Herbal Allies for Spring & Seasonal Shifts

With their deep green leaves and undeniable potency, nettles (Urtica dioica) are one of nature’s most powerful spring plants. Emerging as one of the first plants of the season, nettles signal renewal and are bursting with vital compounds, making them a staple in spring tonics, and as a spring healthy green.

More than just a wild plant, nettles have a special place in our hearts at Eclectic Herb, as it was our founder, Ed Alstat, who discovered their true potential for seasonal sniffles but here’s the secret: they must be freeze-dried. Unlike air-drying, freeze-drying locks in the full spectrum of bioactive compounds, keeping them as close to fresh as possible. This discovery paved the way for our commitment to preserving herbal potency at its peak. 

Delicate yet powerful, elderflower (Sambucus nigra) is more than a fragrant bloom—it has been revered in herbal and culinary traditions for centuries. Blooming in late spring, its white clusters have long been infused into teas, tonics, and syrups, offering both a distinctive flavor and potent botanical benefits. Deeply rooted in folklore, the elder tree symbolizes renewal, protection, and transformation. In England, it was once commonly planted in yards for the medicinal benefits found in its flowers, bark, and berries. Despite its light floral aroma, elderflower is surprisingly robust, traditionally used to support the respiratory system and infused into cooling beverages, herbal steams, and botanical syrups.

At Eclectic Herb, we go beyond sourcing—we hand-gather our elderflowers locally from the forests of Oregon, where they grow abundantly in the wild. Harvested at peak freshness, we preserve their full potency through freeze-drying, concentrating them into our Sinus Support formula. This method ensures that every capsule captures elderflower’s natural vibrancy and effectiveness. 

Larix (Larch arabinogalactan) comes from a unique deciduous conifer that sheds its needles in autumn and regrows them in spring, symbolizing renewal and resilience. Its key component, arabinogalactan, is a natural carbohydrate known for supporting gut health and immune function. Acting as prebiotics, these compounds help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome essential for overall wellness.

Beyond gut support, larch arabinogalactans play a role in immune modulation, particularly through their interaction with the gut’s immune system. Larch trees also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, recognized for their antioxidant properties and potential to help the body adapt to seasonal changes. In spring, when the immune system is especially active in response to environmental shifts, Larix extract is often used in herbal traditions to help the body maintain balance and promote seasonal well-being. With a growing body of research, Larix extract remains a valuable botanical for immune function, digestion, and seasonal support.

Pungent, powerful, and bursting with botanical intensity, horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) has been a favorite in herbal traditions for its unmistakable zest and invigorating qualities. This hardy root, part of the mustard family, has been cultivated for centuries not only for its fiery flavor but also for its role in seasonal wellness and clearing the sinuses

The secret behind horseradish’s eye-opening potency lies in its sulfur-rich compounds, particularly allyl isothiocyanate, which is released when the root is sliced, grated, or crushed. This reaction produces an unmistakable heat that travels through the nasal passages, triggering an immediate clearing sensation. The sharp vapor works to break up mucus, open blocked sinuses, and promote a sense of clarity, making it a popular addition to botanical blends, herbal vinegars, and traditional wellness tonics.

Here at Eclectic Herb, we take it a step further —we use only the freshest local horseradish, carefully selected and concentrated into our Sinus Support formula. By capturing the plant’s peak potency, we ensure that every capsule delivers bold, sinus-clearing power, just as nature intended.