Herbs for the Lungs

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

Herbs for the Lungs

 

Fall is the season to especially care for your lungs and large

intestines! The change into Fall makes us more aware of lung ailments

such as colds and fu, asthma, allergies, bronchitis and other

respiratory ailments. The cold, dry season is prone to affecting the

lungs. Ailments of the large intestines such as irritable bowel

syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, dysentary and other colon issues

are prone to weakness during this time of the year.

 

In , the lungs are an organ system that opens

directly to the exterior. It's function is to regulate and control

the breath through inhalation and exhalation. Because of its opening

through the nose, the lungs are easily susceptible to cold, heat,

dryness, dampness, and most of all, heat and wind. This can effect

the biggest organ of the body; the skin.

 

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.

 

 

Taking Herbs Internally

 

Herbal medicine is a natural and healing form of therapy that can be very

beneficial, long term. There are common sense precautions that must be take when

using herbal medicine internally.

 

*Never take herbal medicine internally if you are nursing or pregnant.

 

*If unusual symptoms occur, stop taking the formula and usually symptoms will

disappear rather quickly.

 

*When also on prescribed Western drugs, great care should be taken.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics can upset the stomach and irritate the

intestinal tract. Herbal formulas can tax the digestive tract. Do not take

herbal medicine and anti- inflammatories/antibiotics together at the same time.

 

*Blood thinners prevent clots from forming in the blood vessels. These are very

strong western drugs that must be monitored carefully. Drugs used to thin the

blood, often interfere with herbs for trauma, since they both have the same

action. The combination can interfere with western drugs and may cause dizziness

or fainting. Do not take blood thinning herbal medicine with western blood

thinners.

 

* Heart medications and herbs used for trauma both effect the circulation of

blood. Although these herbs have a different method of action, in conjunction

with heart medication, there can be unwanted side effects.

 

*Seizure medications work on brain function and in conjunction with Chinese

herbs, should not be taken at the same time and should only be done under

supervision.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit