The lungs are cone-shaped organs located in the chest cavity, making up
most of the lower respiratory tract. The pass oxygen into the body, and
are one of 5 elimination systems. In brief, their major role is
providing oxygen to capillaries, so that they can oxygenate the blood.
It is also worth mentioning that the lungs are one of the largest organs
in the human body, as their tissue is nearly 40 times greater compared
to body`s outer surface.
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, posses 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
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 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 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.