by JOHN SUMMERLY
A wave of viral and bacterial infections is sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere and people are taking longer to heal from an array of symptoms within the respiratory system. If you are resorting to conventional medicine to address these infections with antibiotics, you are not only adding to the problems associated with antibiotic resistance, but you’re also doing little to address the healing mechanisms within your body to address the cause. Herbal remedies not only boost lung health, but they can heal infections and even repair lung damage. Here are 15 of the best herbs to boost lung health.1. LICORICE ROOT
Licorice
is one of the more widely consumed herbs in the world. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine it occurs in more formulas than any other single herb
because it is thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs.
Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat
and especially the lungs and stomach and at the same time cleanses any
inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support. . It reduces
the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is
the saponins (detergent-like action) that loosen the phlegm in the
respiratory tract, so that the body can expel the mucus. Compounds
within this root help relieve bronchial spasms and block the free
radical cells that produce the inflammation and tightening of the air
ways. The compounds also have antibacterial and antiviral effects to
them as well which helps fight off viral and bacterial strains in the
body that can cause lung infections. Glycrrhizins and flavonoids can
even help prevent lung cancer cells from forming which means they can
even prevent lung cancer.2. COLTSFOOT
Coltsfoot
has been traditionally by Native Americans for thousands of years to
strengthen the lungs. It clears out excess mucus from the lungs and
bronchial tubes. It soothes the mucus membranes in the lungs, and has
been shown in research to assist with asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and
other lung ailments. Coltsfoot is available in dried form for tea or as
an alcohol extract known as a tincture.3. CANNABIS
The
toxic breakdown of therapeutic compounds in cannabis from burning the
plant are totally avoided with vaporization. Extraction and inhaling
cannabinoid essential oils of the unprocessed plant affords significant
mitigation of irritation to the oral cavity that comes from smoking.
Cannabis is perhaps one of the most effective anti-cancer plants in the
world shown in study after study to stimulate cannabinoid receptor
activation in specific genes and mediate the anti-invasive effect of
cannabinoids. Vaporizing cannabis allows the active ingredients to
stimulate the body’s natural immune response and significantly reduces
the ability of infections to spread. Vaporizing cannabis (especially
with very high amounts of cannabinoids) opens up airways and sinuses,
acting as a bronchodilator. It is even a proven method to treat and
reverse asthma.4. OSHA ROOT
Osha
is an herb native to the Rocky Mountain area and has historically been
used by the Native Americans for respiratory support. The roots of the
plant contain camphor and other compounds which make it one of the best
lung-support herbs in America. One of the main benefits of osha root is
that it helps increase circulation to the lungs, which makes it easier
to take deep breaths. Also, when seasonal sensitivities flare up your
sinuses, osha root which is not an actual antihistamine, does produce a
similar effect and may be help calm respiratory irritation.5. THYME
Thyme
is very powerful in the fight against chest congestion. It produces
powerful antiseptic essential oils which are classified as naturally
antibiotic and anti-fungal. Thyme is a well known to zap acne than
expensive prescription creams, gels and lotions. Thyme tea has the power
to chase away and eliminate bacteria and viruses so whether your
infection is based on either, it will work. Thyme has been used as a
lung remedy consumed since antiquity and is used extensively to day to
prevent and treat respiratory tract infections and bacterial infection
pneumonia.6. OREGANO
Although
oregano contains the vitamins and nutrients required by the immune
system, its primary benefits are owed to its carvacrol and rosmarinic
acid content. Both compounds are natural decongestants and histamine
reducers that have direct, positive benefits on the respiratory tract
and nasal passage airflow. Oil of oregano fights off the dangerous
bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, better than the most common antibiotic
treatments. Oregano has so many health benefits that a bottle of organic
oregano oil should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet.7. LOBELIA
Did
you know that horses given lobelia are able to breath more deeply? Its
benefits are not limited to equestrians. It has been used as “asthmador”
in Appalachian folk medicine. Lobelia, by some accounts, is thought to
be one of the most valuable herbal remedies in existence. Extracts of
Lobelia inflata contain lobeline, which showed positive effects in the
treatment of multidrug-resistant tumor cells. Lobelia contains an
alkaloid known as lobeline, which thins mucus, breaks up congestion.
Additionally, lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands to release
epinephrine, in effect, this relaxes the airways and allows for easier
breathing. Also, because lobelia helps to relax smooth muscles, it is
included in many cough and cold remedies. Lobelia should be part of
everyone’s respiratory support protocol!8. ELECAMPANE
Elecampane
has been used by Native Americans for many years to clear out excess
mucus that impairs lung function. It is known as a natural antibacterial
agent for the lungs, helping to lessen infection particularly for
people who are prone to lung infections like bronchitis. Herbal
practitioners often recommend one teaspoon of the herb per cup of
boiling water, drunk three times daily for two to three weeks but
elecampane is also available in tincture format for ease.9. EUCALYPTUS
Native
to Australia, eucalyptus isn’t just for Koala bears! Aborigines,
Germans, and Americans have all used the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus
to promote respiratory health and soothe throat irritation. Eucalyptus
is a common ingredient in cough lozenges and syrups and its
effectiveness is due to a compound called cineole. Cineole has numerous
benefits — it’s an expectorant, can ease a cough, fights congestion, and
soothes irritated sinus passages. As an added bonus, because eucalyptus
contains antioxidants, it supports the immune system during a cold or
other illness.10. MULLEIN
Both
the flowers and the leaves of the mullein plant are used to make an
herbal extract that helps strengthen the lungs. Mullein is used by
herbal practitioners to clear excess mucus from the lungs, cleanse the
bronchial tubes, and reduce inflammation that is present in the
respiratory tract. A tea can be made from one teaspoon of the dried herb
to one cup of boiled water. Alternatively, you can take a tincture form
of this herb.11. LUNGWORT
Lungwort
is a tree-growing lichen that actually resembles lung tissue in
appearance. However, this natural remedy doesn’t just look the part. As
early as the 1600s, lungwort has been used to promote lung and
respiratory health and clear congestion. Pulmonaria selections come in
all kinds so seek an herbologist for direction. Lungwort also contains
compounds that are powerfully effective against harmful organisms that
affect respiratory health.12. CHAPARRAL
Chaparral,
a plant native to the southwest, has been appreciated by the Native
Americans for lung detoxification and respiratory support. Chaparral
contains powerful antioxidants that resist irritation and NDGA which is
known to fight histamine response. NDGA inhibits aerobic and anaerobic
glycolysis (the energy-producing ability) of cancer cells. Chaparral is
also an herb that fights harmful organisms. The benefits of chaparral
are most available in a tincture extraction but chaparral tea may
support respiratory problems by encouraging an expectorant action to
clear airways of mucus.13. SAGE
Sage’s
textured leaves give off a heady aroma, which arises from sage’s
essential oils. These oils are the source of the many benefits of sage
tea for lung problems and common respiratory ailments. Sage tea is a
traditional treatment for sore throats and coughs. The rich aromatic
properties arising from sage’s volatile oils of thujone, camphor,
terpene and salvene can be put to use by inhaling sage tea’s vapors to
dispel lung disorders and sinusitis. Alternatively, brew a strong pot of
sage tea and place it into a bowl or a vaporizer.14. PEPPERMINT
Peppermint,
and peppermint oil, contains menthol — a soothing ingredient known to
relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and promote free
breathing. Dried peppermint typically contains menthol, menthone,
menthyl acetate, menthofuran and cineol. Peppermint oil also contains
small amounts of many additional compounds including limonene, pulegone,
caryophyllene and pinene. Paired with the antihistamine effect of
peppermint, menthol is a fantastic decongestant. Many people use
therapeutic chest balms and other inhalants that contain menthol to help
break up congestion. Additionally, peppermint is an antioxidant and
fights harmful organisms.15. PLANTAIN LEAF
Plantain
leaf has been used for hundreds of years to ease cough and soothe
irritated mucous membranes. Many of its active constituents show
antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being
anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. Clinical trials have found it favorable
against cough, cold, and lung irritation. Plantain leaf has an added
bonus in that it may help relieve a dry cough by spawning mucus
production in the lungs.
Seek the advice of an herbologist or Naturopathic Doctor on the
preparation, appropriate dosages and frequency according to your
condition. Many of the herbs above may also be combined for cumulative
effects. All of the above are available in various forms, as nutritional
supplements, tea blends and prepared oils. You can always grow your own
as well to ensure your herbs are organic and ethically harvested.
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