Herbs to Maintain Healthy Lungs

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Between what we breathe and what we eat we can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Right now the world has changed due to respiratory infections. There are a lot of toxins out there, today if you want to be protected you need to wear a mask.

In this article, I hope to share some information about keeping your lungs healthy through natural ways. When you come to think of it our lungs are one of the hardest working organisms in our body.

Food For Your Lungs

Vegetables, fruits, and Omega-3 fish oil are not only important for our lungs but also for our overall health.

Vegetables:

Vegetables that are dark green like broccoli and kale. Also, let us not forget the orange vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, and squash. These all have a high content of natural vitamin A. Other foods that protect the lungs are parsley, onions, garlic, turnips, and nettle tea. Kidney, pinto, and black beans are good sources of antioxidants that fight off free radicals that may damage the lungs.

Fruits:

An apple a day provides you with about ten percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. Apricots are also great for lung health. They have a high content of vitamin A.

Berries are rich in antioxidants that help protect the lungs. Acai and blueberry are the top sources, but cranberries, grapes, and strawberries are also good choices. Pears help keep the lungs clear and moist. This helps if you have a dry cough.

Omega-3 fish and krill oil have been shown to protect the lungs and are essential for other systems of the body such as the brain.

Herbs For Lung Health

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the best herbs for lung health. It has long been used as a remedy to treat multiple health issues and to support the lungs. Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world. There are many different species of eucalyptus, and some species can grow almost 500 feet tall. The leaves contain potent volatile oils and are the part of the tree that is used medicinally. Eucalyptus is a versatile and effective herb that has many therapeutic properties that help with a wide range of health issues.

Eucalyptus is commonly used for coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory issues, and more. It’s effective at breaking up congestion and helps with inflammation, and the essential oil is even considered beneficial in stimulating the immune system.

There are many ways to use eucalyptus to support lung health. The dried leaves can be consumed as tea or made into an extract, or they can even be made into a decoction and the steam inhaled. Eucalyptus essential oil is also beneficial for supporting lung health and can be diffused and inhaled or even used in homemade preparations such as salves, balms, and personalized aroma blends.

Thyme

Thyme has many uses, but specifically for lung health, it is considered beneficial for coughs, colds, respiratory issues, bronchitis, promoting breathing, and breaking up phlegm—to name just a few. It’s also thought to strengthen the lungs.

There are many ways to use thyme to benefit lung health.  One of the simplest ways is to add it liberally to your food.  However, it can also be made into a tea, extract, decoction, or essential oil can be used as well. Personally, I like to make a simple thyme syrup to help with respiratory illnesses during cold and flu season. Simply decoct some of the dried herbs and add some honey and fresh-squeezed lemon juice to it.

Oregano

Oregano is a potent antiseptic with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This is why it is often used to treat and fight off infection. However, it’s also useful for respiratory issues, coughs, colds, and clearing the bronchial passages and lungs. Additionally, it’s a potent antioxidant and is considered useful for fighting inflammation.

To support lung health, oregano can be consumed or its spicy aroma can be inhaled. It can be added liberally to food, taken as a tea or extract, or the essential oil can be diffused.

Peppermint

Peppermint contains many therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its main constituent is menthol, which accounts for its cooling properties. Peppermint is considered useful for asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, breaking up phlegm, and many other health issues. It is often used as a culinary herb; and in fact, this is a great way to consume more peppermint. It can easily be added to foods or even consumed in a tea or extract. Making a decoction and inhaling the steam can be especially beneficial, as can inhaling the aroma of the essential oil.

Mullein

Mullein can help clear phlegm and is effective when used for inflammation, as well as containing antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It has historically been used to treat coughs, colds, lung issues, breathing issues, and more. Traditionally, the dried leaves have been burned and the smoke inhaled, or the leaves themselves have been rolled and smoked. However, this is most definitely not recommended. Instead, tea, extract, or decoction can be made from the flowers and leaves and then consumed to support lung health.

Astralugus

This is a Chinese herb that strengthens the lungs and the immune system. It has been used in Chinese medicine for treating the common cold and asthma.

Licorice

Licorice root has antibiotic powers that inhibit microbes in our system. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties aid in lung detoxification. To make licorice tea, add one tablespoon of licorice powder to a glass of water and let it steep for 15 minutes. And since it’s already sweet, you don’t have to add any sweetener. For best results, drink up to three cups a day.

Lungwort

Lungwort helps to thin out the phlegm for easy breathing. If you are struggling with asthma or bronchitis, you should use lungwort to boost your immune system. Simply put powdered lungwort in a cup of water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Drink the tea as many times as possible

Ginger

Ginger eliminates air pollutants to promote your overall respiratory health. In addition to that, ginger improves blood circulation reducing the chances of getting chronic lung diseases. For lung detoxification, you should incorporate raw ginger into your meals.

Alternatively, you can make some tea by adding powdered ginger to a cup of water. Simmer for about ten minutes and then add some lemon or honey to taste. Avoid this remedy if you suffer from high blood pressure.

Herbal Teas

Sage Tea

Sage inhibits the growth of malignant cells in the lungs. To make sage tea, grind dried sage leaves in a cup of water and let it steep for ten minutes. Make sure you don’t overload your lungs during the purification process. Follow this remedy three times a day.

Clove And Lemon Tea

Clove is rich in eugenol which helps to ease lung discomfort while lemon is a powerful antiviral. When the two are combined, they boost your immune system and reduce lung inflammation. To use this treatment, simply take diluted clove tea (diluted with water) and add one tablespoon, each, of honey and lemon. Take the tea three times a day.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea inhibits viruses, bacteria, and harmful free radicals. Moreover, it reduces symptoms of laryngitis and bronchial infection. To make echinacea tea, grind a few echinacea leaves and boil in a cup of water for twenty minutes. Add some honey and enjoy. You should never take echinacea for more than ten days. Otherwise, your immune system could be compromised.

Osha Root

Osha is a natural herb for respiratory support. It contains camphor compounds that help to increase air circulation in the lungs. Although it does not work as a natural antihistamine, it calms respiratory irritation. Just boil the Osha root in a pot for thirty minutes. Drink two glasses a day.

Nettle

Nettle leaves disinfect your lungs and play an important role in fighting infections. They are also effective in combating respiratory problems like asthma, coughs, and tuberculosis. What’s more, the leaves contain astringent compounds that help to clear catarrh congestion. Boil the leaves in a cup of hot water and drink two times a day.

Video Herbs For Healthy Lungs

Carrot Juice

Carrots are rich in vitamins A, C, and K that help to remove nicotine from the body. When it comes to lung health, the juice protects your lungs from infections. Also, recent research has shown that when you take carrots every day, you reduce the risk of getting lung cancer by half. To cleanse your lungs, take carrot juice three times a day.

In Conclusion

In most cases, many will wait for a cure before they will take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the disease. I hope in 2021 you will start to build a strong immune system to enable you to fight off any diseases that are out there. I will continue to provide you with ways to remain strong and healthy.

In a world that has been compromised by respiratory diseases like COVID-19, don’t you think having healthy lungs should be a priority?

Wishing you good health in 2021.

Thank you for reading

Michael

Comments are welcome