Herbs To Tonify The Lungs
Below are some of the most popular and common herbal remedies for
aliments of the lungs:
Coltsfoot Root, (Tussilago farfara) The mucilaginous property of the
root makes it useful with lung problems, coughs, and intestinal
upset. Coltsfoot is available in tincture, syrup, capsules and tea.
The active ingredients are extracted from the dried leaves, root and
flowers.
Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) has been a staple with practitioners of
traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat asthma,
allergies, and coughs. Studies have shown that ginkgo can inhibit
allergic response and scientists have isolated an active ingredient
in ginkgo that has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Horehound, (Marrubium vulgare) can be considered whenever heavy, dry,
mucus must be discharged from lungs and respiratory passages.
Horehound is the botanical herb of choice due to its long history as
a safe, reliable, and effective herbal cough remedy.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) contains elements helpful for
the adrenals and glands, inducing the adrenal cortex to produce more
cortisone and aldosterone. It is thought to exhibit a mucosal
protectant effect by beneficially interfering with gastric prostanoid
synthesis and increasing both mucous production and regional blood
flow. Very helpful in treating flu, colds, and lung congestion. It is
also found in popular cough remedies. Due to the adverse reaction of
licorice, many studies have been performed using the
deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which is free of
glycyrrhizin and has had no significant reported adverse effects.
Lobelia, (Lobelia inflata) is used smoking cessation and to treat
asthma and depression. The piperidine alkaloids (lobeline) are
believed to be responsible for the mechanism of action. In vitro
studies show that lobeline crosses the blood-brain barrier and has
similar activity to nicotine, and stimulates the release of dopamine
and norepinephrine. At low doses, lobelia has stimulant effects.
There are several contraindications with this herb. Lobelia is known
to cross into breast milk and should not be consumed by pregnant or
nursing mothers. Adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting,
sweating, cough, dizziness, bradycardia, hypertension, seizures,
respiratory stimulation (low doses) or depression (high doses).
Toxicity includes sinus arrhythmia, bundle branch block, diaphoresis,
cardiovascular collapse, seizures, coma. Herb-Drug Interactions
include nicotine. Lobelia may have additive effects when combined
with nicotine-containing products, resulting in toxicity.
Mullein, (Verbascum thapsus)is an antispasmodic, which is rich in
mucilage, a substance that soothes the throat. It is a good
expectorant and, in the process of clearing out congestion. It also
soothes irritation in the throat and bronchial passages. As an
antispasmodic, mullein can relieve stomach cramps and help control
diarrhea. Mullein is an age old remedy, which is specific for
bronchitis with hard cough and soreness. It is also a herb for cold
and congestion. The leaves and flowers are used to reduce mucous and
stimulate coughing up of phlegm.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)had been known to reduce allergic reactions.
Rich in iron, potassium and silicon, nettles combined with comfrey,
mullein, or horehound can be used for asthma.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
https://www.peacefulmind.com/herbs.htm
