Your respiratory system
is constantly working. All day, every day, it is the vehicle for oxygen to
enter your body. Unfortunately, it can also be an entry point for pollutants,
irritants, dust, mold, fungus, harmful organisms, and other toxins. Unless you’re
living in a bubble, the constant assault from impurities can take its toll.
Fortunately, whether
you’re experiencing the negative effects of inhaling toxins, or simply want to
ensure your lungs are always at peak performance, nature has provided a number
of herbs and botanicals that provide deep nutrition for the respiratory system.
How are herbs beneficial
for the respiratory system?
Herbs that support lung
health typically do so by offering one or more of the following benefits:
- Acting an expectorant — which helps break up and expel chest congestion.
- Soothing irritated nasal passages and airways.
- Relaxing the muscles near the upper respiratory system to quell a cough.
- Calming the release of histamines.
- Fighting the harmful organisms that can produce upper respiratory problems.
- As a source of antioxidants, reducing oxidative damage and redness.
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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. Lungwort also contains compounds that are powerfully
effective against harmful organisms that affect respiratory health
4. 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. Oregano has so many health benefits that a bottle of organic oregano oil
should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet.
5. 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. 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. Good
stuff!
6. Elecampane
The Greeks, Romans,
Chinese, and even Indian Ayurvedic medicine have cited Elecampane for respiratory support and, since the 1800’s, lozenges and cough drops
have been produced from elecampane root. The
reason? Elecampane has a relaxing effect on smooth tracheal muscles.
There are two active compounds in elecampane root that provide the
beneficial effect — inulin, which soothes bronchial passage,
and alantolactone, an expectorant with antitussive action.
7. Lobelia
Did you know that horses
given lobelia are able to breath more deeply? Its
benefits are not limited to equestrians. Lobelia, by some accounts, is thought
to be one of the most valuable herbal remedies in existence. 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. 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.
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.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint, and peppermint oil, contains menthol — a soothing
ingredient known to relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and
promote free breathing. 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.
Supplementing with lung
support herbs
All of the above herbs
are available, in various forms, as nutritional supplements and in tea blends.
Additionally, many people grow herbs in their garden and simply consume them as
food. That’s not a bad idea! If you grow them yourself, you can rest easy knowing
the source is a good one. If not, it can be difficult to know if nutritional
supplements use herbs that are organic, contain pesticides, ethically
harvested, given clean water, etc.
These are not factors for
which you can or simply should assume the best — ask questions and verify that
you’re getting the best product possible.
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