Many supplements can help reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract. According to MedlinePlus, lung disease describes any disease or disorder that affects your lungs. Some lung diseases cause significant inflammation or irritation of your lung tissues, which may cause you pain or discomfort and affect your ability to perform your activities of daily living. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your lung inflammation, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, appropriate dosage and potential drug interactions.
Elecampane
Elecampane, also known as Inula helenium, is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial in treating your lung inflammation. Elecampane, a member of the aster family, is a perennial plant native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the dried roots and rhizomes, or underground stems, of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that elecampane is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and expectorant that is an immune system modulator and tonifying to your lungs. Elecampane has been used to help treat many respiratory system conditions, including chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, silicosis, asthma and emphysema. Elecampane has a pungent and sweet taste and slightly warming, drying and stimulating tendencies.
Licorice
Licorice is a flavorful herb and dietary supplement that grows wild throughout certain parts of Europe and Asia. The root of the licorice plant is used by practitioners of botanical medicine to help treat numerous health problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used to help treat many respiratory conditions, including cough and asthma. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," licorice is an anti-inflammatory, expectorant and demulcent, or a substance that helps soothe irritated mucus membranes in your respiratory tract and other parts of your body. Licorice has also been used to help treat bronchitis and bronchial irritations and soothe coughs.
Echinacea
Echinacea, a member of the aster family, is a plant that has a sweet, pungent taste and cooling, drying and stimulating tendencies. The root, seeds and flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, echinacea has traditionally been used to help treat or prevent colds, flu and other infections, including respiratory infections and inflammation. TIlgner states that echinacea is an antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune system modulator that is used to help treat numerous respiratory problems, including infections, allergies and bacterial and viral disease. Echinacea is specific for infectious conditions, including infectious conditions that target your lungs and cause lung inflammation. Some herbalists, Tilgner notes, suggest that echinacea should be used for a period of only one to three weeks.
References
- MedlinePlus: Lung Disease
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Echinacea
- University of Michigan Health System: Licorice
- University of Michigan Health System: Elecampane
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
