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Herbs for Black Lung

Aug 25, 2011 | By Joel Le Blanc
Herbs for Black Lung
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Black lung is a condition where coal dust that has become trapped and lodged within the respiratory tissues causes severe health complications, such as difficulty breathing, bronchitis and pain. While the condition is not reversible, you can use some medicinal herbs to aid in the management of symptoms and help prevent further complications. Consult with a registered medical herbalist and a doctor, in order to select which herbs are safest and most appropriate for you.

Licorice Root

According to Kerry Bones, herbalist and author of "The Clinical Guide for Blending Liquid Herbs," licorice root has a wide range of benefits for the respiratory system. Licorice root contains medicinal acids, flavonoids, sterols and saponins with anti-inflammatory, tissue healing, expectorant and cough-suppressing actions. Taken internally in the form of a tincture, decoction or infusion, licorice root coats and soothes mucous membranes and helps to expel excess mucous from the lungs. Licorice root may increase blood pressure, so check with your doctor before purchasing licorice products.

Yarrow

Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal and antimicrobial herb that improves breathing and improves the symptoms of a variety of lung diseases. In a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2011, researchers from the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan tested the effects of yarrow extract on guinea pigs and rats. Yarrow had a significant bronchodilatory effect on animal lung tissues, opening air pathways and making breathing easier. Yarrow is used to treat colds, bronchitis, asthma, allergies and may offer significant symptomatic relief to black lung. Some people may be sensitive to yarrow, so check with your health care provider before purchasing yarrow products.

Grindelia

Grindelia, also known as gumweed, is a North American plant rich in phytochemicals that benefit the respiratory system. According to Henry Potter, herbalist and author of "Potter's Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations," grindelia reduces spasms in the respiratory tract, reduces and prevents symptoms of asthma and expels mucous from the lungs. The aerial parts of the plant contain essential oils, phenols, saponins and flavonoids such as quercetin. Liquid extracts of grindelia have anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically, but internally may cause some irritation to the kidneys due to the saponin content. Check with your health care provider before using grindelia products.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root contains polysaccharide chemicals that coat and soothe mucous membranes, reduce inflammation and inhibit coughing. In a study published in "Die Pharmazie" in 1992, researchers from Slovakia investigated the action of marshmallow root on cats with artificially-induced coughs. Marshmallow root significantly inhibited coughing in animals, and its effect was comparable to prescription antitussive medications. Consult with your health care provider before combining marshmallow root with other cough medicines, as it may cause interactions.

Ground Ivy

Ground ivy is a bitter and aromatic herb that is used in folk medicine to treat congested mucous, breathing problems and digestive upsets. According to Zoe Hawes, author of "Wild Drugs," ground ivy contains oils and tannins that kills bacteria, breaks up and dries congested air passages, reduces inflammation and tones mucous membranes. If you are experiencing excess mucous production that has developed into a chronic cough or bronchitis, ground ivy may help dry up mucous congestion internally. Check with a registered medical herbalist and a physician before purchasing ground ivy products.

References

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: Aug 25, 2011

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