Your respiratory system is constantly working. All day, every day, it is the vehicle through which oxygen enters your body. Unfortunately, it can also be an entry point for pollutants, irritants, dust, mold, harmful organisms and other toxins. The constant exposure to impurities can take its toll.
Fortunately, whether you’re suffering from the effects of inhaling toxins, or just want to ensure your lungs are always at peak performance, nature has a number of herbs and botanicals that provide deep nourishment for the respiratory system.
How are herbs beneficial to the respiratory system?
Herbs that support lung health typically do so through one or more of the following actions:
- Soothes irritated nasal passages and airways.
- Works as an expectorant that helps break up and expel chest congestion.
- Relaxing the muscles near the upper airways to suppress a cough.
- Calming the release of histamine.
- Deterring the harmful organisms that cause upper respiratory problems.
- Provides a source of antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage and redness.
9 Best Herbs for Lung Cleansing and Respiratory Health
Below I have listed the best herbs to support respiratory health.
1. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is native to Australia and is not just for koalas. Aborigines or indigenous Australians first used these tree leaves for gastrointestinal problems, wound healing, fever and respiratory problems. After colonization, Australia started exporting the oils. Many have 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. Cineole has numerous benefits: it is an expectorant, can relieve coughs and congestion and soothe irritated sinus passages. As a bonus, eucalyptus, because it contains antioxidants, supports the immune system during colds or other illnesses.
2. Lungwort
Lungwort is a flowering rhizomatous perennial herb that resembles lung tissue in appearance. However, this natural remedy doesn’t just look good. As early as the 17th century, lungwort was used to promote lung and respiratory health and relieve congestion. Lungwort also contains compounds that are powerfully effective against harmful organisms that affect respiratory health.
3. Oregano
Although oregano contains the vitamins and nutrients the immune system needs, its main benefits come from its carvacrol and rosmarinic acid content. Both compounds are natural decongestants and histamine inhibitors that have direct, positive benefits for the respiratory tract and airflow in the nasal cavity. Oregano has so many health benefits that the oil should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet.
I recommend you read this article to learn all the uses of organic oregano oil. Oregano oil also mixes well with other healthy oils. If you want a premium, concentrated blend of organic oregano oil, organic peppermint and cayenne pepper oil in an organic extra virgin olive oil base, with no artificial, chemical or toxic by-products, I recommend Oregatrex™. With a carvacrol content of at least 80 percent, Oregatrex can help strengthen your immune system and promote good health.
4. Plantain leaf
The plantain leaf (Plantago major) has been used for hundreds of years to relieve coughs and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Clinical studies have shown it to be beneficial for coughs, colds and lung irritation. Plantain leaf has the bonus of helping to relieve a dry cough by causing mucus production in the lungs. Good stuff!
5. Elecampane
The Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and even Indian Ayurvedic practitioners have cited elecampane for respiratory support, and since the 19th century, people have made lozenges and cough drops from the root of elecampane.
The reason? Elecampane has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the trachea. There are two active substances in elecampane root that provide the beneficial effect: inulin, which soothes the bronchial passage, and alantolactone, an expectorant with antitussive action.
6. Lobelia
Did you know that horses given lobelia can breathe more deeply? But its benefits are not limited to horses. According to some accounts, Lobelia is considered one of the most valuable herbal medicines in existence. Lobelia contains an alkaloid known as lobeline, which thins mucus and clears congestion.
In addition, lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine; in fact, this relaxes the airways and makes breathing easier. Because lobelia helps relax smooth muscles, it is also used in many cough and cold medications. Lobelia should be part of everyone’s respiratory support protocol!
7. Chaparral
Dense shrubbery (Larrea tridentata) – also called creosote bush – is native to the southwestern United States and has long been valued by Native Americans for its lung detoxification and respiratory support.
Chaparral contains powerful anti-irritant antioxidants and NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid), which is known to influence histamine response. Chaparral is also an herb that fights harmful organisms. The benefits of chaparral are most evident with a tincture extraction, but chaparral tea can support respiratory problems by encouraging an expectorant effect to clear the airways of mucus.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol – a soothing ingredient known to relax the smooth muscles of the airways and promote free breathing.
Combined with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is a fantastic decongestant. Many people use therapeutic chest balms and other inhalants containing menthol to help relieve congestion. In addition, peppermint is an antioxidant and fights harmful organisms.
9. Osha Root
Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is an herb native to the Rocky Mountain region and traditionally used by Native Americans for respiratory support. The plant’s roots contain camphor and other compounds, making it one of the best lung-supporting herbs in America.
One of the main benefits of osha root is that it helps improve circulation to the lungs, making it easier to breathe deeply. And when seasonal sensitivities cause your sinuses to flare up, osha root, which is not a true antihistamine, produces a similar effect and can help soothe respiratory irritation!
Supplement with lung-supporting herbs
All of the above herbs are available in different forms, such as nutritional supplements and teas. Additionally, many people grow herbs in their gardens and simply consume them as food. That’s not a bad idea!
If you grow them yourself, you can trust that the source is good. If not, it can be difficult to know if nutritional supplements use organic herbs, contain pesticides, are ethically harvested, receive clean water, etc. These are not factors that you can or should simply assume. Ask questions and make sure you are getting the best possible product.
To make it easy, I recommend Global Healing’s Lung Healthwhich contains several of the herbs mentioned above – organic and wildcrafted – as well as lovage, lemon balm, orange peel and menthol.
Check out our article on 10 Ways to Detox Your Lungs!
How to clean your lungs naturally
Duration: 2 minutes
†Results may vary. The information and explanations provided are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a serious medical condition or health problem, consult your doctor.