How To Restore The Lungs

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Many of us take our breathing for granted. After all, if you can't breathe, you'll be dead. The lungs give us life, oxidize our blood so that they keep our brains alive and protect our bodies from harmful substances.

Given that our lungs do all this, it is good to support them as much as we can to keep them clean and healthy. Otherwise, if we do not do it, it can lead to various lung diseases and even the appearance of chronic ones, as the lungs are extremely closely connected with the circulatory system.

The circulatory system and gas exchange

The circulatory system consists of three independent systems that work together: the heart (cardiovascular), lungs and arteries, veins, coronary and portal vessels (systemic). This system is responsible for the flow of blood, oxygen, nutrients and other gases, as well as hormones that move between cells.

Our body's cells need energy to do their job. They receive energy by combining sugars or other nutrients with oxygen, thus allowing us to function as a living, breathing human being.

During this energy generation, carbon dioxide is formed. However, too much carbon dioxide can poison cells, which is why the blood carries oxygen (from the lungs) to the body's cells and takes away their carbon dioxide. The blood that returns to the heart and lungs is dark red, which means that it has taken the carbon dioxide from the body's cells, leaving most of its oxygen in the cells.

Carbon dioxide in the blood is replaced by oxygen in the alveoli. These small air sacs in the lungs are the size of a cell and are surrounded by capillaries that are also microscopic in size. Blood from the heart flows through these capillaries and collects oxygen from the alveoli. At the same time, carbon dioxide passes through the capillaries and into the alveoli. When you exhale, you release carbon dioxide.

Bright red oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart and is pumped to various parts of the body.

Herbs for cleansing the lungs

These 15 lung cleansing herbs can be easily integrated into your diet. Whether you include them in a salad, drink them in the form of tea or take them as a tincture, these herbs are sure to keep your lungs healthy.

1. Thyme

Thyme is one of the most useful herbs for the lungs. Supports respiratory health and fights bacterial infections such as pneumonia. A 2016 study concluded that thyme is without a doubt one of the most protective and supportive herbs for the bronchial tract of the lungs. The researchers explain that thyme has expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive and antispasmodic action. Thyme can be taken as a tincture, as a tea or as a flavoring essential oil in a diffuser.

2. Lopen

Mulberry is an incredibly effective plant for clearing the lungs of mucus, sputum and chronic inflammation. Mulberry acts as a strong expectorant, which means it helps the body remove excess mucus and secretions from the lungs, soothing the mucous membranes with its emollient properties. It can help with bronchitis, severe cough, colds and even asthma. My favorite way to take advantage of the amazing benefits of this herb is in the form of tea by adding 2 tablespoons of dried leaves and soaking them in 300 ml of hot water for 15 minutes.

3. Mint

Menthol, a compound in mint, is an antispastic and anti-inflammatory agent that helps relax the airways. Peppermint oil is one of the best ways to use the beneficial properties of peppermint, as it is rich in other medicinal lung compounds and peppenes such as Caryophyllene, Lemon (or dipenton), Pine and Pulegon. Peppermint oil helps to clear the unpleasant symptoms of upper airway congestion, which can be due to allergies, asthma, colds, flu, bronchitis and the like. To use peppermint oil, you can rub a few drops on your chest (in combination with a base oil such as almond) or flavor the air by mixing a few drops of oil in a diffuser with water.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is often used to relieve throat irritations and to improve the general condition of the respiratory tract. It is very effective in treating asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, flu, pneumonia and even tuberculosis. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, mucolytic action. Its use in asthma has a proven healing effect, dilating blood vessels and allowing the lungs to receive more oxygen.

To use eucalyptus, you can mix eucalyptus essential oil with base oil such as jojoba oil and then rub it on the upper chest. Alternatively, you can spray the oil with a diffuser or drop a few drops on specially sold wooden stands for this purpose. Aromatherapy uses the delicate power of aromatic molecules to deal with both lung problems and the nervous tension that causes them. Contraindications: To be taken in small doses. Do not use in the first half of pregnancy, in children under 6 years, in epilepsy, severe hypertension, before sunbathing.

5. Lungwort

This beautiful flowering herb has been used since ancient times around the world for a variety of respiratory ailments, including colds, coughs, catarrhal problems and bronchial detoxification. It has long been known in our lands as a folk cough, emollient, anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a blood-forming factor.

To use this herb to treat lung diseases, take as a tincture or drink in the form of tea. Dose for 1 day: 2 tablespoons of finely chopped drug is poured with 2 teaspoons of boiling water and after cooling is filtered, sweetened with sugar or honey.

6. Regan

The active ingredients in oregano, essential oils (carvacol, thymol, caryophyllene, etc.) neutralize free radicals and their harmful effects. Carvacol and thymol also have clinically proven antibacterial activity. The natural anti-inflammatory compounds in oregano make it one of the best natural remedies used to relieve the symptoms of the flu or the common cold.

Rosemary acid in it reduces the accumulation of fluids and even swelling during an allergic attack, which makes it a completely natural compound that reduces histamine. It can help reduce nasal congestion by soothing excess mucus production and relieving allergy-related sneezing.

You can diffuse oregano essential oil to inhale its beneficial properties, or consume the oil directly (make sure the oil is edible - most essential oils are not, but those sold as a dietary supplement can be consume). And let's not forget the numerous applications of oregano as a spice in cooking.

7. Lobelia

This is another magic herb that helps cleanse the lungs. It contains the alkaloid Lobeline, which is an expectorant, diaphoretic and bronchodilator and supports the respiratory system. Recommended for various respiratory problems such as pneumonia, cough, asthma, secretions and bronchitis.

As an expectorant, this herb breaks down phlegm and mucus and helps open the airways, helping to breathe harder and deeper. Lobelia is thought to stimulate the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, thus relaxing the airways and allowing easier breathing. You can take lobelia as a tincture or tea.

Note: Pregnant women, lactating women and children should not use the herb without medical advice. At high doses, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tremor and general fatigue are observed. In the past, the herb has been used to induce vomiting in food poisoning.

8. Plantain

This ubiquitous grass, which grows almost everywhere in the wild, can really help our lungs! Plantain leaves stimulate the production of mucus, which makes them a great remedy for bronchitis, laryngotracheal catarrh, dry cough or sore throat. Plantain is recommended for all broncho-pulmonary pathologies and diseases of the respiratory tract. Since you can find this herb even in your backyard, it is probably the most convenient way to cleanse your lungs. There are two species of plantain: narrow-leaved Plantago lanceolata and deciduous species with the Latin name - Plantago major (deciduous). The first has stronger anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while the second is preferred for internal diseases and superficial wounds.

9. Chaparral

Note: this herb is not recommended for long-term use or for people with liver disease. The herb relieves lung inflammation and regulates the body's natural response to histamine, which makes it extremely useful in the treatment of bronchitis, allergies and colds. In addition, this plant contains a powerful antioxidant called nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), which reduces the ability of abnormal (cancer) cells to generate energy. Chaparral can be drunk as a tea by soaking 5 tablespoons of dried leaves and stems in 250 ml of boiling water.

10. Sage or sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage contains powerful aromatic oils such as thujone, camphor, terpene and sage, which help open the sinuses and relieve lung congestion. Sage tea even has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer and metastases in the lungs and other parts of the body. The use of sage is most common in cooking as a spice, also for inhalations by inhaling vapors of essential oil through a diffuser or by drinking tea from dried leaves of the herb.

11. Licorice or licorice or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is an herb that is often recommended for the treatment of respiratory problems. It has strong anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, which help the faster and easier removal of sticky secretions from the bronchi, dilates the airways so that oxygen can move more freely. Drinking tea from the root three times a day can help treat coughs, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and hoarseness and has a strong expectorant effect.

Note: Pregnant women, lactating women and children should not use the herb. Long-term use is contraindicated.

12. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot has flowers that look a lot like dandelions (and are just as healing). This herb is great in reducing inflammation and effectively treating bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and tuberculosis. However, it is best not to take it long-term and excessively, but only for therapeutic purposes, when necessary and only after consulting a doctor. This herb is best taken as a tincture.

13. Medicinal rose (Althaea officinalis)

This herb has a calming effect and helps reduce inflammation, irritation and cough. Its antitussive and mucolytic properties help to reduce throat irritation, reduce swelling in the lymph nodes, speed up healing and reduce dry cough. For these reasons, blush extract is added to many cough syrups and throat lozenges. 1 tbsp. of the herb is poured into 500 ml of lukewarm water. Soak for 2 hours. Drink sweetened with honey 15 minutes before eating a glass of wine, 4 times a day.

14. Asterisk

The herb contains mucous substances, some amino acids, vitamins C and E, carotenoids, saponins, flavonoids and more. In fact, it is considered a weed and can be found almost everywhere: in settlements, along roads, in yards, near fences, like a weed in fields, wet grassy places. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It is used in the form of infusion mainly in folk medicine for inflammation of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and digestive organs. Freshly picked leaves are used in cooking for salads, pesto and smoothies.

15. Oman (Inula helenium)

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy and lactation. This plant is great for cleansing the lungs. It is used in Eastern medicine in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma, influenza, colds, tuberculosis, laryngitis and pharyngitis, as it acts as an effective, natural expectorant. Oman contains inulin, a detoxifying phytochemical that covers and soothes the bronchi of the lungs to help them relax. As a result, wheezing and coughing are relieved.

Decoction of the roots is used for irritating cough, bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory problems. Tinctures are used for bronchitis or chronic respiratory complaints and are sometimes mixed with thyme tincture for added effect. Syrups are prepared from a tincture or decoction of roots and flowers and are used for cough.