Many people overlook the importance of breathing. It's a vital function; without it, life ceases. Our lungs are crucial, providing life by oxygenating the blood to prevent brain damage and shielding the body from harmful substances.
Supporting our lungs is vital to keep them clean and functioning properly. Neglecting lung health can lead to various respiratory illnesses or even systemic issues due to the lungs' integral role in the circulatory system.
The circulatory system is a complex network comprising the heart (cardiovascular), lungs (pulmonary), and the arteries, veins, coronary, and portal vessels (systemic). It manages the flow of blood, oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to and from cells.
Our cells require energy to function, which they obtain by metabolizing sugars and other nutrients with oxygen. This process is essential for us to live and breathe.
During energy production, carbon dioxide is generated. Excessive carbon dioxide can be toxic to cells, so blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells and removes their carbon dioxide. The returning blood to the heart and lungs is dark red, indicating it has absorbed carbon dioxide from the cells and left most of its oxygen with them.
In the alveoli, carbon dioxide in the blood is swapped for oxygen. These minuscule air sacs in the lungs are a single cell thick, encircled by equally thin capillaries. Blood from the heart circulates through these capillaries, acquiring oxygen from the alveoli while simultaneously expelling carbon dioxide into them. Exhaling removes this carbon dioxide.
The bright red blood, now rich in oxygen, returns to the heart and is distributed throughout the body.
Chemicals can enter the body via the lungs in four primary ways:
- Inhalation (breathing)
- Contact with skin or eyes
- Ingestion (swallowing or eating)
- Injection
Inhalation is the primary route through which chemicals enter the body. With each breath, air is drawn into the lungs through the mouth and nose, bringing in approximately 500 mL of air, or 6 liters per minute, along with any airborne contaminants.
These contaminants, in the form of chemical vapors, gases, and mists, reach the alveoli in the lungs and then enter the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body.
A notable study highlighted this process when volunteers inhaled gold nanoparticles, which were later detected in their bloodstream and urine up to three months afterward. The study aimed to demonstrate the severe dangers of air pollution, showing that it affects not just the lungs but the entire body.
Furthermore, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified particulate matter and outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic, labeling air pollution as the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths.
Numerous household products can impair proper lung function, including cleaners, talcum powder, outdoor debris, fabric softeners, cologne, air fresheners, scented candles, dust, and pet dander, which are all common irritants.
If the air we breathe is laden with pathogens, how can we enhance and rejuvenate lung health?
Investing in an air purifier, such as Intellipure, to filter out bacteria, viruses, and micro-particles is highly advisable for maintaining clean air at home. Additionally, consuming foods that act as medicine can aid in lung healing.
15 Herbs for Lung Cleansing
These 15 herbs known for their lung-cleansing properties can be seamlessly incorporated into your diet. You can add them to salads, brew them into teas, or use them as tinctures, ensuring your lungs remain in optimal condition.
1. Thyme
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| Thyme |
Thyme is renowned for its lung-healing properties. It bolsters respiratory health and combats bacterial infections such as pneumonia. A 2016 study affirmed thyme's status as a highly protective herb for the bronchial pathways. The study highlighted thyme's expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive, and antispasmodic qualities. Additionally, thyme extract has been shown to induce cytotoxicity in H460 lung cancer cells and reduce inflammatory signals.
Thyme can be administered as a tincture, brewed as tea, or utilized as an essential oil in a diffuser.
2. Mullein
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| Mullein |
Mullein is highly effective in clearing mucus, phlegm, and inflammation from the lungs. As an expectorant, it aids in expelling excess mucus and soothes the mucous membranes with its emollient qualities. It is beneficial for conditions such as bronchitis, severe coughing, chest colds, and asthma.
My preferred method of consuming mullein is by preparing a tea. I steep 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves and/or flowers in 1.5 cups of water for 15 minutes.
3. Peppermint
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| Peppermint |
Menthol, found in peppermint, is an anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent that aids in relaxing the respiratory tract. Peppermint oil, rich in lung-beneficial compounds such as caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and pulegone, is an excellent way to harness the benefits of peppermint. It can alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory congestion arising from allergies, asthma, colds, flu, bronchitis, and similar conditions.
To utilize peppermint oil, you can apply it to your chest with a carrier oil or diffuse it into the air.
4. Eucalyptus
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| Eucalyptus |
Eucalyptus is widely used to soothe throat irritations and enhance respiratory health. It contains cineole, an active component found in numerous cough syrups and medications. It is notably effective in treating conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Eucalyptus for asthma is a validated therapy that expands blood vessels and increases oxygen intake in the lungs.
To utilize eucalyptus, you can blend its essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, and apply it to the upper chest. Alternatively, diffusing the oil is also an option.
5. Lungwort
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| Lungwort |
This attractive flowering herb is utilized globally for numerous respiratory conditions, such as colds, coughs, catarrhal issues, and bronchial cleansing. The University of North Carolina recognizes lungwort as an herb beneficial for diminishing irritation and offering calming properties. Lungwort's abundant mucilage content is acknowledged for aiding respiratory ailments, including asthma and chronic bronchitis.
For treating lung conditions with lungwort, consume it in tincture form or as a tea.
6. Oregano
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| Oregano |
The active ingredients in oregano, carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, endow it with potent decongestant properties that support lung health. Rosmarinic acid helps reduce fluid accumulation and swelling during an allergy attack, serving as a natural antihistamine. It can alleviate nasal congestion, reduce excessive mucus production, and soothe sneezing associated with allergies.
You can inhale the beneficial properties by diffusing oregano essential oil, or you can ingest the oil directly (ensure the oil is edible – while most essential oils are not suitable for consumption, those labeled for internal use are safe to ingest).
7. Lobelia
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| Lobelia |
Lobelia is a beneficial herb for lung cleansing, containing the alkaloid lobeline. Lobeline acts as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and bronchodilator, aiding the respiratory system in various ways. It works by breaking down congestion and mucus as an expectorant, promoting the opening of airways for more robust, deeper breaths. It's thought that lobelia may stimulate the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, which relaxes the airways for easier breathing. Lobelia can be consumed in the form of a tincture or tea.
8. Plantain
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| Plantain |
The ubiquitous weed with spiky green leaves, commonly found in the wild, can be surprisingly beneficial for our lungs. Plantain leaves are known to stimulate mucus production, offering relief for dry coughs and throat irritation. Research has shown that plantain leaf is particularly effective in alleviating bronchitis symptoms, even among children. Given its common presence in backyards, it serves as a convenient home remedy for lung congestion.
As mentioned, plantain can be easily gathered from your backyard. To prepare a remedy, take 3-4 tablespoons of dried plantain herb and steep it in 1 cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a plantain tincture may also be used.
9. Chaparral
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| Chaparral |
Note: Chaparral is not recommended for long-term use or for individuals with liver conditions. It alleviates lung irritation and moderates histamine responses, proving highly beneficial for bronchitis and colds. Additionally, this herb contains an antioxidant known as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), which impairs the energy production of abnormal (cancerous) cells.
Chaparral may be consumed as a tea by infusing five tablespoons of dried chaparral leaves and stems in one quart of boiling water.
10. Sage
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| Sage tea |
Sage is rich in potent aromatic oils such as thujone, camphor, terpene, and salvene, which can open your sinuses and alleviate lung congestion. It also possesses properties that may inhibit the growth and spread of cancer in the lungs and other parts of the body.
Utilizing sage can be as simple as inhaling the vapors of sage essential oil through a diffuser or sipping tea made from dried sage leaves.
11. Liquorice
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| Liquorice |
Liquorice is a herb commonly suggested for respiratory issues. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that aid in loosening and expelling mucus, thus expanding the airways and facilitating the free flow of oxygen. Consuming liquorice root tea thrice daily may assist in alleviating coughs, asthma, and congestion.
12. Coltsfoot
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| Coltsfoot |
This herb, which bears flowers resembling dandelions and is just as medicinal, is excellent for reducing inflammation and effectively treating bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and tuberculosis. It should not be used long-term but rather medicinally as needed.
The preferred method of consumption for this herb is as a tincture.
13. Marshmallow Root
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| Marshmallow Root |
Marshmallow root is known for its soothing effects and its ability to reduce inflammation, irritation, and coughing. Thanks to its antitussive properties and mucilage content, it can alleviate throat irritation, diminish swelling in the lymph nodes, accelerate healing, and lessen dry coughs. Consequently, marshmallow extract is a common ingredient in numerous cough syrups and throat lozenges.
Marshmallow root can be consumed in the form of tea or as a tincture.
14. Chickweed
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| Chickweed |
Chickweed offers significant benefits for the lungs due to its content of saponins, soapy substances that enhance the permeability of cell membranes. These saponins help dissolve and eliminate undesirable substances, such as thick mucus, from the respiratory and digestive tracts. Additionally, chickweed can be utilized in the form of a tincture or tea to replenish moisture and provide a cooling effect to the lungs, which is particularly beneficial for soothing irritated lung tissue that leads to spasmodic and unproductive coughs.
15. Elecampane
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| Elecampane |
Note: This is not recommended for pregnant women.
Also known as horse-heal, this plant is excellent for lung cleansing. It's utilized in Eastern medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma because it serves as an effective, natural expectorant. Elecampane contains inulin, a detoxifying phytochemical that coats and soothes the bronchioles in the lungs, aiding in their relaxation. Consequently, it helps alleviate wheezing and coughing.
Elecampane can be ingested as a tincture or tea.
Regardless of the lung-cleansing herb you select, your lungs will benefit significantly from consuming these herbs throughout the year, particularly during winter. If you've ever used one of these herbs for a respiratory condition, please share your experience in the comments below. I would love to hear about it!
