Unfortunately, leaving in a modern world in which the air is filled with chemicals, dust, pollen, pollutants, and various bacteria, affects the lungs. Simply put, seasonal allergies and toxins take a toll on our lungs.
Deep breathing is one of the basic steps that should be taken to eliminate toxins and promote lung health. With shallow breathing only 10 percent of the blood is cleansed, while with deep breathing 80-100 percent of the blood is cleansed.
Apart from deep breathing, there are many herbal remedies that also promote lung health. The 5 lung-friendly herbs below are packed with medicinal properties for lung health, possess many healing properties, and are easy to grow. Check them out!
5 Herbs For Lung Health That Are Easy to Grow
1. Oregano
Oregano contains rosmarinic and carvacrol acid, both of which act as natural decongestant agents that help clear out the respiratory tract and the nasal passage. It is also packed with antioxidants, which boost immunity and protect against cold and other illnesses.
Oregano is a perennial herb that grows back year after year. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and is best grown in a container due to its invasive nature. The best would be to use well-drained soil and keep it exposed to full sun.
This herb is highly versatile and it can be added in many different recipes. When it comes to harvesting, remove the stems in the morning and store in cool area. Cut the leaves after a month, and store in a container with tight lid.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus contains cineole, a compound with powerful healing properties. It can be used as an expectorant to alleviate a cough, soothe sinus passages, and fight off congestion. Just like oregano, eucalyptus is also packed with antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
To relieve a sinus infection, boil the eucalyptus leaves and inhale the steam. You can also mix eucalyptus oil with peppermint oil and use it as a chest rub.
Eucalyptus tree can reach 60 feet height, so growing a smaller shrub size inside is a better idea. Place the container near a south-facing window so that it gets a lot of direct sunlight. When it outgrows the container, transfer it outdoors.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is packed with menthol, a compound that works as a natural decongestant. It also provides antihistamine effect, promoting free breathing. Just like oregano, peppermint is also quite invasive, so the best would be to grow it in a container, no matter whether indoors or outdoors. It prefers well-drained soil and partial sun.
The peppermint leaves can be used as herb and added to tea or recipes, while the oil can be combined with eucalyptus and used as a chest rub.
4. Lungwort
Lungwort has been long used to clear congestion and promote lung and respiratory health. As a matter of fact, this plant has been used as early as the 1600s.
The flower itself is very beautiful while the plant is extremely resilient. It prefers shade and is ideal to be grown under trees. Its leaves can be cooked the same way as spinach.
5. Elder
Elder has the ability to improve circulation as well as to open the lungs, capillaries, and blood vessels. The elderberry fruit is mouth-water and the elder flowers can be brewed into delicious tea. As for the growing part, plant the elderberry shrubs outside in a soil with a pH between 6 and 8.
Other herbs that are good for lung health include Butterbur, Mullein, Lobelia, Osha Root, and Chaparral.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
