Medicinal Plants For Lungs And Airways

Contents show

Medicinal plants for the lungs and bronchi are more important than ever. Because respiratory infections seem to be getting more and more stubborn, it takes longer and longer for those affected to be completely cured of their numerous symptoms – even when medication is taken. Medicinal herbs not only alleviate the symptoms but also strengthen the airways and can even repair existing damage to the lungs. Below we present the best medicinal plants that can significantly improve your lung health.

Herbs for the respiratory system

Does your medicine chest also contain enough herbs in case of a cold or bronchitis? If you put yourself in the hands of conventional medicine for diseases of the respiratory tract, you will often receive antibiotics. With this, you not only run the risk of having to suffer from the many different side effects typical of antibiotics (disruption of the intestinal flora, fungal infections, weakening of the immune system).

It will also be very difficult for you to stimulate the self-healing powers of the organism in this way. But then you remain vulnerable and weak – and the next time you get an infection you are again among the first to get it.

If you have also caught a viral infection – as is common with colds and flu – then antibiotics have little effect, because antibiotics shoot at bacteria, but not at viruses. In this case, antibiotics can only alleviate any secondary bacterial infections that occur at the same time, e.g. B. Sinus, middle ear, or pneumonia. The virus itself, however, remains unaffected.

The many medicinal properties of medicinal plants

In contrast to allopathic remedies (antibiotics & Co.), medicinal plants work in a completely different way. In some cases, they can also kill bacteria. However, medicinal plants – in contrast to antibiotics – not only contain substances with an antibacterial effect, but also secondary plant substances with many other very different effects.

There are plant substances that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Others loosen and liquefy mucus, others relax it (important for coughs) and the next promotes the regeneration of the mucous membranes. If you also combine different medicinal plants with each other in a targeted manner, you can cover all of these healing effects at the same time.

A medicinal plant can therefore influence and improve respiratory infection on many levels at the same time, while antibiotics simply fight bacteria without healing the body.

Licorice root for the lungs

The licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is certainly one of the most widespread medicinal plants in the world. In traditional Chinese medicine, it appears in far more recipes and therapies than any other medicinal herb – which is because licorice is believed to be able to harmonize the effects of all other medicinal plants.

Licorice has a very caring effect on the mucous membranes so that they remain supple in the throat and especially in the lungs and stomach.
Licorice reduces infections in the throat and has expectorant properties for dry coughs. The saponins contained in licorice are responsible for dissolving mucus in the respiratory tract – they enable the body to cough up the dissolved mucus.
Licorice relieves the urge to cough because it relieves spasms in the bronchi.
Licorice has an anti-inflammatory effect as it blocks free radicals and thus prevents inflammation-related hardening of the airways.
Licorice fights bacteria and viruses.
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin and flavonoids – phytochemicals – that help prevent lung cancer and even help fight cancer

Licorice: The preparation

If a pure licorice tea is prepared, we recommend boiling 2 tablespoons of licorice in 500 ml of cold water, letting it boil for 20 – 30 seconds, then pouring it off and filling it into a thermos flask. The tea is now drunk in three to five cups throughout the day. Mixed with chamomile it is also an excellent tea for a sick stomach, e.g. B. in gastritis.

If you want to mix licorice with other lung-friendly herbs, brew the mixture (1 teaspoon per 150 ml) with boiling water as usual for tea and let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes, so do not boil.

Coltsfoot: An ideal cough suppressant

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) was traditionally used by Native Americans for many thousands of years to strengthen the lungs and remove excess amounts of mucus from the lungs and bronchi. In the lungs, the plant has a calming effect on the mucous membranes, which has also been proven in scientific studies in which coltsfoot has been shown to be helpful in asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other lung diseases.

In a Chinese study from October 2015, four active ingredients were identified in coltsfoot (in the flower bud), all of which had a very strong antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant effect. Coltsfoot is available in dried form (as a tea) or as an alcohol extract (i.e. as a tincture).

Coltsfoot: the preparation

Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried coltsfoot leaves or flowers, leave to stand for ten minutes, then drain. Coltsfoot should only be used as a cure, i.e. no longer than four to six weeks – and not more than once a year. Coltsfoot should be avoided entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also liver disease. The reason is the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in coltsfoot.

Umckaloabo stops viruses

Umckaloabo is the Cape geranium, a geranium species from South Africa. From the roots of plants that are at least three years old, an extract can be produced that is approved for treating acute bronchitis. Various studies show that umckaloabo has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, making it ideal for fighting respiratory infections. You can find all the details about Umckaloabo in the first link of this section (you will also find information there on a study investigating the effect of Umckaloabo on SARS-Cov-2 and its possible potential in Covid-19 prevention and therapy was investigated).

Thyme: Specialist for the lungs and airways

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a powerful weapon in the fight against blocked airways and congested bronchi. Thyme contains extremely effective antiseptic essential oils that are classified as natural antibiotics. In contrast to conventional antibiotics, thyme – e.g. B. as a tea – but the ability to show an effect on both bacteria and viruses.

No wonder thyme has been used as a medicine for the lungs since ancient times and is still often used today in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections – whether bronchitis, sore throat, or pneumonia.

Thyme: the preparation

For thyme tea, pour 200 ml of boiling water over 1 – 2 teaspoons of thyme herb and drain the tea after 5 to 10 minutes, of which 2 to 4 cups can be drunk daily.

A thyme tincture can also be used. It is dosed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you make the tincture yourself, take 20 to 30 drops 3 times a day. Read here how you can make a thyme tincture yourself: Homemade tinctures

Elecampane: expectorant and cough suppressant

The root of the elecampane (Inula helenium) is used. It smells like a banana when fresh, then dried like incense or a bit like camphor-flavored vanilla. Elecampane is an old medicinal plant that was used in very early times to treat congested airways and to strengthen lung function – whether in Europe, North America, or Asia.

Due to its antibiotic, expectorant, and antispasmodic effects on lung problems, the plant is considered an ideal medicinal plant for people suffering from bronchitis, colds, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dry cough. The elecampane widens the airways, relaxes the bronchi, and lets you breathe easily again. You can also mix the elecampane root with other medicinal plants for the respiratory tract, e.g. B. with thyme and primula root (mixing ratio 4:3:1).

Alant: The preparation

Since the elecampane root is a so-called “hard drug” with essential oil content, an infusion macerate is made from it. In this way, it is possible to dissolve as many of their active ingredients in the tea as possible. A heaped teaspoon of crushed elecampane root is poured over with boiling water. Then let the tea steep until cool. It can then be gently warmed up again and sipped – three cups a day over a period of two to three weeks.

However, elecampane is also available in the form of tinctures, or you can simply make the tincture yourself, as already mentioned with thyme. Allergic reactions occasionally occur with elecampane, so sensitive people should be careful.

Eucalyptus: Clears the sinuses

As is well known, the eucalyptus is native to Australia and delights the koala bears there. The eucalyptus is a very fast-growing tree (up to 2 meters per year), which develops powerful trunks and often sprouts again even after bushfires. Its lively and refreshing aroma already points to the main area of application of eucalyptus: diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs.

The plant improves the condition of the respiratory tract and relieves discomfort in the throat area. The eucalyptus is so effective that it is also effective against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that have long been resistant to antibiotics. It is also known that eucalyptus can help very well with fungal diseases – whether in the intestines or on the skin. And last but not least, the oil can also be rubbed into painful areas of rheumatism, as it has an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect.

Today, eucalyptus is the main ingredient in many cough syrups. The substance cineole is responsible for its good effect on lung health.

Cineole acts as an expectorant and cough suppressant, clearing sinus congestion and calming inflammation wherever it resides in the airways. An additional bonus is that eucalyptus contains large amounts of antioxidants and can therefore optimally support the immune system in the fight against colds and other illnesses.

Ukalyptus: The preparation

2 teaspoons of dried and finely crushed eucalyptus leaves are poured with hot water (150 to 200 ml). Leave the tea to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, pour it off, and then drink it in small sips. You can drink up to 5 cups a day for it in acute illnesses. The tea can also be gargled, e.g. B. with a sore throat. It is even better if you combine the eucalyptus with thyme herb and aniseed (ratio 1:1:1).

However, such eucalyptus tea is far less effective than eucalyptus essential oil. You can inhale the eucalyptus oil, either with the help of an inhaler or drip the oil onto a cloth or scented stone and then inhale. Eucalyptus essential oil should not be used on infants and young children.

Eucalyptus essential oil also comes in capsule form. Because it not only works directly through inhalation but also through the digestive organs. You can get eucalyptus oil capsules at any pharmacy.

Mullein: Protects the lungs and airways from dehydration

Both the flowers and leaves of the mullein (Verbascum) are used to make herbal extracts that have beneficial effects on the lungs. Mullein is used by naturopaths to clear excess mucus from the lungs, clear the bronchi, and relieve inflammation lodged in the airways.

Mullein also has a soothing effect on dry and irritated mucous membranes. It contains plant mucilage that protects the respiratory tract. The tormenting urge to cough or scratchy throat disappears. The mucilage in mullein also protects against dry and dusty air, car exhaust fumes, and cigarette smoke.

They also prevent bacteria from settling on the mucous membranes. The mullein tastes mild and pleasant and is also liked by children.

Mullein: the preparation

With the mullein, you can vary a lot in the preparation and thus achieve the desired effects. Alternative practitioner and medicinal plant expert Ursel Bühring explain that a lukewarm infusion, for example, has a soothing effect (leave for 30 minutes), while a hot infusion has an expectorant effect (leave for 10 minutes). The tea must then be poured through a very fine sieve to filter out the hairs of the mullein. For 1 teaspoon of dried mullein flowers take 150 ml of water.

Sage: Healing for inflamed mucous membranes

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is one of the greatest medicinal plants on our planet. Hence the well-known saying: “Why should someone die when sage grows in their garden?” Sage contains many different substances that have a healing effect.

When it comes to the respiratory tract, it is the essential oils such as thujone, cineole, and camphor that have an antibacterial effect and at the same time allow you to breathe freely. On the other hand, sage contains tannins (terpenes) that have anti-inflammatory, healing, antiseptic, and pain-relieving effect.

For sore throats and other diseases of the mouth and throat, sage is the undisputed number one. Even with gum problems, it is excellent to use. Simply wrap a piece of paper around your finger and massage your gums with it several times a day.

However, it is precisely the tannins that ensure that sage is not ideal for dry coughs. It would dry out the mucous membranes even more – or you can combine it with a mucilage drug, such as e.g. B. the mullein, which in turn protects the mucous membranes, so that one can enjoy both medicinal plant effects.

Sage: the preparation

For sage tea, pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried and crushed sage leaves (150 ml), leave to steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink slowly or gargle with it several times a day if you have a sore throat.

The tea or the essential sage oils can also be wonderfully inhaled for coughs, sinus infections, colds, and other respiratory or lung problems.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – and in particular the essential peppermint oil – contain menthol, which allows the breath to flow freely again. This is a calming essential oil. It relaxes the fine muscles of the respiratory tract and has an antispasmodic and pleasantly cooling effect.

In addition to menthol, peppermint contains other very different components, such as e.g. menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran, and cineole. Smaller amounts of limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene, and pinene are also included.

In combination with histamine-inhibiting substances, peppermint becomes an excellent decongestant, antispasmodic and liberating agent that you like to rub on your chest in the appropriate preparations (e.g. add 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of liquid coconut oil) to be able to breathe freely again when you have a cold. Of course, peppermint tea and, even better, peppermint essential oil also help.

As already explained with the eucalyptus, peppermint preparations should not be used in infants and small children.

Peppermint: the preparation

Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried and crushed mint leaves and leave to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then drain and drink slowly. Add 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil to ½ liter of hot water and inhale the rising steam.

Knotweed: Strengthen the lungs with silica

The bird knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) is not only a very inconspicuous plant, but it is also still very unknown as far as its use as a medicinal plant for the lungs is concerned. It is the high silicic acid content that is said to have a resistance-increasing effect on the lung tissue. If you use knotweed alone for acute respiratory diseases, its effect is rather weak. In this case, it should therefore be mixed with other lung herbs (e.g. a mixture of licorice, aniseed, thyme, and mullein).

But if you want to preventively strengthen the lungs and bronchi or do this in the case of chronic lung diseases, then you can use knotweed in the long term (over many months) to increase the resistance of the respiratory organs and drink 3 cups of knotweed daily alone.

In a historical recipe, knotweed (6 parts) is mixed with other siliceous medicinal plants for this purpose, namely horsetail (3 parts) and hollow toothweed (2 parts). We have given the proportions in brackets.

Vogelknotweed: The preparation

3 teaspoons of the dried and crushed plants are placed in cold water (450 ml) for 10 – 12 hours (overnight). Then boil it up and let it simmer gently for up to 30 minutes so that the silica can dissolve.

Elderberries fight flu viruses

Elderberries are very easy to turn into syrup. Studies have shown this to be so effective that it was able to shorten the duration of flu infections. The elderberry syrup increases the number of flu antibodies, thus strengthening the immune system in such a way that it copes much better with the flu, and the person concerned recovers more quickly.

Of course, you could also take the elderberry syrup as a preventive measure when the flu or other virus is raging again.