Can Herbs Help with Lungs Health and Detox? We were surprised too

Looking for the right tea that will detoxify the lungs and make breathing easier? If so, this is about you.

Some herbs are useful in promoting respiratory function. And from assisting with medical conditions like allergies, respiratory illness, splitting phlegm, or even fighting inflammation, there are several forms these herbs will significantly support the lungs. We’ve curated a collection of the very best herbs to better disinfect and detox the lungs. So if you’re set, let’s move ahead and dive in.

1. Mullein Leaf

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What is Mullein Tea (Verbascum thapsus) ?

Common Mullein leaf tea has been in use as a medicine since ancient times, and its usage and prominence only continue to grow as time goes by. The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant are used to cure various inflammatory disorders, diarrhea, asthma, coughs, and other lung-related diseases—making it one of the main herbs for healing. Sometimes Mullein plant is called Aaron’s rod because it’s tall and has yellow flowers

The flower and leaves of the mullein herb could both be used to soothe nasal passages. This herbal plant has been used throughout the years as a remedy for respiratory issues including asthma, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.

Usually, it is used as a tea, added to oils, or smoked. Mullein is a good herb for clearing the lungs even when smoked, but only in small doses. It is a natural medicine that contains a compound known as saponins which help break down the mucus in the lungs. It is soothing to the body but could be a bit harsh when smoked. Tea is recommended if you have a sensitive throat.

How to Use Mullein Tea Leaf for lung cleanse?

Prepare this herbal tea by adding 1-4 teaspoons of Mullein tea leaf, depending on the amount of water. Steep the leaves before drinking. You could also breathe in the steam for a while as well or add coltsfoot to the mix.

2. Lungwort

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Just as the name suggests, lungwort is definitely great for your lungs. This herb has been used as herbal medicine since the 1600s. Lungwort creates more production of serous mucus in our body. This liquid helps in the digestion and respiration, and thins out the phlegm, making it easier for you to breathe.

Usually, it is used by people with serious health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and any other major respiratory issues which create a constraint to breathing. Moreover, lungwort is known to help fight bacteria that exist in the body and increase the function of the immune system.

You can take lungwort as tea and have one to two teaspoons to a cup of water. Steep for a few minutes until it is strong enough. You can drink this many times a day if you really want to improve your lung health.

3. Licorice Root

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Licorice is a popular tea ingredient. The first sip of its tea may not taste like much, but half a second later, your mouth gets overwhelmed with its sweetness. The natural sweetness of the licorice root is perfect for soothing your throat and is also great for lung detoxification since it relieves irritation. Licorice root also helps loosen the phlegm in your throat for it to be easier to eliminate, and it has antibiotic properties that kill bacteria and viruses in your system.

You can drink licorice root as tea. You don’t have to add any sweetener since it is already sweet. If you would like to add other ingredients, you can try to add ginger and lavender. You can drink this all the time, even if you do not have any lung health issues.

4. Coltsfoot

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Coltsfoot is a kind of plant which is part of the sunflower family. It looks like dandelions, but you need to be careful since it could be toxic when not taken properly. The leaves of coltsfoot have been used as a remedy for colds and cough since ancient times.

It has also been used as a general medicine and is useful for smokers who are trying to quit as coltsfoot helps in the removal of tar from the years of smoking.

You can make a tea out of this plant or mix it with mullein with a 1:2 ratio. You can add 1 part of coltsfoot and 2 parts mullein to a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.

5. Indian Tobacco

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Indian tobacco is used for reversing the effect of tobacco on your lungs. Ironic isn’t it? This herb has been used for its healing and detoxifying properties.

This plant contains an alkaloid known as the lobeline. It loosens the phlegm and reduces the mucus in the air passages. It is also helpful for other respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

You can use this plant by adding a small handful of leaves to a pot of boiling water and inhaling the steam coming from the water for at least 10 minutes.

6. Oregano

Oregano is another herb widely used to season cooking but is a perfect aid for lung protection. Like thyme, it is a mint family member that shares much of the same medicinal qualities as other mint family members hold. Oregano can grow 1-2 feet tall and conveniently plant in your own greenhouse.

Oregano is well known for its healing properties. It is a potent antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal antiseptic. That’s why it’s also used to treat and cure infections. However, it’s often useful for breathing difficulties, coughs, colds, and clearing bronchial passages and lungs. Additionally, it’s a potent antioxidant and is considered valuable for battling inflammation.

Oregano should be eaten or inhaled to promote respiratory function. It can be added to fruit, taken as tea or extract, or the essential oil can be dispersed.

7. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the best and popular herbs for respiratory protection. It has long been used as a treatment for various health problems and lung support. There are several various eucalyptus varieties, and some types can grow nearly 500 feet tall. The leaves produce potent volatile oils and are the therapeutic component of the tree. Eucalyptus is a versatile herb with many medicinal properties that assist with a wide variety of health problems.

Eucalyptus leaf’s main ingredient is cineole. Similar to other plants containing this chemical, eucalyptus is widely used for coughs, colds, allergies, bronchitis, respiratory disorders, and more. It breaks down congestion, assists with inflammation, and even the essential oil is found helpful in activating the immune system.

Eucalyptus has many ways to promote lung function. The dried leaves may be eaten as tea or turned into an extract, or even made into a decoction and the steam inhaled. Eucalyptus essential oil also promotes respiratory wellbeing and can be diffused and inhaled or also used in homemade preparations such as salves, balms, and customized spice blends.

Sources:

1. Wurges, Jennifer, & Teresa Odle.  “Eucalyptus.” Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Encyclopedia.com.

2. Sebei, K., F. Sakouhi, et al. “Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of seven eucalyptus species essential oils leaves.” Biological Research 48, no. 1  (2015):  7.

3. Serafino, A., P.S. Vallebona, F et al. “Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response.” BMC Immunology 9, no. 1 (2008).

4. “Thyme.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Britannica.com.

5. Tisserand, Robert, Rodney Young, & Elisabeth M. Williamson. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014).

6. Hutchens, Alma R. Indian Herbalogy of North America (Boston, MA: Shambhala, 1973).

7. “Growing Oregano.” Yankee Publishing Inc. Almanac.com

8. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy (New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press, 1997).

9. Tierra, Michael, & David Frawley. Planetary Herbology (Santa Fe, NM: Lotus Press, 1988).

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