Every cell in your body needs oxygen. Your lungs extract oxygen from the air and discharge waste carbon dioxide from the blood. It's important to maintain optimal respiratory health to have a strong immune system and have every other system in your body functioning properly, says the book "The New Holistic Herbal" by David Hoffmann. Herbs that help expel phlegm and cleanse the lungs help with your overall health. Always consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Lobelia
Lobelia, also known botanically as Lobelia inflata, is a member of the Campanulaceae family. The leaves, stems, blossoms and seedpods are used medicinally to clear the lungs of mucus. It's a respiratory stimulant as well as an expectorant, which means that it encourages the passage of phlegm up the bronchial tract from the lungs, says Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." It's also considered a relaxant herb. According to Hoffmann, its primary and specific use is to treat bronchitic asthma and bronchitis due to its high content of the alkaloid isolobeline, which works to stimulate catarrhal secretion while relaxing muscles of the respiratory system.
Hoffmann recommends combining lobelia with cayenne pepper to clean the lungs by making an infusion. Add 1/2 tsp.dry lobelia herb to a cup of boiling water and 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper powder. Take this three times per day. Lobelia is noted for having an acrid taste; you can sweeten it with honey if the taste is too strong.
Mullein
Mullein, known botanically as Verbascum thaspus, is a member of the Scrophulariacea family. According to acupuncturist Michael Tierra in his book "The Way of Herbs," the leaves and flowers of mullein are used to cleanse the lungs, as it has strong demulcent and expectorant properties. Demulcent herbs have a soothing effect on the mucus membranes of the respiratory system, due in part to their mucilage content. Mucilage creates a sliminess that coats the bronchial tract. Mullein's expectorant qualities helps expel phlegm without irritation.
Make mullein tea by adding 1 cup boiling water to 2 tsp. dried leaves and flowers and let them infuse for at least 10 minutes. Drink this three times daily.
Elder
Botanically known as Sambucus nigra, elder has flowers that are used to cleanse the lungs and treat upper respiratory infections including colds and flus, says the book "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," by Rosemary Gladstar.
Gladstar suggests making a tea with elderflowers by adding 2 tsp. dry flowers to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for five minutes.
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra C.A., N.D.; 1980
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
