The respiratory system works all the time. Its main function is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.
Basically, the respiratory system acts as the vehicle for oxygen all day, every day. However, it can be an entrance for harmful organisms, pollutants, dust, fungus, mold, irritants and toxins.
Luckily, if you want to ensure your lungs are always at peak performance, you can always turn to the herbs and botanicals that nature has provided.
These natural ingredients provide deep nutrition for the respiratory system. If you are experiencing the negative effect of inhaling toxins, these all-natural ingredients are always a good choice.
How are herbs beneficial for the respiratory system?
Herbs that promote lung health usually provide one or more of the following benefits:
- As a source of antioxidants, reducing oxidative damage and redness.
- Acting an expectorant — which helps break up and expel chest congestion.
- Fighting the harmful organisms that can produce upper respiratory problems.
- Relaxing the muscles near the upper respiratory system to quell a cough.
- Calming the release of histamines.
- Soothing irritated nasal passages and airways.
Keep reading and learn about the top 9 herbs for respiratory health!
1. Elecampane
Chinese, Greeks, Romans and Indian Ayuryedic medicine have considered elecampane to be highly beneficial in supporting any respiratory condition. Since the 1800s, cough drops and lozenges have been produced from the elecampane root.
This herb has a relaxing effect on smooth tracheal muscles. In addition, elecampane root contains two active compounds which are extremely beneficial. The first one is inulin, responsible for soothing the bronchial passage. The latter is called alantolactone, an expectorant with antitussive action.
2. Osha Root
The osha root is known for its lung cleansing benefits. It is an herb native to the Rocky Mountain area and it was used by the Native Americans for respiratory support. Thanks to the camphor and other compounds found in the roots of the plant it is one of the best lung-support herbs.
Its main benefit is that by increasing the circulation to the lungs it allows us to take deep breaths easily. In addition, the osha root which is not an actual antihistamine, produces a similar effect and calms down a respiratory irritation in cases when seasonal sensitivities flare up your sinuses.
3. Plantain Leaf
The plantain leaf, resembling to a banana, has been used for hundreds of years to soothe irritated mucous membranes and to ease cough. According to many clinical trials, this herb is favorable against lung irritation, cough and cold. Moreover, the plantain leaf has the ability to relieve a dry cough by spawning mucus production.
4. Peppermint
Both peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol, a soothing ingredient known to promote free breathing by relaxing the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.
When combined with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is an amazing decongestant. Many people turn to therapeutic chest and other inhalants containing menthol in order to break up congestion. Finally, peppermint acts as a powerful antioxidant and fights harmful organisms.
5. Lungwort
This herb is actually tree-growing lichen which is very similar to lung tissue in appearance. It doesn’t only look the part. In the 1600s, lungwort has been used to promote clear congestion and lung and respiratory health. In addition, it is rich in compounds that are very effective against harmful organisms that influence respiratory health.
6. Lobelia
Lobelia should definitely be part of everyone`s respiratory support protocol! Interestingly, horses are given lobelia in able to breathe more deeply. However, its benefits are not limited to equestrians. According to some accounts, lobelia is considered to be one of the most powerful herbal remedies.
This herb contains lobeline, an alkaloid which breaks up congestion and thins mucus. Moreover, it stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine. In this way, it relaxes the airways and allows better breathing. Finally, thanks to its ability to relax smooth muscles, it is part of many cold and cough remedies.
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast growing evergreen tree native to Australia. There are over 400 different species of the tree. Even though it is known as food for Koala bears, this plant was used by Americans, Aborigines and Germans due to its refreshing aroma that soothes throat irritation and promotes respiratory health.
Thanks to the effectiveness of its compound called cineole, the eucalyptus is one of the most common ingredients in syrups and cough lozenges. This compound has variety of benefits. Most importantly, being an expectorant it is able to fight congestion, soothe irritated sinus passages and ease a cough. In addition, it supports the immune system during an illness because it is rich in antioxidants.
8. Chaparral
This plant is native to the southwest and it was highly appreciated by Native Americans. They were familiar with its powerful property to support respiratory system and detoxify the lungs. It is rich in antioxidants that resist irritation and NDGA, known to fight histamine response.
The chaparral is also capable of fighting harmful organisms. You can find this herb in two forms: in the form of a tea and in the form of a tincture extraction. Even though it is most available in tincture extraction, the chaparral tea may support respiratory problems by encouraging an expectorant action to clear airways of mucus.
9. Oregano
First of all, oregano contains vitamins and nutrients required by the immune system. However, it is more important to note that it owes its benefits to the compound it contains, such as rosmarinic acid and carvacrol. Both compounds are natural decongestants and histamine reducers that have direct, positive benefits on the respiratory tract and nasal passage airflow. Everyone should have a bottle of organic oregano oik in their medicine cabinet because it simply has so many health benefits.
Supplementing with lung support herb
The above listed herbs can be found in various forms, in tea blends and as nutritional supplements. Moreover, many people grow herbs at home and they consume them as food. In case you are growing them yourself, you can be sure that the source is good. However, when it comes to nutritional supplements, you cannot be sure if the herbs used for the supplements are given clean water, if they contain pesticides, if they are ethically harvested etc.
You should really pay attention to the products you purchase. Always ask and verify that you are buying the right product. Allertrex is one of the most recommended nutritional supplements. It is so because it contains all the herbs listed above as well as menthol crystals, orange peel and nascent iodine. Most importantly, they are organic and wildcrafted.
