10 Plants and Herbs That Boost Lung Health, Heal Respiratory Infections And Even Repair Pulmonary Damage

Increasing air pollution is responsible for the expanding variety of lung problems worldwide. The raising incidence of microbial as well as viral infections is further aggravating breathing ailments. As an increasing number of strains of germs are becoming resistant to conventional pharmacological antibiotic medicines, it is taking a longer time to heal pulmonary infections. Nevertheless, the value of natural herbal treatments for lung issues is commonly overlooked.

Source: iloveherbalism.com

For centuries, the traditional natural medicine throughout the globe have been utilizing natural herbs to treat respiratory health problems. Also modern studies have actually recognized the efficiency of a variety of herbs in treating breathing diseases, repairing lung damage as well as improving pulmonary function. They could be utilized as options to pharmacological medicines to help relief from lung issues.

Here are top 10  herbs and plants that can help you heal respiratory infections.

1. LICORICE ROOT

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.

2. COLTSFOOT

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

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

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.

5. THYME

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 a well known to zap acne 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 to day to prevent and treat respiratory tract infections and bacterial infection pneumonia.

6. EUCALYPTUS

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, which works to ease cough, fight congestion and soothe irritated sinus passages.

Eucalyptus also contains antioxidants that support the immune system during an illness.

7. 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 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.

8. OREGANO

Oregano herb contains vitamins and nutrients essential for the immune system. It contains compounds like rosemarinic acid and carvacrol, which are natural decongestants (relieves nasal congestion) and histamine reducers.

Both have positive effects on the respiratory tract and nasal passage airflow.

9. PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint contains menthol, a shooting ingredient known to relax the respiratory tract muscles, thus promoting free breathing. Also, peppermint contains many other compounds like limonene and pulegone, which are great decongestants.

Many people use therapeutic chest balms and other inhalants that contain menthol to help break up congestion. Additionally, peppermint is antioxidant and fights infections.

10. LOBELIA (Lobelia inflate)

Lobelia is native to the United States and used by the Native Americans. Lobelia contains an alkaloid known as lobeline, which thins mucus and breaks up congestion.

Additionally, lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, which relaxes the airways and allows for easier breathing. Lobelia should be part of everyone’s respiratory support protocol!