Our lungs are organs that have a cone shape which are located in the chest cavity and are making up most of the lower respiratory tract, and they pass the oxygen into the body and are one of the five elimination systems. In brief, their major role is providing oxygen to capillaries, so that they can oxygenate the blood. It is also worth mentioning that the lungs are one of the largest organs in the human body, as their tissue is nearly 40 times greater compared to body`s outer surface.
Unfortunately, leaving in a modern world in which the air is filled with chemicals, dust, pollen, pollutants, and various bacteria, affects the lungs. Simply put, seasonal allergies and toxins take a toll on our lungs.
Taking a deep breath is one of the basic steps that should be taken so to eliminate toxins and promote the health of our lungs. Only around 10 percent of the body is cleansed through shallow breathing and with deep breath eighty to hundred percent of the blood is cleared. Apart from deep breathing, there are many herbal remedies that also promote lung health. The 5 lung-friendly herbs below are packed with medicinal properties for lung health, posses many healing properties, and are easy to grow. Check them out!
1. Oregano
Oregano – This herb in itself contains rosmarinic and carvacrol acids, both of which are acting as a natural decongestant agents that can help in clearing out the respiratory tract and the nasal passage and also, it is full with antioxidants that are boosting the immunity as well as protect us against cold and other illnesses.
Oregano is a perennial herb that grows back year after year. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and is best grown in a container due to its invasive nature. The best would be to use well-drained soil and keep it exposed to full sun.
This herb is highly versatile and it can be added in many different recipes. When it comes to harvesting, remove the stems in the morning and store in cool area. Cut the leaves after a month, and store in a container with tight lid.
2. Peppermint
It is full of menthol, one compound that can work as a natural decongestant, and it also provides antihistamine effect which promotes free breathing. It is same as the oregano, pervasive so it is best to grow it into a contains, outdoors or indoors, but it prefers some well drained soil and partial sun. The leaves of it might be used as a herb and added to tea or some recipes, and its oil could be combined with eucalyptus and used as chest rub.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus contains cineole, a compound with powerful healing properties. It can be used as an expectorant to alleviate a cough, soothe sinus passages, and fight off congestion. Just like oregano, eucalyptus is also packed with antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
To relieve a sinus infection, boil the eucalyptus leaves and inhale the steam. You can also mix eucalyptus oil with peppermint oil and use it as chest rub.
Eucalyptus tree can reach 60 feet height, so growing a smaller shrub size inside is a better idea. Place the container near a south-facing window so that it gets a lot of direct sunlight. When it outgrows the container, transfer it outdoors.
4. Lungwort
For a very long time, this one has been used as early as the 1600s. Its flower is actually very beautiful and its plant is extremely resilient. It wants shade and is good to be grown under trees. The leaves if this plant can be cooked the same way as spinach.
5. Elder
Elder has the ability to improve circulation as well as to open the lungs, capillaries, and blood vessels. The elderberry fruit is mouth-water and the elder flowers can be brewed into delicious tea. As for the growing part, plant the elderberry shrubs outside in a soil with a pH between 6 and 8.
Some other herbs that are very good for the health of the lungs are Butterbur, Mullein, Lobelia, Osha Root and Chaparral.
