Top 10 Plants and Herbs for Optimal Lung Health + Cure Infections and Repair Pulmonary Damage
Viral and bacterial infections affect people across the Northern Hemisphere, and it takes pretty long for most of them to relieve the symptoms in the respiratory symptoms.If you think of choosing conventional drugs and fight these infections using antibiotics, you will not only risk developing antibiotic resistance, but you will also get no results that go in your favor or address the cause.
1. Coltsfoot
Native Americans have traditionally used it to strengthen their lungs for thousands of years. It reduces excess mucus in the lungs and bronchial tubes. It also soothes mucus membranes in the lungs, and may assist in cases of asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other ailments that affect lungs. Coltsfoot can be found in a dried form for tea or as an alcohol extract, or tincture.
2. Thyme
It is potent in the fight against congestion. Thyme produces strong antiseptic essential oils appreciated for their natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Thyme tea eliminates bacteria and viruses, so it will be effective in treating your infection, regardless of its root cause. Thyme has been used since ancient times as a lung remedy. Today, it is also used to prevent and treat respiratory infections and pneumonia.
3. Oregano
Oregano is packed with vitamins and nutrients your immunity needs, but it is mostly appreciated for its carvacrol and rosmarinic acid content. These compounds are known as natural decongestants and histamine reducers with direct and positive effect on the respiratory tract and nasal passage airflow. Oregano oil destroys dangerous bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and it is more potent than the most commonly used antibiotics.
4. Eucalyptus
It is native to Australia, but that does not mean that only Koala bears should consume it. Aborigines, Germans, and Americans have long used its refreshing aroma to improve respiratory health and soothe sore throat.
Eucalyptus is commonly added in cough lozenges and syrups. A compound called cineole provides its effectiveness. Cineole has many benefits – it is a good expectorant, eases cough, relieves congestion, and treats irritated sinus passages. Eucalyptus contains antioxidants, meaning it stimulates the immune system in cases of colds and other diseases.
5. Sage
Its textured leaves release heady aroma, thanks to its essential oils. These oils provide many benefits for the most common respiratory ailments. Sage tea has been long used as a traditional remedy for sore throat and cough.
Its rich aromatic properties arise from the volatile oils of thujone, camphor, terpene, and salvene. You can use these by inhaling sage tea vapor in order to relieve lung disorders and sinus infections. Brew strong sage tea and put it into a bowl or vaporizer.
6. Licorice Root
It is one of the most commonly used herbs in the world. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is added to more formulas than any other herb, because it is believed to harmonize the action of other herbs.
Licorice has soothing effect and it also softens the mucous membranes of the throat, and especially the lungs and stomach. It cleanses inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune support.
7. Plantain
Plantain leaves have been used to relieve cough and treat irritated mucous membranes for hundreds of years. Its active constituents provide antibacterial, antimicrobial effect, anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect.
Clinical trials have revealed its power against cough, cold, and lung irritation. Plantain leaves relieve dry cough by reducing mucus creation in the lungs.
8. Peppermint
Both peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol. It is a soothing ingredient that relaxes smooth muscles in the respiratory tract and improve breathing.
Dried peppermint is rich in menthol, menthone, methyl acetate, menthofuran and cineol. Peppermint oil is also packed with small amounts of limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene, pinene and other additional compounds.
Accompanied with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is powerful decongestant.
9. Lungwort
It is a tree-growing lichen that resembles lung tissue. It not only looks like these organs, but also promotes lung and respiratory health. It has been used as a remedy since the 1600s. Lungwort is able to clear congestion.
10. Chaparral
Another natural remedy used by Native Americans. It is packed with strong antioxidants able to treat irritation. Chaparral also contains NDGA, known for its antihistamine effect. It also inhibits the ability of cancer cells to produce energy. Chaparral tincture provides best results, and chaparral tea is great expectorant.
