Pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis are a few of the lung diseases that, grouped together, comprise the third largest cause of death in the United States, according to Medline Plus. Your lungs breathe more than 25,000 times per day, moving oxygen into the bloodstream and releasing carbon dioxide out into the environment. An inability to breathe properly threatens your life at the most basic level. Herbs may be used prevent and alleviate some forms of lung disease. Always get your doctor's approval before using herbs for any medicinal purpose.
Lung Conditions and Diseases
Lung diseases run the gamut from mild to life-threatening. One of the most common is the upper respiratory infection, which is caused by any one of over a hundred viruses, explains Dr. Anthony J. Cichoke in "Secrets of Native American Remedies." Asthma, a lung condition that affects millions in the United States, is caused by the narrowing and inflammation of air passages. Pneumonia, another widespread lung disease, results when the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, become infected by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Emphysema, a condition most often caused by smoking, happens when the alveoli's ability to function properly is progressively eroded.
Herbal Remedies
One Native American herbal tea recipe for croup, an acute respiratory inflammation, contains mullein leaves, valerian root, passionflower and wild cherry bark, writes Dr. Anthony Cichoke. If you have a cold, a cough syrup comprising goldenseal root, mullein and osha root may afford you some relief. Horehound lozenges, which are made with horehound leaves, sugar and corn syrup, can alleviate coughs. Bronchitis and asthma may respond to teas and syrups made from elecampane, cowslip, thyme, eucalyptus and gumplant. "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs" notes that mullein flowers contain antispasmodic and anti-bacterial properties and mullein flower tea is often prescribed for lung conditions. As with any herbs, do not use them without consulting your doctor first.
Other Health Products
Ray Shahelian, M.D., notes that the immense health benefits of antioxidants may relieve or prevent some lung diseases. Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, fish oils, aceytylcysteine supplements and reservatol, which is found in high concentrations in red wine, red grapes and blueberries. Other supplements that may aid lung health include inositol and high-quality multivitamins. The use of these supplements is not an adequate substitute for advice and treatment from a qualified health care provider.
Risks and Considerations
It is important to speak to your doctor before adding any supplement or herb to your regimen. Some herbs used for lung conditions have adverse side effects. For example, lobelia can be toxic in large doses. In addition, the major bioactive compound in goldenseal, berberine, may alter liver metabolism and interfere with the efficacy of certain antibiotics. Additionally, valerian root should be used with caution if you are taking prescription sedatives.
References
- "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies"; Anthony J. Cichoke, D.C., Ph.D.; 2001
- Medline Plus: Lung Diseases
- Lung Disease and Lung Cancer
- "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs"; Gaea and Shandor Weiss; 1992
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