Vitabiotic

A Formula Honoring a Teacher’s Wisdom

Vitabiotic holds a special place in Eclectic’s history as one of our very first products. Its story began with four graduate naturopathic doctors at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine who wanted to honor their beloved teacher, Dr. Turska — a legendary physician known for his effective immune formula used successfully in his clinic for many years. Inspired by his work, the doctors collaborated to recreate the herbal blend that supports the body’s natural defenses.

When Ed Alstat produced the original Vitabiotic, it quickly became a cornerstone of Eclectic’s product line — bridging the wisdom of old-school naturopathic practice with modern science and accessibility. For over four decades, Vitabiotic has supported families through every season.

Then & Now: A classic Eclectic creation — born from mentorship, refined by students, and trusted by families for generations to maintain wellness and vitality.

Freeze-dried Nettles

The Accidental Discovery that Changed Everything

One of the most remarkable moments in Eclectic’s history began by chance. In our early days, Ed Alstat was exploring the potential of freeze-drying to preserve herbs in their most potent form. One day, our company accountant accidentally took a jar of freeze-dried Nettles instead of Echinacea — and soon after, noticed his allergies had completely cleared. That happy accident sparked Ed’s curiosity, and with the help of Dr. Paul Mittman at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, he initiated one of the first studies on freeze-dried Nettles for allergy support.

The results confirmed what Ed’s discovery suggested: freeze-dried Nettles are uniquely effective for seasonal allergies, retaining compounds that are lost in other drying methods. Today, people around the world rely on Eclectic’s freeze-dried Nettles — the original formula born from curiosity, innovation, and a bit of serendipity.

Then & Now: Still wildcrafted in Oregon and freeze-dried fresh to preserve their natural green vitality and allergy-supportive properties.

Lomatium Isolate

The Breakthrough That Defined a Legacy

This product is consistently at the top of our best seller list, and as winter approaches, one herb continues to stand out for immune support — Lomatium dissectum. Used for generations and famously relied on during the 1917 influenza epidemic, Lomatium has a long history of helping the body stay resilient through seasonal challenges.

Our founder, Dr. Ed Alstat, first learned about Lomatium in the late 1970s from his teacher, Dr. John Bastyr, at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Fascinated by its potential, he began researching ways to make it more effective and easier to tolerate. He connected with a physician who had spent his life trying to isolate the key compounds of Lomatium and, after trying the method himself, successfully created a pure isolate. When he called to share the news, the doctor was furious — his process wasn’t yet perfected — but Ed had achieved what few others could.

Using his pharmaceutical background and dedication to precision, Ed refined the process himself, creating a pioneering Lomatium Isolate that retained the herb’s active compounds while removing the resins often responsible for skin irritation. The result was a formula unlike any other — potent, pure, and remarkably well-tolerated.

Then & Now: First featured in the Journal of Complementary Medicine in 1987, Lomatium Isolate continues to embody Ed’s spirit of innovation — honoring herbal tradition through science and creativity.

Freeze-Dried Echinacea

The Freshest Way to Stay Well

Echinacea has been at the heart of Eclectic Herb since the very beginning. Long before it became a popular immune herb, Native American healers used fresh Echinacea angustifolia root to help the body stay strong and resilient. They knew that using the root fresh — not dried or made into tinctures — gave the best results.

Our founder, Dr. Ed Alstat, shared that same belief. As a naturopathic physician and pharmacist, he knew that Echinacea angustifolia is naturally more concentrated and potent than the more common Echinacea purpurea. His goal was to find a way to preserve that fresh power so people could experience the plant just as nature intended.

Freeze-drying was the answer. By gently removing moisture without heat, the process keeps the herb’s full color, aroma, and active compounds intact — capturing the vitality of the fresh root in every capsule.

Then & Now: Still made from freshly harvested Echinacea angustifolia and freeze-dried at peak freshness in Oregon, this classic formula remains one of our most trusted immune allies — pure, powerful, and close to nature.