Every year, thousands of Americans are affected by bacterial and viral infections. In most cases, it takes a longer period to recover from the problems with the respiratory system.
A lot of people have antibiotics and conventional medicine as their first choice for treating their problems without knowing that they can only worsen their condition.
If you use antibiotics to treat your viral infections, the only thing you are doing is adding up to the body’s resistance to antibiotics.
Even though antibiotics play an important role in the treatment of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, they are usually misused or overused. Antibiotics can be used only in the case of bacteria. In other words, they will not provide the desired results and fight viruses.
So, the best thing you should do is try to solve your problem in a natural way. Herbal remedies were used for thousands of years in order to repair lung damage, heal infections and boost the overall health.
Today, we have the 15 best herbs that will effectively improve your lung health. So, check them out!
15 Herbs That Promote and Enhance Lung Health
1. Licorice Root
Licorice is believed to be one of the most used herbs around the world due to its tranquilizing nature. It was used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to harmonize the synergy of the other herbs.
Licorice can soften the mucous membranes of your lungs, stomach, and throat as well as clean the inflamed mucous membranes that need support from the immune system. Moreover, it acts as an expectorant and reduces throat aggravation.
This plant contains elements that can relieve bronchial spasms, fight free radicals that cause inflammation of the air paths. In addition, Licorice possesses potent antibacterial and antiviral properties and can effectively fight viral and bacterial problems that contribute to lung infections.
2. Coltsfoot
For many years, Coltsfoot was traditionally used by the Native Americans to improve lung health. Moreover, it was used as a remedy in the case of asthma, coughs, bronchitis, etc. It is available as a tea or in a dry form.
3. Cannabis
The process of burning the plant, also known as vaporization, removes all the toxic breakdown of therapeutic elements in the herb. Cannabis is definitely one of the most potent anti-cancer herbs on the planet.
Many studies proved the anti-invasive cannabinoid effects and their ability to stimulate the receptor activators in certain genes. Vaporizing this plant helps the active compounds to improve the natural response of the body and significantly reduce the risk of infections.
Cannabis is extremely effective for treating and preventing asthma due to its ability to open up sinuses and air paths.
4. Osha root
With its roots carry Camphor and other elements it has, this plant was commonly used by Native Americans as a support the respiratory system.
Osha root possesses the ability to provide easier deep breaths by increasing lung circulation. Moreover, it is extremely beneficial in the case of irritations in the respiratory system, such as inflamed sinuses.
5. Thyme
Thyme has potent antifungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties and it is very effective in the case of a virus or bacteria-based infections.
Thyme was a traditional remedy used in the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract and bacterial infections like pneumonia.
6. Oregano
The active compounds in oregano are carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. Moreover, oregano is a great source of nutrients and vitamins essential for our immune system.
All of them are known for their positive effects on the airflow in the nasal passage and in the respiratory tract. Oregano oil can effectively destroy bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, and can provide even better results than most of the antibiotic treatments.
7. Lobelia
Lobelia is often given to race horses to help them take deep breaths. Lobelia was the main remedy used in the treatment of asthma.
It has the ability to thin mucus and break up congestion. What is more, it provides positive effects in the multi-drug resistant tumor cells treatments.
Additionally, Lobelia has the ability to soothe the air paths which in turn allows you to breathe easily. Having muscle-relaxing properties, Lobelia is usually implemented in many cold and cough remedies.
8. Elecampane
Traditionally, elecampane was used as a cleaner of excess mucus that can only disrupt the function of the lungs. It possesses natural antibacterial properties that can reduce the risk of infections.
It is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to bronchitis. Just mix 1tsp of the herb in 1 cup of boiling water, and drink this 3 times a day, for 2-3 weeks.
9. Eucalyptus
With its revitalizing aroma, eucalyptus was commonly used to relieve throat irritations and improve the health of the respiratory tract. Its active compound is known as Cineole, a common ingredient in syrups and cough remedies.
Cineole possesses many benefits. It has the ability to relieve a cough, fight congestion, and treat irritated sinus passages. Moreover, this herb can be used as a support to the immune system due to its potent antioxidant properties.
10. Mullein
Mullein is a herb commonly used by herbal practitioners in order to clean the surplus of mucus, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and clear the bronchial tubes.
Both the flowers and the leaves of Mullein produce an extract beneficial for bolstering the lungs. You can prepare a Mullein tea by mixing 1tsp of the dry herb with 1 cup of water.
11. Lungwort
As you can see by its name, Lungwort is a lichen that looks like a stretched lung tissue. It contains potent elements that can effectively fight pain-inflictive organism that can have a negative effect on the respiratory health. It is usually used to boost lung health and clear congestion.
12. Chaparral
Chaparral is native to the southwest area of the U.S. and it was commonly used to support the respiratory tract and for lung detox. It can effectively fight harmful organism. It contains potent antioxidants that can prevent irritation and NDGA.
Even though it can be usually found in tincture extract, you can obtain its benefits by drinking the tea as well. It will clear the air paths of mucus, and treat the respiratory problems.
13. Sage
For many years, sage tea was used for common respiratory and lung conditions. The effectiveness of sage is due to the essential oil of the plant.
The essential oils (salvene, terpene, thujone, and camphor) provide a rich aroma, so inhaling teas’ vapors from sage can effectively treat sinusitis and lung afflictions. You can also brew an undiluted pot of sage tea and put it in a bowl or vaporizer.
14. Peppermint
Both regular peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol, an ingredient that has the ability to relax the muscles of the respiratory tract and indulge breathing freely.
To be more specific, dried peppermint is a great source of menthol, menthone, methanofuran, cineol, and menthyl acetate.
What is more, peppermint oil also contains other elements, including caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and pulegone. Combined with the potent antihistamine and antioxidant properties of the peppermint, menthol makes an effective decongestant.
15. Plantain Leaf
The plantain leaf has active compounds that possess potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the main reason why many people use plantain leaf to mollify mucous-irritated membranes and pacify coughs.
What is more, plantain leaf has the ability to stimulate the mucus production in the lungs in case of dry coughs, thus relieving it. Consult a herbalist or a doctor for preparation, frequency and recommended doses.
It depends on you which herb you will try! All of them are extremely beneficial and can be found in different forms, including tea blends, prepared oils, and nutritional supplements.
Source: health-and-love-page.com