14 Plants Used in Traditional Respiratory Wellness

Learn about botanical traditions and plants historically used in respiratory wellness practices.

1Great Mullein

Both the flowers and the leaves of this herb are used as an extract to strengthen the lungs. Mullein removes excess mucus in the lungs, cleanses the bronchi, and reduces inflammation of the respiratory tract. Tea can be made from a teaspoon of dried herb and one cup of boiling water. It is also found in the form of a tincture.

2Licorice root

Licorice oil is one of the most popular oils in the world for treating the lungs. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the licorice root in its forms more than any other herb. Licorice root calms and softens the throat membrane, especially in the lungs and stomach, while purifying all kinds of inflamed teak that needs support from the immune system. It reduces throat irritation and acts as a coughing agent. The compounds of this herb are responsible for the ejection of the mucus in the respiratory tract. Root compounds reduce bronchial cramps and block free radicals that create inflammation allowing airflow. These compounds also have an antibacterial and antiviral effect, which is why it is distinguished in the fight against infection in the lungs. Glycerin and flavonoids can even prevent the formation of cancer cells in the lungs.

3Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot was traditionally used by the Indians for thousands of years to amplify the lungs. It is used mainly by those with asthma, cough, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. You can use the coltsfoot in the form of tea or in the form of an alcoholic extract called a tincture.

4Cannabis

Extraction and inhalation of cannabinoid essential oil significantly reduce the irritation of the oral cavity that occurs during smoking. Cannabis is probably one of the most effective anti-cancer drugs in the world, which is shown by numerous studies. Cannabis management allows active ingredients to stimulate the body’s natural response, greatly reducing the chances of spreading infections. Inhalation of cannabis purifies sinuses and bronchi. It is even proven that it also treats asthma.

5Osha (Ligusticum porteri)

Traditionally it is used to strengthen the lungs. The root of this herb contains camphor, which is why it is considered one of the best herbs for strengthening the lungs in America. One of its main benefits is that it increases lung circulation and relieves breathing. Thus, it acts similarly to antihistamines, reducing the respiratory irritation of seasonal colds.

6Thyme

The thyme is great for clogged lungs. It produces powerful antiseptic essential oils, which are classified as natural antibiotics. Thyme is also good against acne and is sometimes better than some cosmetic creams in the market. Thyme tea is great for eliminating bacteria and viruses. It is used to treat the lungs, and especially for bacterial infections.

7Oregano

Oregano contains numerous vitamins and nutrients suitable for the immune system, but its primary benefits are due to carvacrol and rosemary acid. Both compounds act to reduce nasal congestion and reduce histamine by purifying the airway. Oregano oil can be greatly used against dangerous bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, better than many conventional antibiotics. Oregano has so many health benefits that everyone should have an organic oregano oil bottle in their home.

8Lobelia inflata

Lobelia is excellent for purifying the airways. The lobelia extracts contain lobelin, which positively affects the treatment of a tumor that is resistant to several drugs. Lobelin reduces the amount of mucus and prevents the clogging of the nose. Also, lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands that release epinephrine, which makes it easier to breathe. The lobelia relaxes the smooth muscles, and its compounds create a number of anti-cough and cold medicines.

9Inula helenium

Inula helenium used the old Indians to cleanse the excess mucus in the lungs. It is known as a natural antibacterial agent that prevents lung infection. You can dissolve the plant in warm water, but consume it in the form of a tincture.

10Eucalyptus

Many use this as a refreshing aroma. Eucalyptus is known to purify the airways and soothes throat irritation. It is a common ingredient of the pastil and syrup. The plant's effectiveness is due to the compound called “cineol” which acts as a remedy for coughing, prevents nose mucus, and reduces the irritation of the sinuses. Eucalyptus also contains antioxidants, which means it acts as a leverage for the immune system.

11Lobaria pulmonaria

A plant that grows on a tree and looks like a person’s lung tissue. But it not only looks like a lung, but also has great lung benefits.

12Chaparral (oak bush)

This is a herb that grows in the southwestern United States and was used the Indians to detoxify the lungs. Chaparral contains powerful irritant-resistant antidiarrheals but also of Nordhyhydogvareateic acid (NDGA), which acts as an antihistamine.NDGA inhibits aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis (the process of energy dissipation) in cancer cells. Chaparral is also used as a kind of tincture and tea for cleaning the lungs.

13Sage

Its leaves have a specific aroma originating from its essential oil. This oil greatly cures lung problems and  the common cold. Sage tea is a traditional remedy for a sore throat and cough. It is rich in the aromatic properties of tujon, camphor, terrore and can be used as inhalation with tea from a tubule.

14Mint

Mint and its oil contain menthol, ingredients that relax the muscular respiratory tract and help facilitate breathing. The dried mint usually contains, menthol, menthyl acetate, mentofuran, and cineol. The oil also contains a lower amount of lemonone, pegegone, coriophylene, and pinene. Many people use mint to reduce clogging at the nose, and it is also a good antioxidant.

Credit: gardeniaworld