15 Plants & Herbs That Can Boost Lung Health, Heal Respiratory Infections & Repair Pulmonary Damage
by Joe Martino
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. According to stats released by the
American Association of Poison Control Centers, no deaths have been
reported due to the use and consumption of herbs.[4]
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. [2]
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. [3] 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 who 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,
traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, herbologist or ayurveda
practitioner before you use herbs. Like anything, each illness can have
different root causes and it’s always important to understand them
before relying on any treatment to solve the entire problem.
Herb information is courtesy of John Summerly who is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner.
1. Licorice Root – Glycyrrhiza Glabra
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. For people with
high blood pressure this should be taken with caution.
2. Coltsfoot – Tussilago Farfara
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 – Ligusticum porteri
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 – Thymus
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 Inflata
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 – Inula Helenium
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 – Eucalyptus Globulus
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 – Verbascum Thapsus
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 – Pulmonaria officinalis
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. [Source]
13. Sage – Salvia Officinalis
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 – Mentha × Piperita
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 herb – Plantago major and P. lanceolata
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.
