Your lungs are a vital part of your respiratory system and are responsible for the process of breathing. They bring in oxygen and transport it to every organ in your body. Every day your lungs also accumulate environmental toxins such as microorganisms, allergens, smog and cigarette smoke. These toxins can cause breathing problems and weaken your lungs, thereby reducing your oxygen intake. Luckily, there are ways you can detoxify your lungs of these pollutants.
Step 1
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke can cause numerous lung disorders such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Keep a clean handkerchief or facial tissues with you so you can cover your mouth and nose when you must enter areas where there is secondhand cigarette smoke. Consult your physician if you find it difficult to stop smoking; he may recommend products or therapy that can help you quit.
Step 2
Drink one to two cups of honeysuckle flower tea daily. This herb promotes healthy mucous membranes. It also helps your lungs remove pollutants and mucous, according to herbal scientist Albert Leung. You can purchase honeysuckle tea at any large chain health food store or Asian supermarket.
Step 3
Consume one 500 mg rosemary herb tablet daily. Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help improve the blood circulation in your lungs according to Dr. Light Miller, author of "Ayurveda & Aromatherapy." This helps your lungs remove pollutants into your bloodstream, where they can then be filtered and eliminated.
Step 4
Do yoga breathing exercises. Find a quiet spot and breathe deep while counting to five. Then exhale slowly, again counting to five. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes every day. Doing these breathing exercises daily can help strengthen your lungs and remove environmental toxins such as smog and cigarette smoke.
Step 5
Get plenty of fresh air and outdoor exercises such as walking, jogging or running.
References
- "The Little Book of Yoga Breathing: Pranayama Made Easy"; Scott Shaw; 2004
- "Detox for Dummies;" Caroline Shreeve; 2006
- "Ayurveda & Aromatherapy;" Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller, and Harvey Diamond; 1995
