Breathe In, Breathe Out
Did you know that your lungs are your only internal organ that is consistently exposed to the external environment? They work hard to filter out contaminants, release toxins from your body, and balance the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.
In addition to the pollen counts on the rise, wild fires are becoming more commonplace, which means smoke and ash fill the skies for weeks toward the end of summer. These tiny particles can easily make it past your body's defenses, muck up your filtration system, and be detrimental to your respiratory and circulatory systems.
It can be easy to take for granted our ability to simply inhale and exhale without obstruction. But you can also probably recall a time you've experienced congestion from allergies or a cold - It's unpleasant to say the least. Fortunately, herbs can be an excellent way to support your respiratory system, for general nourishment and to target specific concerns.
Here are a few different herbal categories you can work with to support your lungs and respiratory system..
-Vasodilators help open the airways. These are helpful when experiencing constriction or spasms of the lungs and bronchi. Issues such as asthma and bronchitis can benefit from herbs such as Mullein, Elecampane, and Yerba Santa.
-Expectorants can often time relieve congestion by thinning and moving mucus so it is easier to expel. Elecampane, thyme, and fir are classics that tend to also have a drying effect on the tissues. For a more soothing, moistening effect (Demulcent), Marshmallow, Licorice, Violet, and Plantain are a personal favorite! These ones also happen to be amazing Vulnerary herbs - promoting wound healing.
-Antispasmodic relieves spasms and are calming for both the respiratory and nervous system. Aromatic herbs, especially ones with menthol (peppermint, pine, balsam), are a trifecta for relieving spasms, opening the airways, and expectorating mucus.
-Antihistamines helps manage overactive inflammation due to an overreactive histamine response. These herbs include Stinging Nettle, Goldenrod, and Horehound.
My favorite way to support the lungs with herbs (especially aromatic ones) is through an herbal face steam. Add your herb(s) in to a shallow bowl, pour hot water over the herbs. Cover your head with a towel and bend forward, with your face over the bowl. Be careful to keep a safe distance so you don't burn yourself. This method allows the volatile oils (aromas) to travel into your mucous membranes with ease.
Because herbs are complex, more than not, they fit into multiple categories. This is also NOT an extensive list. There are so many herbs in the world. The ones listed above are just some suggestions on where to start when supporting your respiratory system. The art of formulating is where you can really dial in on targeting issues and the efficacy of the extracts.
Some of the formulas in The Apothecary that specifically target the respiratory are:
