It’s cold and flu season yet again and time to strengthen your immune and respiratory system! These illnesses are known to cause congestion, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. People who experience asthma will know these sensations well. Asthma signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and wheezing when exhaling.

These symptoms can be made even worse with illness or exposure to seasonal allergies or environmental toxins such as pollution or mold. However, inhalers and over-the-counter medications are not without their own side effects and for certain individuals may not be effective. Here’s the good news, there are many useful and affordable herbs that have been regularly used for generations to support respiratory health.

Lobelia

Lobelia is famous for its benefits to the respiratory system. The active constituent in lobelia is the alkaloid lobeline, known to stimulate breathing, improve vascular tone, and support the cough reflex. However, since this herb is a powerful expectorant and respiratory stimulant it is important to use it in the correct doses and to combine it with herbs that are soothing to the lungs and throat such as ginger and hyssop. There are no known drug interactions so it is safe to use as a complementary treatment for asthma. Lobelia is not considered safe for use in pregnancy.

Lungwort

Lungwort is another herb known for its respiratory benefits. It’s high mucilage content makes it beneficial for use in lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Since lungwort is a soothing herb that reduces irritation it can be used with lobelia to mitigate discomfort. Lungwort has also been traditionally used to treat cough, hoarseness, cold, flu, and even tuberculosis. Some research suggests it may even be useful internally to treat bleeding in the lungs. Drinking lungwort tea has also been said to aid in soothing digestion and treating urinary tract infections due to its diuretic qualities. There has not been research into the safety of lungwort during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Osha root 

Osha root, also known as bear root is native to North America and has long been used to treat cold, cough, and other respiratory ailments. The root contains oils such as camphor and terpenes which help to clear mucus and congestion from the lungs and sinuses. It makes breathing easier by increasing circulation to the lungs, enabling deeper inhalation. When taken at the onset of a cold it may help reduce the length of illness. While osha root is not an antihistamine it does have a similar effect. Osha root also has a numbing effect which can be soothing to a sore throat and has been found to be more effective than echinacea and goldenseal in cough drops and syrups. While Osha root is considered highly safe it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing.

Preparation & Use

There are multiple ways to prepare these herbs and they can all be used in a multi-treatment approach. Lobelia tincture in particular is highly effective in treating asthma attacks. Make a tea or tincture out of any or all of these herbs combined. Teas are generally easier to make, take less time, and allow for a gentler dosing. If you choose to use a tincture of these herbs follow the dosing suggestions carefully so as to not cause any discomfort. A tremendously effective traditional recipe from New Mexico suggests simply seeping Osha root in water (no heating necessary) and sipping on the water throughout the day to cleanse and soothe the respiratory system and sinuses.

If using these herbs to treat a bronchial infection be sure to see my post on garlic’s antibiotic qualities – here.