From Dr. James' Teachings
Most misunderstandings about herbal formulas and their uses happen when we try to relate them to specific illnesses they are good for. Rather, we should look at them as building blocks for good health in specific systems and tissues. They build, and then maintain, healthy tissue.
Herbal formulas do not treat illness. Herbal formulas are used to help reestablish healthy tissue conditions in the organs and systems of the body. If the organs and systems are healthy and properly nourished, then bacteria, germs, and all the other things that make us sick have no waste matter on which to thrive. They are unable to increase their numbers beyond our body's natural ability to fight them.
When determining whether an herb is a good substitute for a particular chemical, we must first consider which systems or tissues of the body are weak.
Think of chemicals as a controlling, manipulating, selfish mother-in-law. Now think of herbal therapy as a loving, supportive companion. Your choice is basically between the controlling and the supporting.
In the past, Hay Asz was known mainly for its ability to support those with hay fever. Now I tell people to take it for colds, sore throat, runny nose, cough, congestion, asthma, flu, and other respiratory concerns. Think of this formula not as something for specific illnesses, but rather as a nutritional tonic that helps strengthen and support the entire respiratory system. Hay Asz is intended to nourish the tissues of the respiratory tract, regardless of the particular condition affecting them.
From My Practice
From the time I was little, I remember Mom and Dad opening Hay Asz capsules into a small bowl, adding raw honey, and just a few drops of water, only enough to create a thick syrup. My siblings and I took it this way whenever we had something affecting our upper respiratory system. As a child, of course, I complained. As an adult, I find it incredibly soothing.
To this day, if I develop a sore throat, I often open my Hay Asz capsules and mix the powder into raw honey to make that same thick syrup. I let it slowly coat my throat, and I find it wonderfully soothing.
Hay Asz is one of my foundational formulas. Any time there is an upper respiratory concern, I am almost always going to recommend Hay Asz. Whether I choose Hay Asz or Hay Asz Extra Strength depends on the individual and what I feel will provide the greatest support. From there, I simply add other herbs or formulas as needed to fine-tune the nutritional support for that person's situation.
One of my favorite ways to use Hay Asz is as a tea. It makes an excellent herbal tea, especially when sweetened with a good quality local honey. During times of seasonal allergies, colds, flu, hay fever, asthma, sore throat, congestion, or other upper respiratory concerns, it is both comforting and soothing. I also enjoy opening the capsules into raw honey to create a thick syrup that slowly coats the throat.
This is a formula I use for people of all ages, from infants to children, adults, and older adults. As with all of our encapsulated formulas, I encourage you to drink plenty of water when taking them. When the capsules open in your stomach, you want the herbal powder to become a nourishing tea, not a thick sludge. Be generous with the water you drink. Don't just take a sip with your capsules.
Dosage Guide
A personal note for my clients: If we've worked together recently, please follow the recommendations I gave you during your consultation. They were personalized to your individual health needs, goals, and circumstances and may differ from the general dosage suggestions provided here or on the bottle.
Support Needed
Maintenance
Mild
Moderate
Intensive
Common Amount
1 to 2 capsules once daily
1 capsule twice daily
3 capsules once daily
2 capsules twice daily
Don't be afraid to take enough to notice a difference. Some people do well with just a few capsules, while others need considerably more. In my practice, it's not unusual for someone with significant discomfort to use up to 60 capsules over the course of a day, then gradually reduce the amount as they begin feeling better.
Dr. James would say, "if it didn't work, you didn't take enough."
The directions on the bottle provide a general recommendation. In my own practice, I view those amounts as a starting point, not a limit. During times of greater discomfort, I adjust the amount and frequency according to the level of support the body seems to need.
Traditional Use of the Contents
Hay Asz
Nettle Leaf and Juniper have traditionally been used to help support the body's normal response to seasonal allergies.
Hyssop Leaf has traditionally been used to help relieve sinus congestion and soothe sore throats.
Comfrey Leaf has traditionally been used to soothe the sinuses and help relieve congestion.
Marshmallow Root has traditionally been used to soothe the mucous membranes of the sinuses and lungs.
Elder Flower, Elecampane Root, and Fenugreek Seed have traditionally been used to help relieve sinus congestion, sore throat, headache, and watery eyes.
Oregano and Paprika have traditionally been used to help promote healthy respiratory function. Paprika has also traditionally been regarded as a natural decongestant.
Hay Asz Extra Strength
Hyssop Leaf has traditionally been used to help relieve sinus congestion and soothe sore throats.
Comfrey Leaf has traditionally been used to soothe the sinuses and help relieve congestion.
Marshmallow Root has traditionally been used to soothe the mucous membranes of the sinuses and lungs.
Elder Flower, Elecampane Root, and Fenugreek Seed have traditionally been used to help relieve sinus congestion, sore throat, headache, and watery eyes.
Nettle Leaf and Juniper have traditionally been used to help support the body's normal response to seasonal allergies.
Oregano and Paprika have traditionally been used to help promote healthy respiratory function. Paprika has also traditionally been regarded as a natural decongestant.
Diatomaceous earth is naturally rich in silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring compound that provides a source of the trace mineral silicon. This supports healthy connective tissues throughout the body.