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Respiratory System Helpers Here are some herbal remedies that have been used as Respiratory System helpers throughout history. Scroll down to find your ailment. Click on 'Fact Sheet' for more information. Respiratory Infections Elecampane (Inula helenium) Part used: Root History: European folk medicine for respiratory complaints Science: Essentials oils increase expectoration and disinfect mucus Practitioners opinion: Excellent recovery aid Directions: Tincture (2:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5 ml three times daily Elecampane is an ancient treatment for respiratory infections. In cases of acute and chronic respiratory infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, and the like, this is an excellent non-antibiotic option. A tonic plant, Elecampane specifically improves respiratory health and general health all the while clearing up the respiratory infection. This is the ideal medicinal plant for those who get a cold in November and it lingers in a variety of forms until the spring thaw. Respiratory Infections Garlic (Allium sativum) Part used: Root History: Long used to treat coughs and colds Science: Oil acts as respiratory tract disinfectant Practitioners opinion: Excellent for older people inclined to respiratory infections Directions: Tablets: 2-200mg tablets 3 times daily Juice: 10ml twice daily with water before meals. Most respiratory infections start as a viral infection and then become a bacterial infection. A mild cold turns into sinusitis, bronchitis, or even pneumonia. Garlic is ideally suited to prevent this progression, especially if this progression is predictable. For the person that gets a cold and it turns to bronchitis, time and time again, garlic is the answer. Amongst older people and vulnerable populations (HIV, cancer, emphysema, etc.) there is no better anti-pneumonia insurance policy than daily garlic tablets. Chronic Respiratory Infection Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) Part used: Root & rhizome History: Native Americans treatment for chronic respiratory disease Science: Compounds improve mucus membrane function Practitioners opinion: Works well in chronic overproduction of mucus Directions: Tincture (1:10, 60% alcohol): 2.5ml twice daily Tablets: 2-50g tablets 3 times daily. Golden Seal has become known as a respiratory tonic. Indeed, many people use it wrongly and may be making their condition worse with its use. First and foremost, it is not to be used in acute conditions but rather in chronic conditions. If you get a cold, it should not be used. It will not do anything and indeed may make things worse. If you have had the same cold for two years, use it. The respiratory tract produces mucus, and when it is really failing, a symptom will be the overproduction of mucus. In chronic respiratory conditions where mucus over production is an issue, Golden Seal is an appropriate remedy. Respiratory Tonic Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Part used: Root History: European ‘cure all’ for respiratory problems Science: Contains compounds that improve respiratory function Practitioners opinion: Effective in all respiratory complaints Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5ml three times daily Liquorice is nothing new. The 16th Century herbalist Gerard Johnson found, in the coal fire polluted air of London, that Liquorice improved the struggling respiratory tract. As we enter the year 2000, contemporary London herbalists find the same. All respiratory conditions are improved with regular liquorice use. It can raise blood pressure and should not be used long term by high blood pressure sufferers. Allergy Miracle Worker Nettle (Urtica dioica) Part used: Plant History: Ancient European treatment for allergies Science: Contains compounds which interrupt the allergic response Practitioners’ opinion: Highly effective in certain individuals Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol) 2ml 3 times daily Stinging nettle is truly a plant from outer space. Firstly, its’ covered with spines that inject the passerby with the same compound stinging ants use. Not only will it cause your skin to swell up if it stings you, it can be used to prevent allergic reactions. Indeed, stinging nettle has been found highly effective in those that suffer from allergies, whether the allergy affects the skin or the respiratory tract. Mucous buster Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulous) Part used: Leaf History: Aboriginal cough and cold treatment Science: Contains oils that stop mucous production Practitioners’ opinion: A safe and mild flu alternative Directions: Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol) 5ml 3 times daily The Eucalyptus tree provides us with the oils found in lung opening vapor rubs and unbeknownst to many, a source of flu busting leaves as well. The leaves were first used by Aborigines in Australia to speed the passage of a cold, a use picked up by the English convicts forced to labor in the outback. In time Eucalyptus leaves became a favourite European cold buster, a position they still hold today. Decongestant Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Part used: Seed History: European classic expectorant plant Science: Contains oils that increase mucous movement Practitioners opinion: An mild and highly effective decongestant Directions: Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol) 5ml 3 times daily Fennel seed has the curious ability to increase secretions; digestive juices, mucous, and mothers milk included. When a person has hard to expectorate mucous trapped in the airways, fennel seed will help. It loosens the mucous and makes it easy to cough up and out! It also contains oils which kill bacteria on contact reducing the risk of a cold turning into bronchitis, sinusitis, and the like. FACT SHEET (coming soon) |
