Jan 22, 2014 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
With fruit that is similar in appearance to a banana, 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.
Sources:
everygreenherb.com
thegoodnewsnp.com.au
herbvideos.com
John Summerly is
nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader
in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and
most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary
therapies for health and prevention.
