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 (Plantago
major) 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.
