Medicinal Herbs

Respiratory System

Herbs for the Respiratory System

 

Expectorants encourage the loosening and expulsion of mucus form the respiratory system. Herbs that fit into this category are: Soapwort and Thuja.

 

Respiratory Relaxants relax the tissues of the lungs, which is useful in any problem concerned with tension or over activity. Easing this tension promotes the flow of mucus and allows for expectoration. These are the most effective herbs in this group. Angelica, Anise seed, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Ephedra, Flax Seed, Grindelia, Hyssop, Thyme, Wild Cherry Bark and Wild Lettuce.

 

Demulcents soothe, relieve and soften inflamed mucous membranes as their mucilage coat and protect the membranes and tissue surfaces and allows for healing.

Of the most value for the lungs are: Comfrey root, Coltsfoot, Flax Seed, Licorice, Marshmallow Leaf and Mullein.

 

Congestion:

Organisms can only thrive in the body if the environment is favorable. Congestion provides the right environment for infection. Removing only the infection does nothing to eliminate the underlying cause. If the body’s need for mucus forming food is exceeded it will eliminate this mucus by secreting it. Much of this is into the sinuses and the lungs, providing the environment for the next infection to begin. We need first to lower the consumption to a healthy level. The main dietary promoters of mucus formation are.

• Dairy products, including goat’s milk and yogurt.
• Eggs
• Grains, especially gluten rich grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barley.
• Sugar, including honey, maple syrup, etc.
• Potatoes and other starchy root vegetables.

 

Coughs: Every herbalist has a favorite mixture. Coltsfoot is the best remedy to have on hand. This pleasant tasting mixture is my favorite.

Coltsfoot          1 part

Mullein             1 part

Licorice           1 part

Take 3-4 times a day.

 

A dry, irritable cough would benefit form respiratory relaxants and demulcents. A combination of Coltsfoot and Wild Lettuce works well here. Another effective remedy is White Horehound but it has an unpleasant taste.

 

Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi, the tubes that take air to the lungs. The best herbs to use are pectorals that combine expectorant actions with demulcent properties. These include; Anise Seed, Angelica Root, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Flax Seed, Hyssop, Lobelia, Mullein, Thyme and White Horehound.

 

Anti-microbial herbs are also indicated to fight the infection. The most important is Garlic as much of the anti-microbial properties of Garlic are excreted from the body by way of the lungs. Other anti microbials to consider are Echinacea, Eucalyptus, and Thyme. It would also be of benefit to aid the lymphatic system and glands with Cleavers and Poke Root.

 

Pleurisy: When an infection gives rise to pleurisy or develops into pneumonia, the most important thing to treat the person for is fever. Diaphoretics are important here, usually combined with respiratory demulcents. Boneset, Cayenne, Comfrey Root, Hyssop, Garlic, Pleurisy Root and Mullein are most useful. In addition to the internal help, a compress using an infusion of Cayenne may be of value.

 

Whooping Cough is a condition that can lead to complications and to constitutional weaknesses in later life. Care must be taken in treatment of this problem.

A mixture of Elecampane, Comfrey Root, Coltsfoot, Thyme and White Horehound may be useful.

 

Asthma can stem from a combination of causes. Often there is an allergic component that triggers an asthmatic attack. In some cases it seems to be genetic.

 

Asthma will respond well to herbal treatment, though it is not possible to give a specific mixture that will be effective in all cases. Herbs that will reduce spasms and ease breathing include; Grindelia, Lobelia and Wild Cherry Bark.

 

Expectorants that work well for asthma include; Anise Seed, Blood Root, Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root and Licorice.

If the is an allergic component, Ephedra will be helpful.

If the attacks tax the strength of the heart consider Motherwort.

If Hypertension is involved, Hawthorn Berries and Linden Blossom are called for.

Any accompanying anxiety and tension are best treated with Hops, Skullcap or Valerian. Occasionally asthma responds well to these nervines alone.