Breathing is a crucial function in our system and people usually don’t talk about it until they experience some problems. Our lungs are working all the time. This is the organ that allows oxygen to get into the body. Besides oxygen, lungs are also dealing with impurities that come from the air – dust, nicotine, harmful microorganisms, etc.
All these matters put the work of the lungs at risk and the final result is reduced oxygen intake and breathing difficulties. If we don’t take action, the situation can get worse and lead to many serious diseases like chronic bronchitis and asthma. This is why lung cleansing is very important.
Lung cleansing allows people to cleanse this very important organ in our body from toxins and tar, reduce the risk of developing cancer and infections, increase lung capacity and improve the overall health of the respiratory system.
Lung cleansing is especially useful for smokers (both passive and active smokers) and people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution.
It is good to know that there are several ways in which you can perform this procedure. Of course, the best idea is to use the help of Mother Nature and try some of the herbs that have lung cleansing properties and have proven to provide excellent respiratory support.
How are Herbs Beneficial for the Respiratory System?
Herbs have been used for treating sore throat and coughing for centuries and they can certainly be helpful in lung cleansing procedures. There are certain herbs that come with strong antimicrobial and antitussive properties and they can be used in different forms. They can treat infections, eliminate respiratory spasms, soothe the dry throat and of course- cleanse the lungs.
Best Lung Cleansing Herbs That are Relatively Easy to Find
1. Oregano
Oregano is a herb packed with terpenes and carvacrol, known as lung cleansers. This herb helps in cases of inflammation and improves nasal patency of the airways. The lung cleansing procedure involves taking two cups of oregano tea on a daily basis. In order to make oregano tea, just take some dried oregano and pour warm water over it, and leave it for 5 minutes. Adding a few drops of oregano oil in a glass of warm tea or milk has proven to be very effective too.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a plant that can be easily recognized for its powerful aromatic odor. Eucalyptus is part of many pharmaceutical remedies, but it can also be used for lung cleansing. It is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties. In order to clean your lungs, make steam that includes three drops of eucalyptus essential oil or a small quantity of dried eucalyptus.
3. Mullein
If you want to feel the cleansing properties of this herb, use an infusion of mullein. In addition to lung cleansing, this herb can also help you with irritated and dry lungs. The leaves of mullein act as expectorants and they improve secretion in this area. Be careful during the preparation process and try wearing a mask because the scent can cause additional irritations.
4. Osha Root
It is very likely that you are not familiar with the Osha plant. However, you should know that this is one of the most efficient lung purifiers out there and Osha root is the main ingredient in the special drops that help to cough and soothing irritated airways. Osha roots cleanse the sinuses and help in cases of allergies, asthma, and infections. Drink Osha root tea or use steams.
5. Chaparral
Chaparral is a plant that naturally grows in the southwest part of the United States. It was used by Native Americans since ancient times. They knew that chaparral is an excellent lung cleansing herb. It comes with strong antioxidants that work despite the irritation in the lungs. It can also kill bad bacteria too. The most efficient form of chaparral is tincture extraction. Of course, you can see the benefits of using chaparral tea too.
6. Lungwort
What is interesting about this plant is that the striking resemblance between its appearance and the appearance of lungs. Of course, this is not the only connection between these two things. Lungwort has been used for more than 400 years for the improvement of respiratory and lung health. Once again, in order to feel all of its benefits make a tea or use it as part of healing steam.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint and its oil are packed with menthol which relaxes muscles located in the respiratory system. In order to cleanse the lungs and make them stronger, chew between three and five fresh leaves of peppermint every day. When the respiratory system is clogged add a few drops of peppermint oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale. Peppermint tea can also help the lungs relax and cleanse.
8. Thyme
Thyme contains essential oils and flavonoids and is therefore good for the respiratory system. It is interesting that people can use thyme as an addition to bathing water. If you are preparing thyme tea, you should never prepare it in an open bowl because all the useful ingredients will evaporate.
9. Plantain Leaf
Plantain leaf is one of the best natural remedies for lung cleansing. It is rich in glycerin and pectin which are the two most popular ingredients found in cough syrups. Plantain leaves come with strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Eat boiled plantain leaves, drink tea and follow this practice even when your lungs are relatively clean.
10. Coltsfoot
Both flowers and leaves of this plant come with excellent expectorant and demulcent properties. Coltsfoot tea made of leaves can help lung cleansing. It is recommended to use this plant together with peppermint and mullein to make a strong and healthy tea. Pregnant women, children, and diabetics should avoid this tea.
11. Indian Tobacco
Indian tobacco also known as Lobelia Inflata is a plant commonly found in North America. The natives have used this plant to heal many different respiratory problems. This plant eases coughing, improves breathing, and of course – cleanses the lungs. It is recommended to drink tea or inhale steams (twice a day).
12. Elecampane
Elecampane is a plant that belongs to the aster family. This plant has many different healing properties including diuretic, anti-parasitic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its ability to cleanse the lungs, it can also be used for treating lung diseases like asthma or emphysema. Take some elecampane roots, ground them and add one teaspoon to a glass of water. Drink this tea up to three times a day until you notice that your lungs are working properly. If you have some serious respiratory problem you should drink this tea for three months.
13. Licorice Root
This is another plant that has proven to cleanse lungs effectively. The strong antioxidant properties ease the inflammation of the airways. In addition, the antibacterial properties prevent and treat mild infections in the lungs. Take up to 3 cups of licorice root tea for a few days. In order to create this special tea add a teaspoon of grounded licorice and a cup of warm water, seal it and leave it for 10 minutes. Children, diabetics, and pregnant women should not use this herb.