Herbs To Tonify The Lungs

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Good Morning!

 

Herbs To Tonify The Lungs

 

Dryness is a common problem in Autumn. Dryness can manifest as

constipation, dry throat, dry skin, dry eyes, dry brittle hair,

thirst, and lack of sweat. Most people do not drink enough fluids

regularly, let alone in the Autumn. Spicy food can cause or worsen

dryness. Be careful not to get stuck in the vicious cycle of craving

the same food that makes your symptoms worse!

 

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.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbs.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit