Bacterial and viral respiratory infections kill thousands of people every year, and antibiotics often fail to relieve the problem. In fact, they are becoming a part of the problem. The constant use of antibiotics has resulted in the creation of superbugs which are difficult to get rid of it and plague whole countries each year.
1. Sage
Sage leaves are rich in volatile oils that can treat respiratory
inflammation and problems such as coughs, asthma and sore throat. Some
of the most beneficial volatile oils found in the leaves of this plant
are thujone, camphor and terpene, and all have the power to treat
sinusitis and similar problems.
2. Coltsfoot
Thanks to its natural ability to clean and reinforce the lungs,
coltsfoot has been used as a natural remedy against respiratory
infections in the past. The herb can clean out excess mucus in the lungs
and will also clean the bronchial tubes, helping you to breathe better.
You can use the herb against asthma, sinusitis and bronchitis as well.
3. Mullein
The mullein flowers and leaves can be used to create a powerful extract
which can improve your lung health. Mullein tea can cut through the
excess mucus in your lungs and reduce the inflammation within,
effectively improving your lung health.
4. Osha
Osha is a herb native to the Rocky Mountain are and has been used as a
natural remedy against respiratory problems by Native Americans in the
past. It is rich in camphor oil and other anti-inflammatory compounds
which can improve your lung health. Consuming osha tea often will help
you breathe much easier.
5. Elecampane
Elecampane can reduce inflammation in your lungs and remove the excess
mucus from them. It is a great antibacterial agent, so drinking the tea 3
times a day will keep your lungs in perfect health.
6. Chapparal
Chaparral is a powerful lung-detoxifying herb that can improve the
health of your respiratory system and help you breathe easier. It
contains a variety of antioxidants that can relieve inflammation in your
lungs and prevent the histamine response. Furthermore, chaparral has
been known to inhibit anaerobic and aerobic glycosis in cancer cells and
destroy harmful organisms. You can use it in the form of tincture or
tea – both can clean the excess mucus from your lungs.
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an ancient herbal remedy against respiratory infections
that can reduce the irritation in your throat and relieve the
inflammation in your lungs. It is rich in a compound called cineole
which is often present in cough syrups and lozenges. Cineole can treat
coughs and chest congestion, and destroy all the bacteria which might
have caused the problem in the first place.
8. Cannabis
Cannabis is surely among the most powerful natural remedies against
cancer. Smoking or vaporizing the herb will open up your airways and
help you breathe easier, while also soothing the irritation in your
lungs.
9. Licorice
Licorice is a soothing herb that can relieve inflammation in the throat
and lungs thanks to the presence of the powerful saponins. These
compounds can reduce the excess phlegm in your respiratory tract and
calm down your bronchial spasms. Furthermore, the plant contains
antioxidants which can prevent free radical damage and fight any kind of
bacteria in your lungs.
10. Thyme
Thyme has been used as a natural remedy against chest congestion in the
past. It contains essential oils with antibacterial and antiseptic
properties. Drinking thyme tea every day can fight almost all
respiratory infections including pneumonia.
11. Lobelia
Lobelia is known as “asthmador” in Appalachian folk medicine thanks to
its ability to soothe asthmatic symptoms. The plant contains lobeline, a
compound that can treat different infections and is even beneficial
against various types of cancer cells. Lobeline can break up the excess
mucus in your lungs and boost the production of norepinephrine in your
body, effectively helping you breathe easier.
12. Peppermint
Mint is a soothing herb which has a positive effect on your respiratory
system. It contains compounds such as menthone, menthol, methanofuran,
menthyl acetate and cineole, all of which can help in cases of chest
congestion and respiratory infections.
13. Oregano
Oregano is rich in rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, two powerful compounds
and natural decongestants which can decongest your respiratory system
and reduce the amount of histamine. Oregano will improve your
respiratory system’s health and help you breathe easier.
14. Plantain
Plantain is a herb which can soothe your mucous membranes and fight
coughs, colds and other respiratory infections. The compounds it
contains have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
which make it an ideal remedy for your ailing lungs.
15. Lungwort
Finally, lungwort has been used to treat respiratory ailments since the
17th century and with great results. The compounds it contains can
easily destroy various bacteria in your respiratory system and prevent
them from causing nasty infections.
Before using any of these herbs, we suggest consulting with a naturopathic doctor. You can use them in the form of tea or extracts, as well as in the form of essential oils, which might be the most powerful.