violet is a creeping perennial growing to 6 inches tall with toothed oval leaves and attractive violet-blue or white flowers with a five-petaled corolla. Native to much of Europe and Asia, it is a common wayside plant also found along roadsides and in woodlands. In classical mythology, sweet violet was associated with death, but classical physicians recognized it as an effective emetic and cough remedy. The 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper noted that violets are cooling and moistening when fresh and green.