Herbs for the Lungs
Also called pectorals, these herbs come in different categories. Some are helpful to reduce swelling, some expectorate, some do both. Consider nervine herbs as well for reducing the anxiety due to the inability to breath.
Expectorants - Herbs that help the lungs expel excess mucous:
Chickweed, mullein, common speedwell, angelica, Black elder, hyssop, plantain, red clover, thyme, wild cherry bark, comfrey (leaf & root: limit internal use), milkweed root, beggars ticks, licorice, marshmallow root, skunk cabbage, lungwort leaf (pulmanaria officinalis), sundew (endangered), aniseed, lobelia, elecampane, coltsfoot, pleurisy root, hearts-ease, sage, ground Ivy, horehound, fennel.
Demulcents - Herbs that soothe inflamed and irritated lung tissue:
Mullein, marshmallow, coltsfoot, lungwort leaf, plantain, comfrey root, elecampane, licorice, lungwort bark (sticta), slippery elm.
Lung Tonics - herbs that nourish, invigorate, strengthen & tone the respiratory system:
Ground ivy, ginseng, schisandra, reishi, hyssop, mullein, cordyceps, holy basil.
Antispasmodics - herbs that reduce or prevent muscle spasms, convulsions and rigidity.
Mullein, hyssop, thyme, red clover, sage, pleurisy root, ephedra, lobelia, motherwort (relaxes the pectoral region including the heart).
Anti-microbial - herbs that kill microbes like bacteria, fungus and viruses.
Myrrh, goldenseal, osha, sticta, usnea, Oregon grape root.
Anti-catarrhal - herbs that diminish inflammation and congestion of all mucous membranes:
Coltsfoot, elecampane, evening primrose, Black elder, wild cherry bark, goldenseal, hyssop, fennel, mullein.
Anti-inflammatory - herbs that reduce swelling:
Solomons seal, beggars tick, white pine, pleurisy root, ground ivy, sticta, mullein, sage, evening primrose.
Anti-histiminics - Herbs that reduce the histamine response in the body thus reducing the ensuing allergic inflammatory response:
Osha, ephedra, nettles, lemon balm, wild lettuce, catnip, ginko.
Nervine Helpers - with lung issues there can also be stress and muscle tension nervines can be very helpful to bring about relaxation. My favorites are passion flower, milky oats, ashwaganda, linden, chamomile, scullcap, valerian, motherwort.
~Sara
Sara Woods Kender
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Thanks Sara! I am literally working on a tincture for someone who constantly struggles with pneumonia and pleurisy. This article was incredibly useful, and I will be tweaking some of the ingredients based on your recommendations. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!!!
Thanks for the concise western list.