Top 7 Herbs For Lung and Respiratory Health | NativeLifeLLC

Top 7 Herbs For Lung and Respiratory Health

Breath is the Spirit of Life!

In order to live we all must breath in air everyday. In order for us to inhale as much oxygen as possible it is important that we keep our airways clear so that we get the adequate flow of air that we need. Breathe is automatic and is completely out of our control. It is one of our most primal functions. Knowing these facts it is important that we keep our airways clean, clear, and free flowing. We can accomplish this with the use of these herbs.

Poor Respiratory health 

Most of us live in the city and this means that we are continually exposed to pollutants and contaminants called carcinogens like engine exhaust, polluted outdoor air contains dust and traces of metals and solvents that can lead to cancer. Overtime over exposure can lead to losing its filtering capacity. Symptoms of poor air quality include: 

  • Headache, fatigue and shortness of breath.
  • Sinus congestion, cough and sneezing.
  • Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation.
  • Dizziness and nausea.

People most susceptible to poor air quality are: 

  • Individuals suffering from allergies or asthma.
  • People with respiratory diseases.
  • People with compromised immune systems.
  • Contact lens wearers.

Air Quality

Top Herbs For Lung and Respiratory Health 

  1. Mullein 

    Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is native to Europe and Asia but has been well established throughout the United States. Today it grows frequently in disturbed soil, such as abandoned fields, roadsides, and railroads. It is easily found along the Pacific Maritime region of Alaska.

    One study of over ninety herbs concluded that mullein is in the top three for nutrition value. Calcium and magnesium in abundance along with flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils. Mullein contains about 3 percent mucilage, a gelatinous substance that soothes irritated membranes in the body. Mullein’s saponins help the body remove excess mucus from the lungs and soothes the mucus membranes with its emollient properties.

    Upper respiratory problems like sore throats, dry coughs, hoarseness, tonsillitis, or bronchitis respond well to capsules or drinking the mullein tea. Mullein even helps asthma sufferers with its soothing effect on the bronchioles                                                                                                             
    Mullein Lung Health
  2. Black Seed Oil    

    Black seed oil derives from black seeds Nigella sativa that have surprisingly incredible benefits since ancient days. This seed has the reputation of being “The remedy for everything but death.”

    Ingesting black seed oil helps your respiratory health by opening up airways and improving lung health. The anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil make it beneficial for use against asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion and emphysema.

                                                     
    Black Seed Oil
  3. Licorice 

    Licorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

    Licorice root is known to have soothing properties that help soothe and soften the mucous membrane of the throat and lungs. It also acts as an expectorant that helps reduce the irritation in the throat and cleanses the inflamed mucous membrane. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects from both licorice root extract and tea may aid upper respiratory conditions. 

    Licorice Root
  4. Oil of Oregano 

    Oregano has direct, positive benefits on the respiratory tract, coughing reflex and nasal passage airflow. Oregano also contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, vitamins A and C, and niacin. Although these components don’t directly impact upper respiratory concerns, all of them are required by the systems within the body, including the immune system.

    Effective, reliable and safe, organic oregano is naturally rich in carvacrol, flavonoids, and terpenes; all of which are natural decongestants and antihistamines. 

    Oil Of Oregano
  5. Elecampane 

    Elecampane (Inula helenium) can soothe bronchial tube linings and act as an expectorant for lung cleansing.

    Elecampane is used for lung diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. It is also used to prevent coughing, especially coughing caused by tuberculosis; and as an expectorant to help loosen phlegm, so it can be coughed up more easily.

    Elecampane Lung Health
  6. Yarrow 

    Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) has a multitude of uses in the herbal world, and one of them is as an anti-catarrhal herb. This means that Yarrow helps to reduce mucous buildup in the body. Its also an astringent herb that can be helpful in formulas for respiratory aid because it helps to tone tissues and has anti-inflammatory properties.

    Yarrow can also break up mucous and enhance the effects of expectorants. It may even be able to help protect lung tissue from damage, according to one study.

    Yarrow Tea
  7. Elderberry/Flowers 

    The plant known as Sambucus nigra produces the elderberry, also called elderflower or simply elder.

    Elderberries and fits flowers are another astringent herb that also possesses antiviral properties. It supports overall lung health and is often included in herbal syrups for coughing. You can also use elderflowers as a long-term tonic in a tea or syrup to strengthen your respiratory system.

    It is essential to cook berries before eating them to avoid ingesting cyanide, which can build over a long time of consumption and become deadly. Despite this, elderberries are also full of benefits. They are naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, vitamin A, potassium, and other nutrients.

    Elderberries Lung Health

 Sources 

  1. Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 2: Circulation and Respiration, including the Cardiovascular, Peripheral Vascular, Pulmonary, and Respiratory Systems 
  2. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine
  3. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments 
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