[46] Echinacea contains essential oils and polysaccharides that boost the immune system, leading to a faster recovery from various illnesses.
The tannins and flavonoids found in witch hazel have astringent and antioxidant properties, respectively, which are thought to contract and protect blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation.
[74] Willow bark contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin that has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.
For example, the Thompson people would make a concoction of wood, willow, soapberry branches and "anything weeds" to treat broken bones.
If they wanted to treat a cold, however, the Thompson people would make a decoction of red willow branches and wild rose roots.