The leaves of salal contain several phenolic acids including tannic and gallic acids. They dry out congested tissue.
Think of a sponge – when we squeeze a sponge, water comes out, it dries, and is then able to function better. The tannins in salal help to squeeze fluid out of the lungs and sinuses, as it were, bringing down inflammation and opening pathways to allow for better respiratory function.
The astringent and anti-inflammatory actions don’t limit themselves to the lungs and sinuses, but do affect the throat and upper intestinal mucosa, and through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. I put salal in my Pee Freely Tea formula to help keep urine flowing freely in both men and women.
Salal can be dried or tinctured fresh. Thanks! And as always, I love you and leave you WILD ABOUT PLANTS!
