Respiration is among the most vital functions of life, and the importance of our lung health cannot be overstated. When we inhale, our lungs work together with our vascular system to supply oxygen, a key ingredient in cellular reactions, all throughout our bodies. As we exhale, we remove carbon dioxide and other waste from the body–70% of our body’s waste is eliminated by breathing.

While our lungs are powerful, they are also vulnerable to infection by bacteria or viruses; there are over 200 different viruses that can cause upper respiratory infection. Inflammatory diseases such as asthma are also common, affecting about 10% of people across the world. Knowing this, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent these issues and improve the health of your lungs. Read on to learn about some of the best natural remedies for the respiratory system.

Mullein

With medicinal origins in ancient Greece, mullein has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for lung diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The herb is known to help thin mucus and act as a natural expectorant. In addition, the mucilage found in this plant helps coat and soothe mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This herb can be taken a number of ways, including tea, capsules, and extracts, or massage oil. Some people find additional relief by inhaling the steam that rises off of mullein tea.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus was long used medicinally by the Australian Aboriginals to treat coughs, colds, and fevers. When foreign settlers arrived, they quickly adopted the use of eucalyptus, and it has remained a popular remedy to this day. Eucalyptus contains oils with natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a great option for respiratory infections. In addition, the vapors from eucalyptus help clear mucus from your nasal passages and stimulate the cilia in your lungs, which can improve breathing. The popular way to use eucalyptus is as an essential oil applied to the chest and throat and/or added to a diffuser or steamy water. Several ointments contain eucalyptus oil to help open your airways, one of our favorites being Dr. Christopher's Sen Sei Ointment. Eucalyptus can also be made into a tea.

Cordyceps

The cordyceps mushroom is native to China and has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It is a versatile mushroom that has traditionally been used for lung health, kidney health, and even as an energy booster. Cordyceps is excellent for reducing inflammation in the lungs, making it particularly helpful for asthma, and can even assist your body in production of ATP, which helps your cells use oxygen more efficiently. Cordyceps can be taken in many forms, such as capsules, extracts, and even teas.

Licorice

The healing abilities of licorice were familiar to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who used it as an aid in curing coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs. Licorice root can benefit your respiratory system in a variety of ways. Like mullein, licorice produces mucilage that can help soothe inflamed lungs and sore throats, and is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus. More recently, licorice has even been found to inhibit the spread of certain viruses. Licorice can be taken via capsule, tincture, or tea.

Osha

This root has been used medicinally by American natives for over 2,000 years, and is prized for its use in treatment of colds, coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Osha root is naturally antiviral and antibacterial and helps boost the immune system. In addition, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated tissue, and it may even help stimulate the lungs and boost oxygen absorption. Osha root is most commonly taken as a tea or a tincture, but it can also be found as a powder.

Marshmallow

Like licorice, marshmallow root traces back to the ancient Egyptians and its mucilage content has been found useful in lubricating the throat and lungs and easing coughs and sore throats. Because of its moistening properties, it is generally recommended for dry coughs rather than wet coughs. Marshmallow root is also naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it a great aid in recovering from a cold or conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. Marshmallow can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsules.

Usnea

Usnea is a type of lichen native to North America and Western Europe, and has long been appreciated for its respiratory benefits. Usnea's mucilage content helps to reduce inflammation and clear phlegm and mucus from the airways. Its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties help fight infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Usnea is most commonly taken as an extract or in capsules, but you can also make a tea from the lichen by simmering it in water for about 30 minutes.

Lobelia

Native to North America, lobelia has long been used by indigenous people to treat asthma. The herb is a natural expectorant and contains chemicals that help relax airways. It also helps to dilate bronchioles, which allows your lungs to absorb more oxygen. Lobelia can even stimulate the release of prostacyclin, a natural compound that soothes inflammation and lowers blood pressure, which can help reduce symptoms of asthma. Lobelia can be consumed as a tea, an extract, or in capsule form.

Culinary Herbs for Respiratory Health

Several common culinary ingredients, such as horseradish, garlic, ginger, and onion, are also wonderful aids for respiratory infections. All four are known for their antibacterial and/or antiviral properties and ability to soothe inflammation and loosen mucus. In addition to enjoying these ingredients in your meals, you can also make tinctures and tonics that can help you to prevent or fight respiratory illness. Below are our directions to make "fire cider," adapted from celebrated herbalist Rosemary Gladstar's original recipe.

FIRE CIDER TONIC

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup of chopped or grated horseradish and ginger
• 1/3 cup of chopped or grated turmeric
• 6 cloves of cut garlic
• 1/2 cup of chopped red or white onion
• 1 hot pepper (preferably cayenne)
• 1 lemon chopped with peel on
• 2 tablespoons of aromatic herb like rosemary or thyme
• 1 tablespoon of black peppercorn
• Optional: cloves, cinnamon, or allspice
• 1/4 cup honey (to be added later)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except the honey in a jar. Close the lid and shake around to mix. Shake daily and store in a dark place for about 4-6 weeks. When the tonic is finished, add the honey and mix well.

Our Favorite Formulas

Below are some of our favorite herbal formulas for lung & respiratory health!

• Dr. Christopher's Lung & Bronchial Capsules or Extract
• A synergistic blend of marshmallow, mullein, chickweed, pleurisy, lungwort, and lobelia.
• Dr. Christopher's Sinus & Lung Formula
• A synergistic blend of Brigham tea, horseradish, and cayenne pepper in an alcohol base.
• Dr. Christopher's Respiratory Syrup
• A synergistic blend of garlic, mullein, chickweed, fennel, and nettle in a base of apple cider vinegar and glycerin.
• Dr. Christopher's Sen Sei Ointment
• A synergistic blend of cassia, eucalyptus, cajeput, menthol, & camphor essential oils in an olive oil base.
• Dr. Christopher's Super Garlic Immune Formula
• A synergistic blend of garlic, mullein, wormwood, lobelia, marshmallow, white oak bark, black walnut leaf, skullcap, gravel root, plantain, and aloe vera in apple cider vinegar, honey, and glycerin.
• Herb Pharm® Lung Expectorant
• A blend of Yerba Santa, elecampane, osha, usnea, thyme, lobelia, and ginger in an alcohol and vinegar base.
• Host Defense® Breathe Capsules or Extract
• A complementary blend of Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps.
• Yogi® Breathe Deep Tea
• Includes licorice, thyme, and eucalyptus along with warming spices.
• Traditional Medicinals® Breathe Easy Tea
• A blend of fennel, licorice, eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger.

 Conclusion

In order to support our body's functions, we each take about 20,000 breaths per day. Every one of those breaths fuels our cells and allows our muscles to move, our heart to beat, and our organs to function. We owe a lot to our lungs, and that's why taking the steps needed to keep them healthy is so important. By utilizing the natural methods and resources we have to nourish our respiratory tract, we will find ourselves healthier, happier, and our bodies more efficient.