7 Herbs That Boost Lung Health, Heal Respiratory Infections & Repair Lung Damage

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For centuries, the traditional medicine systems across the world have been using herbs to treat respiratory illnesses. Even modern studies have acknowledged the effectiveness of a number of herbs in treating respiratory illnesses, repairing lung damage and improving pulmonary function. They can be used as alternatives to pharmacological drugs to provide relief from lung problems.

7 Herbs That Boost Lung Health, Heal Respiratory Infections & Repair Lung Damage

Thyme

Thyme is very powerful in the fight against chest congestion. It oils classified as naturally antibiotic and anti-fungal. 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.

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.

Peppermint

Peppermint, and peppermint oil, contains menthol, a soothing ingredient known to relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and promote free breathing. 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.

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 opens up airways and sinuses, acting as a bronchodilator. It is even a proven method to treat and reverse asthma.

Mullein

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.

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.

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 also soothes the mucus membranes in the lungs and has been shown in research to assist with asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other lung ailments.

Sources include:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/02/20/15-plants-herbs-that-can-boost-lung-health-heal-respiratory-infections-repair-pulmonary-damage/

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-best-herbs-lung-cleansing-respiratory-support/

http://www.thoughtpursuits.com/breath-easier-15-plants-herbs/

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