Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is most commonly used (in humans at least!) as a soothing tea for the digestion. It is often used in preparations for colic in infants, either alone or in combination with such herbs as fennel. Catnip also works as an antispasmotic and has astringent properties, and can help reduce fever as well.

This is the same catnip used for cats, which will excite and seemingly intoxify susceptible cats. Because the cats do not respond until after they reach puberty, and because of other physiological responses seen in the cats, it is likely that the response for them is more related to hormone-driven ecstasy than intoxification.

Catnip contains volatile oils, tannins, and bitter principle.

Echinacea (usually E. angustifolia and E. purpurea) is a well-known herb commonly used for its immune-boosting properties. Native to the United States, Echinacea was used by the Plains Indians more than any other herb. Echinacea is useful for treating infections, and also as an immune system stimulant. It has both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, as well as being somewhat anti-inflammatory.

All of this makes it perfect as a tea to use when you expect to be around groups of people or to enter a place where the likelihood of encountering infection is high. It is also very beneficial if used as soon as you begin to feel ill.

The effectiveness of echinacea in treating  an illness decreases with the length of time a person is sick before they begin taking it. Using echinacea immediately or within the first 12 hours is best. If you have been sick for 4 days, it is probably too late for it to do any real good and you should consider a different herb. Additionally, it is best not to use echinacea continuously for more than 2 weeks, or intermittently for more than 2 months, or else the immune-boosting effects will be lost.  In some individuals, the immune system can even begin to be compromised if echinacea is used at fairly high doses continuously for long periods.

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) is often used as an immune system tonic. What this means is that it helps to stimulate the immune system, and is able to be used on an ongoing basis. (Many herbs which stimulate the immune system can only be used for a limited period of time before they lose that effect or even have the reverse effect, but tonic herbs can be used continuously.) It also functions as an adaptogenic herbal tea, helping the body to deal with the physical effects of stress. It is often found in combinations that are intended to increase energy.

Astragalus has long been used as a Chinese remedy, and is a key herb in “FuZhen” therapy. FuZhen is concerned encouraging the body to use its natural healing abilities to maintain health and rejuvenate itself.

Astragalus provides the body with several isoflavone compounds, helps with production and secretion of interferon, works as an antiviral in the body, dilates coronary arteries, and has a diuretic effect.