Lung cleansing & respiratory support - 9 helpful medicinal herbs

Lung cleansing & respiratory support - 9 helpful medicinal herbs

Your respiratory system is constantly working. All day, every day, it is the vehicle through which oxygen enters your body. Unfortunately, it can also be an entry point for pollutants, irritants, dust, mold, fungi, harmful organisms and other toxins. Constant exposure to contaminants can take its toll. Whether you are experiencing the effects of inhaling toxins or simply want to ensure that your lungs are always performing at peak performance, nature has provided a number of herbs and botanicals that deeply nourish the respiratory system.

How do herbs affect the respiratory system?

Herbs that support lung health usually do so through one or more of the following actions:

• Beruhigende gereizte Nasenwege und Atemwege.
• Wirkt als Expektorans, das dabei hilft, die Brust zu verstopfen und Verstopfungen zu beseitigen.
• Entspannung der Muskeln in der Nähe der oberen Atemwege, um einen Husten zu unterdrücken.
• Beruhigung der Freisetzung von Histaminen.
• Abschreckung der Schadorganismen, die Probleme der oberen Atemwege verursachen.
• Bereitstellung einer Quelle von Antioxidantien zur Verringerung von oxidativen Schäden und Rötungen.

9 Best Herbs for Lung Cleansing and Respiratory Health

1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus comes from Australia and is not just suitable for koalas. Aborigines or native Australians first used these tree leaves for gastrointestinal problems, wound healing, fever and respiratory problems. After colonization, Australia began exporting the oils. Many have used the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus to promote respiratory health and soothe throat irritation.

Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough lozenges and syrups. Its effectiveness is due to a compound called cineole. Cineole has numerous benefits – it is an expectorant, can relieve coughs and congestion, and soothe irritated sinus passages. As a bonus, eucalyptus supports the immune system during colds or other illnesses because it contains antioxidants.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

2. Lungwort

Lungwort is a flowering rhizomatous perennial herb that resembles lung tissue in appearance. However, this natural remedy doesn't just look like that. As early as the 17th century, lungwort was used to promote lung and respiratory health as well as significant congestion. Lungwort also contains compounds that are potent against harmful organisms that affect respiratory health.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

3. Oregano

Although oregano contains the vitamins and nutrients needed by the immune system, its main benefits are due to its carvacrol and rosmarinic acid content. Both compounds are natural decongestants and histamine reducers that have direct, positive benefits for the respiratory tract and airflow in the nasal passage. Oregano has so many health benefits that the oil should be in every medicine cabinet. Oregano oil can also be combined well with other healthy oils.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

4. Plantain leaf

The plantain leaf (Plantago major) has been used for hundreds of years to relieve coughs and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Clinical studies have shown it to be helpful for coughs, colds and lung irritation. Plantain leaf has the advantage that it can relieve a dry cough by producing mucus in the lungs.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

5. True elecampane

The Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and even Indian Ayurvedic medicine have cited elecampane (“elecampane” or just “elecampane”) for respiratory support, and since the 19th century, people have made lozenges and cough drops from elecampane root.

The reason? Elecampane has a relaxing effect on the smooth tracheal muscles. There are two active ingredients in elecampane root that have the beneficial effect - inulin, which calms the bronchial passage, and alantolactone, an expectorant with antitussive effects.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

6. Lobelia

Did you know that horses given lobelia can breathe more deeply? However, the benefits are not limited to horses. Lobelia is considered by some reports to be one of the most valuable herbal remedies in existence. Lobelia contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which thins mucus and breaks up constipation.

Additionally, Lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. This relaxes the airways and makes breathing easier. Because lobelia helps relax muscles, it is also found in many cough and cold remedies. Lobelia should be part of the respiratory support protocol.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

7. Creosote bush

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) – also called creosote bush – is native to the southwestern United States and has long been valued by Native Americans for lung detoxification and respiratory support.

Chaparral contains powerful antioxidants that resist irritation and NDGA (Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid), which is known to affect the histamine response. Chaparral is also an herb that fights harmful organisms. Chaparral benefits are most available with a tincture extraction, but chaparral tea may aid respiratory problems by promoting an expectorant effect to clear the respiratory tract of mucus.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol – a calming ingredient known to relax respiratory muscles and promote free breathing.

Combined with the antihistamine effects of peppermint, menthol makes a fantastic decongestant. Many people use therapeutic breast balms and other inhalants containing menthol to relieve congestion. In addition, peppermint is an antioxidant and fights harmful organisms.

Our recommendation: (link removed)

9. Osha root

Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is an herb native to the Rocky Mountains and was historically used by Native Americans to support the respiratory system. The plant's roots contain camphor and other compounds that make it one of the best lung-supporting herbs in America.

One of the main benefits of Osha root is that it promotes blood flow to the lungs and makes breathing easier. Although seasonal sensitivities may cause your sinuses to flare up, osha root, which is not a true antihistamine, produces a similar effect and can help calm respiratory irritation!

Our recommendation: (link removed)

Supplementing with lung support herbs

All the herbs mentioned above are available in various forms such as supplements and tea. 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 be confident that the source is good. If not, it can be difficult to know whether supplements use herbs that are organic, contain pesticides, ethically harvested, maintain clean water, etc. These are not factors for which you can or should assume the best. Ask questions and make sure you get the best product possible. Our recommendations are the highest quality and healthiest products we could find. If there is no recommendation for one point, then we recommend growing your own. Because we could then not recommend any product (in German retail) with a clear conscience.