1. Licorice Root
Due to its soothing properties, licorice soothes and softens the mucous membranes of the throat and lungs. It acts as expectorant, reducing irritation in the throat and cleansing any inflamed mucous membrane. It contains saponins which loose the phlegm and make it easier for the body to remove it from the system. Some of its compounds possess antibacterial and antiviral properties while some of them are even capable of preventing lung cancer cells from forming.
2. Coltsfoot
This herb has been long used by Native Americans to boost lung health. It has the ability to expel mucous from the lungs and bronchial tubes, while soothing the mucous membrane. It has been scientifically shown that coltsfoot helps alleviate cough, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related conditions. It can be found in the form of a tincture, tea, or dried form.
3. Cannabis
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not toxic to our health. Extraction and inhaling its essential oils affords notable mitigation of irritation to the oral cavity which comes from smoking. According to a recent study, cannabis is one of the most potent anti-cancer plants, which stimulates cannabinoid receptor activation and mediates anti-invasive effect of the cannabinoids. It has been shown that vaporizing cannabis clears the airways and sinuses and it even treats and reverses asthma.
4. Osha Root
Osha root is one of the best lung-protecting herbs due to its camphor content. It helps boost circulation in the lungs, making it easier to take deep breaths. This herb produces similar effects like antihistamine, calming down respiratory irritation in case of seasonal sensitivities that flare up the sinuses.
5. Thyme
This herb is potent in the battle against chest congestion due to its essential oils which offer anti-fungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties. Thyme tea helps eliminate bacteria and viruses, regardless of the cause of the infection. Thyme has been long used as treatment for respiratory tract infections and bacterial infections like pneumonia.
6. Oregano
Most of its benefits are attributed to its rosmarinic and carvacrol acid content, both of which are natural decongestants and histamine reducers. Oregano oil is superior to antibiotics in the battle against Staphylococcus aureus, too.
7. Lobelia
Lobelia is one of the most valuable herbal remedies, whose extracts positively affect multi-drug resistant tumor cells. Lobeline, one of its key ingredients, thins mucus, breaks up congestion, relaxes the airways, and ensures easier breathing. Due to its soothing properties and its ability to relax smooth muscles, this herb is often included in cold and cough remedies.
8. Elecampane
This herb has the ability to clear out excess mucus, while helping to lessen infection. It is especially beneficial for those who are prone to lung infections, such as bronchitis. It is recommended to add a teaspoon of elecampane to a cup of boiling water and drink three times daily for a few weeks.
9. Eucalyptus
The refreshing aroma of this herb soothes throat irritation and helps maintain proper respiratory health. It is often included in cough lozenges and syrups due to its cineole content, a compound which fights off congestion, acts as expectorant, relieves a cough, and soothes irritated sinus passages.
10. Mullein
Both leaves and flowers of this plant are used to make an extract that boosts lung health. They have the ability to remove excess mucous from the lungs, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, and clear up the bronchial tubes. You can either use it in the form of a tincture or make it into a tea.
11. Plantain Leaf
Plantain leaf has been long used to soothe irritate mucous membranes and relieve an annoying cough. Most of its compounds exhibit antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been scientifically shown that it works against cold, cough, and any form of lung infection.
12. Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol, a compound which relaxes smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and allows easier breathing. Dried peppermint contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran and cineol while peppermint oil is made up of compounds like limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene and pinene. When combined with menthol, peppermint works as an amazing decongestant which is extremely effective in breaking up congestion.
13. Sage
Its essential oils give off a heady aroma! They are also responsible for most of its benefits this herb offers, such as alleviating sore throat and cough, treating lung disorders, and dispelling sinusitis. As mentioned above, most of its benefits are attributed to its volatile oils, including terpene, thujone, camphor, and salvene. You can either make it into tea or inhale its vapors to dispel sinusitis.
14. Lungwort
Ever since 1600s, this herb has been used to support respiratory health and clear up congestion. Some of its compounds are very effective in fighting off detrimental organisms which impact respiratory health. Since it comes in many forms, consult a herbalist for professional advice.
15. Chaparral
This herb, which is native to the southwest, has been long used for its detoxifying and its lung-supporting properties. It contains potent antioxidants which fight off irritation as well as NDGA, which is well-known for its ability to combat histamine response. You can get the most of it by using it in the form of a tincture, but it can be also made into tea to clear the airways of mucus.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com/
