There are plenty of herbs that have been used for thousands of years to heal lung infections. Following are some of the best-known herbs for lungs.
Herbs For Lungs
Bromelain
Bromelain refers to a group of natural enzymes. The stems of the pineapple plant are the best source for Bromelain. These enzymes can be very beneficial in improving the functions and overall health of the lungs. Bromelain relieves respiratory congestion.
It reduces the viscosity of thick mucus by loosening it up and makes it easier for your body to throw them out of your lungs through coughing. This herb is most commonly used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, but it can be very helpful in curing other lung diseases as well.
Licorice Root
Licorice roots have been used as cough reliever since ancient times. Because of its powerful antitussive and expectorant properties, licorice root is used as the main ingredient in herbal cough medications. Various clinical studies have also found that the use of this herb can be very effective in treating asthma, bronchitis, respiratory ailments and other lung diseases. Licorice roots soothe the bronchial airways, make it easier for the body to expel phlegm and reduce spasms and inflammation on your lungs.
Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves are used in various ways to heal lungs. For example, you can boil some eucalyptus leaves in a bowl of water and inhale its vapors. It can be very helpful in treating flu, coughs and bronchitis. The leaves of this herb can be crushed and then mixed with water to make a paste. You can apply this paste as an ointment to the chest. It can be very effective in relieving congestion in the lungs. Furthermore, you can also prepare a herbal tea by boiling fresh eucalyptus leaves in water and then by straining the liquid.
Drinking this herbal tea can be very beneficial in treating sinusitis and bronchitis. Volatile oil is the main active component in this herb. The powerful natural antibiotic properties of volatile oil aid in clearing congestion and fight off lung infections very effectively.
Hyssop
Hyssop is a warming herbal expectorant. The small purple flowers and leaves of this herb are used to prepare syrups, tinctures and tea for lung diseases. It clears the thin, watery phlegm from the lungs. The best thing about hyssop is that it does not cause any side effects, even when used in combination with other herbal expectorants (like elecampane and mullein). This herb is generally recommended during the initial stags of flu and colds, but it can also be very effective in treating asthma and bronchitis.
Marshmallow
The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallow can be particularly very useful in treating bronchitis. It also does not cause any side effects when used in combination with other herbal expectorants,such as coltsfoot and mullein.
Marshmallow roots are used to prepare decoctions while its leaves are used to prepare infusions. Both are equally effective in soothing irritated and inflamed lungs and in reducing the severity of dry coughs.
Mullein
Mullein is a very strong expectorant, which can be very useful in curing hard, dry coughs. The anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves and flowers of mullein make it one of the best herbs not only to soothe coughs but also to treat throat inflammations. The herb is commonly available in the form of tinctures and syrup. However, since mullein also has mild diuretic effects, you are strongly recommended to drink plenty of water and keep yourself thoroughly hydrated when using this herb.
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is a natural antispasmodic, phlegm-reducer and a very strong expectorant. Herbal practitioners generally use coltsfoot in combination with elecampane. The flowers of coltsfoot are used to prepare herbal syrup that relieves irritating, stubborn coughs. The herb, however, is also available in the form of tinctures and decoctions, which are prepared using both leaves and flowers.
Elecampane
Elecampane is probably the most popular herbal lung tonic, which is used to cleanse and strengthen the lungs. It is not just an expectorant; it has anti-parasitic, antifungal and antibacterial properties also. The decoctions made from elecampane root herb are generally used to treat allergies, sinus infections, asthma and bronchitis. However, even those who are not suffering from any lung diseases can use it as a general lung-strengthening tonic.
Fenugreek And Fennel
Both fenugreek and fennel are very commonly prescribed by herbal practitioners for cleansing the bronchial passages. These herbs are also very useful in reducing spasms in the respiratory system.
Chrysanthemum And Honeysuckle Flowers
Both these herbs are best-known for their natural ability for enhanced cleansing of the respiratory passages. They support the immune system and also provide nourishment to the lungs.
Rosemary Leaves
Rosemary leaves contain zinc, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A and C. The combined effects of all these ingredients are very beneficial in cleaning and healing the lungs.
Garlic
Garlic is one of those herbs for lungs that generally do not carry any side effects and are considered as safe and very effective. It cures infections by clearing mucus from the lungs. In addition to that, garlic also strengthens the immune system and aids in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.
Ginger
Ginger is a multipurpose herb and is best known for its ability to prevent nausea, to improve digestion and to treat bronchitis. Especially, during the first stages of cold and flu, ginger can bring very soothing effects. Those who are suffering from bronchitis can use ginger to remove excess mucus from the lungs.
Thyme
Thyme is another well-known herbal cough expectorant, which can be very helpful for those who are suffering from asthma or bronchitis. Thyme soothes bronchial passages and disinfects airways. However,pregnant women should not use this herb in large amount.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides warmth to the areas surrounding lungs and helps in removing the mucus. Those who are suffering from chest cold can use this herb. For better results, you can drink a hot herbal tea, prepared by mixing ginger with cinnamon. It also helps in digestion. Pregnant women, however, should avoid taking cinnamon in large quantity.
Though all these herbs are best-known for their natural abilities to heal lung infections and to improve the functions of the lungs, you must use them only after consulting with a licensed herbal practitioner.
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