There are several herbs that possess natural medicinal potential, which could be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of lung diseases. These herbs act in a variety of ways to support lung functions, protect the tissues against inflammation and oxidative stress, inhibit carcinogenic activities, and clear mucus.
Here is a list of the top 10 herbs that can be used to improve lung health, relieve the symptoms of COPD, and clear mucus accumulation caused due to infections and other diseases.
Top 10 Herbs For Lungs
1. Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil is prepared from the seeds of Nigella sativa flowers. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used traditionally to support lung health, reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections like sinusitis and bronchitis, and improve respiratory functions.
Ayurveda recommends the use of Black Seed Oil extracted using the cold-pressed method as the process ensures the natural chemical compounds in the plant are preserved.
Black Seed Oil could help reduce inflammation in the air passages and inhibit excess mucus secretion. It can also improve pulmonary functions and enhance lung capacity. Hence, the use of Black Seed Oil is highly recommended for patients who suffer from acute or chronic lung diseases including COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
- Ginger
Ginger possesses natural immunomodulatory properties. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent. It would regulate the activities of the immune cells and reduce inflammation in the air passages.
Garlic can also enable the body to fight infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases more efficiently thus protecting patients against the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, sarcoidosis, emphysema, and COPD.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint can produce an instant soothing effect on the inflamed mucus membranes of the nose, throat, and lungs. It would reduce mucus secretions and provide immediate relief from cough, and congestion in the nose and throat.
It can also act as a natural antihistamine, and prevent allergens and harmful foreign bodies from causing inflammation in the respiratory tract, thus keeping airways open and free.
4. Garlic
This powerful herb can provide rapid relief from cough and cold and a wide range of other respiratory symptoms. It would relieve congestion in the nose and chest by supporting the expulsion of mucus.
Garlic would also increase the blood flow to the lungs and ensure adequate delivery of essential nutrients needed to heal the damaged tissues.
Hence, the use of garlic is highly recommended for patients who suffer from chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis, lung carcinoma, and COPD.
5. Licorice
Licorice is one of the most effective herbs used in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It provides a rich natural source of a medical compound called glycyrrhizic acid that can improve the functions of the immune system and regulate the activities of immune cells.
This action of Licoricecan help reduce inflammatory damage to the lung tissues and restore respiratory strength. This herb is also used for maintaining a healthy mucous membrane. Hence, it has been found effective in the management of diseases marked by inflammation and increased mucus secretions such as bronchitis, and pneumonia.
It can also prevent the accumulation of mucus in the air passages and ease breathing in patients with asthma, COPD, and emphysema.
6. Bayberry
The bark of the Bayberry plant can support pulmonary functions by promoting the expulsion of mucus accumulated in the air passages. The high tannin content of this herb would protect the lung tissues against inflammation and oxidative stress and support the recovery of patients diagnosed with chronic diseases like pulmonary carcinoma, bronchiectasis, and emphysema.
7. Mullein Leaf
Mullein is considered a safe and supreme respiratory tonic. It would help open the air passage and lungs, ease spasms and tightness, reduce cough, and soothe the irritated mucus membranes.
The use of this herb has found application in numerous respiratory diseases marked by increased mucus secretion and reduced pulmonary functions like asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis.
8. Horehound Leaf
This herb is revered for its ability to ease spasms and loosen and expectorate the mucus secretions associated with lung infections. It is commonly used for treating pulmonary conditions that cause anaccumulation of mucus, including sinus infections, chest congestion, allergies, and post-nasal drip.
9. Wild Black Cherry
What makes Wild Black Cherry one of the effective herbs for improving lung health is its powerful antioxidant action and high vitamin C content. It would promote the immune system functions and strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms against disease-causing agents like infectious pathogens, allergens, irritants, air pollutants, and carcinogenic elements.
It would protect the mucus membranes against inflammation and oxidative damage and reduce cough and mucus secretions.
10.Astragalus
Astragalusoffersa powerful natural proactive measure to fight respiratory illnesses by acting as an antioxidant and an immune system booster. It would help to reduce the risk of frequent infections like common cold and flu.
Astragaluscan also be effective for reducing the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks. Regular use of Astragalus is linked to improved lung functions and the reduced risk of COPD and emphysema.
Conclusion
The lungs are the never resting organs of the body. An efficiently functioning respiratory system is vital for maintaining good health. The use of the herb discussed above could enhance lung functions and provide relief from common respiratory diseases.
Our respiratory therapy conferences are aimed at educating doctors and other healthcare professionals about the benefits of herbal remedies. Our respiratory webinars 2021 include lectures by researchers who will share with you the findings of the latest studies that have proven the medicinal benefits of the herbs so that you can provide better treatment to your patients to help them recover faster and avoid respiratory diseases in the future.