Description
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Breathe Easier with ProHealth's Guaifenesin FA™
Guaifenesin FA™ 400mg acts as a powerful expectorant by helping loosen and liquefy mucus. Guaifenesin is derived from a tree bark extract called guaiacum, historically used for its expectorant qualities in the Caribbean region and adopted by European explorers in the 1500's. Note Guaifensin FA™ contains no salicylates, flavorings, dyes, soy, yeast, dairy, gluten.
Guaifenesin Mechanism of Action
Guaifenesin works by drawing water into the bronchi - the air passages branching into our lungs. The released water both thins the mucus and lubricates the airway, facilitating the removal of cold and allergy associated mucus from the chest by coughing, and making it easier to breathe. Guaifenesin is also considered helpful for thinning postnasal drainage from the sinuses and reducing nasal congestion, and so may relieve sinus pressure/ headache. As Dr. Sarah Myhill comments, "Whoever designed the human body needs a black mark for putting in sinuses! They are cavities in the bones of the face with only one entry and exit hole which is easily blocked by catarrh or swollen mucus membranes." When this occurs, less oxygen can enter the sinuses, promoting bacterial overgrowth and causing sinusitis.
Guaifenesin can help to relieve congestion by increasing the clearance of secretions, helping with the mucus membrane's natural job of washing away invading viruses, bacteria, pollen and other potential allergens - "the first level of immune defense." Importantly, whether used to ease the congestion of colds or rhinosinusitis, or to support healthy vocal folds, guaifenesin works best if one drinks plenty of water, as extra fluids increase the flow of water and mucus.