There are a lot of things you can do to keep your lungs happy and healthy. In addition to ensuring that your indoor air quality remains at an acceptable level (see Wellness Nova for more information on this), you can also introduce healing herbs to your lifestyle to ensure that your respiratory health is at its peak.
Top 10 Herbal Leaves That Can Help You Breathe Better
Here are some of the most common herbal leaves to help you breathe better:
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus helps to reduce mucus, as well as to loosen it so that it can be coughed out more easily. Inhalation of steam with added eucalyptus oil or lavender essential oil may help with conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. It is also believed to reduce muscle spasms that narrow the airways, making it more difficult to breathe. Watch the video below on how to make eucalyptus oil:
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is known to fight respiratory infections and is a natural expectorant, which helps in the removal of mucus. It is well known for its soothing properties and its ability to clear the airways.
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Place one teaspoon of dried thyme in one cup of boiled water to prepare a healing tea. Let it stand and covered with a lid for 10 minutes, then strain and serve. Thyme essential oil also contains a high level of carvacrol, which may help to eliminate or protect against viruses and bacteria.
Rosemary
The Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a natural expectorant. The use of rosemary oil or tea made from its leaves is a powerful intervention to help clear the lungs. Rosemary extract has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, such as cells present in lung carcinoma.
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Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a powerful antihistamine that is particularly useful for the overall health of the respiratory system. Not only is it a delicious addition to food and drink, but it can also prevent allergens and foreign bodies from causing harmful inflammation, keeping the airways open and unhindered.
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Licorice Root
Licoric (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract or tea may be helpful in upper respiratory tract conditions. This is due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The primary active ingredient of Licorice root is glycyrrhizin and is responsible for the impressive medicinal profile of Licorice. It works well in the treatment of asthma in conjunction with modern asthma therapy.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) helps to remove congestion in the respiratory tract by loosening mucus and phlegm. It is also helpful in the treatment of digestive disorders such as bloating and diarrhea – not to mention the delicious aroma of lemon.
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Plantain Leaf
Plantain leaf (Plantago major) is a common low-growing herb found in fields and meadows. It grows like a dandelion in a radial pattern. It is unrelated to the plant of the same common name. Used as a topical application, it may provide relief from respiratory distress and inflammation.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is packed with natural decongestants and antihistamines due to the presence of carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. Consumption of oregano may therefore have a beneficial effect on the function of the lung. Ingesting oregano oil has also been known to help treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and cough.
Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus) contains a plethora of antioxidants which is effective as an immune booster. The use of this herb during the cold and flu seasons is a wise and proactive measure to help prevent troubled respiratory diseases.
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The Use Of Herbal Leaves For A Healthier Life
There is absolutely no substitute for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but incorporating some of these widely available medicinal herbs into your routine can help keep your herbal leaves at an optimum level.
Since these herbal leaves can help to ease breathing – the vital function of all living beings – they may be worth adding to your regimen.
Your taste buds are going to rejoice and your airways are sure to thank you for these tasty additions. As always, be sure to consult your doctor before adding any medicinal herbs into your routine life.