When it comes to taking herbs as a form of treatment for illness, it
seems the mainstream belief is that they are not as effective and not
worth taking. While effectiveness of each herb and their use has not
been studied deeply to determine how effective it can be across the
population, the same could be said for most pharmaceutical drugs. Much
of the time, pharmaceutical drugs attempt to mimic a compound that
occurs naturally in nature (herbs) but often bring the risk of side
effects.
Safety is one of the most critical areas of review amongst herbs and
drugs. So far, zero deaths have been reported due to the use and
consumption of herbs. However, pharmaceutical drugs and physician
prescribed medications kill approximately one million Americans each
year. While it is important to note that herbal medicines can be lethal
in extreme doses, it appears their safety is much greater than that of
pharmaceutical drugs.
Interestingly, pharmaceutical drugs are actually adding to the
world-wide issue of declining health due to their side effects and
encouragement of viral resistance. Antibiotics in particular are adding
to the wave of increased viral strength when it comes to certain
infections. Herbs on the other hand can be a useful tool in fighting
infections that have turned into super bugs due to the overuse of
antibiotics.
It is always useful to perform as much research as possible, or as you
see fit, when it comes to both pharmaceutical drugs and herbs prior to
taking them. Just as we would be so skeptical about herbs, we should be
just as skeptical about pharmaceutical drugs. Contrary to popular
belief, the un-popularity of herbs in western culture is due to
scrutinization that comes from pharmaceutical companies and those to can
benefit from the sale of pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs cannot be patented
and owned, only synthetic drugs can which is why many pharma companies
operate the way they do. Seek out the assistance of a Naturopathic
doctor before you use herbs.
Below is a list of herbs that can not only boost lung and respiratory health but can also repair it.
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 used 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 a 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 rootm, 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 well known
to zap acne more so 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 today 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
breathe 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. 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 1600′s, lungwort has been
used to promote lung and respiratory health and clear congestion.
Pulmonaria selections come in all kinds so seek a 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 a herb that fights harmful
organisms. The benefits of chaparral are mostly 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.
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