Deep Breath In: Best Herbs for Your Respiratory Health

A lot of people take their respiratory health for granted. Sometimes, it’s normal considering that we’re constantly surrounded by car gases, cigarette smoke and other harmful things that can cause our respiratory health to deteriorate with time. Therefore, quitting smoking, staying away from toxic air quality (if possible), and eating and drinking healthily are all great ways to improve the health of your respiratory organs. Also, using herbs can significantly help the way you breathe, so for that reason, here are the best herbs for your respiratory health:

Respiratory organs — enemies and threats

Your respiratory organs are one of the main reasons why you’re alive, therefore you should always aim to take good care of them. Breathing quality air, avoiding places where people smoke and ventilating your home are all the best ways to preserve your own health. One of the biggest enemies to one’s health is definitely the air pollution that is found in old buildings. Back in the day, contractors used asbestos to strengthen various building materials. Since people used to get ill due to exposure to asbestos, using it has become illegal, but some old homes still have traces of it which can seriously harm people who live there.

In case you live in a place that has asbestos, and you weren’t informed, the best thing to do would be to consider hiring reputable asbestos lawyers who will be able to help you with the legal side of things. Your health should always be your priority, so don’t hesitate to ask for help in case you find yourself in danger.

1. Wild cherry bark

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This plant contains many minerals and other chemicals that can help the muscles around the bronchioles. Hailing from the black cherry tree, this herb is rich with zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium. As for the chemicals, it’s safe to say this plant has kaempferol and quercetin, phytochemicals that can help soothe the respiratory system. Wild cherry bark is available in the form of a syrup or capsules, so next time you feel you have a mild cold, feel free to consider this plant as your remedy of choice. If both your respiratory tract and your skin are prone to allergies, this can do wonders in treating the irritation.

2. Oregano

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Oregano is often used as a cooking spice, and that’s why it’s so common to see it on the top of the pizza. Still, for those who didn’t know, oregano as a plant can help treat multiple health issues, mainly cough and sore throat but also IBS, nausea and other digestive problems. So, in 2011 a study confirmed that since oregano plants contain oils, it is believed that it can be effective against respiratory viruses. But, it’s important to stress out that, even though oregano tea might sound tempting to use, there are no sufficient studies on humans to prove that it’s truly beneficial to one’s health. So if you want to include it into your recovery process, make sure to consult your physician first.

3. Peppermint

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Peppermint is a truly magical plant since it is used for treating sickness and respiratory problems for many years. Additionally, due to its refreshing taste and the ability to reduce bacteria growth, peppermint is commonly found in toothpaste and chewing gums. Peppermint is histamine by itself which means it’s greatly helpful when it comes to nasal congestion. Peppermint is also great when you need to rid of air pollutants in your home, such as cigarette smoke. Finally, in case you get a cold, a hot cup of peppermint tea with some honey and lemon can be an excellent way to soothe your respiratory organs and feel better in no time.

4. Ginseng

This plant originally comes from Asia, and it’s been used for ages to relieve the signs and symptoms of COPD and other respiratory and pulmonary issues. People who decided to incorporate ginseng have reported health improvements, which isn’t surprising considering that using ginseng regularly can help one breathe better. Ginseng can be used as food, beverage or dietary supplement, so feel free to explore all the options before you find something that works for you best.

5. Eucalyptus

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Eucalyptus is naturally found in Australia, and you probably know it since there are many cough drops and bubble gums that contain it as well. There is a reason for that since eucalyptus is known to prevent bronchitis, but that’s best achieved through combining it with essential oils that contain elements of pine and lime. Also, you can eucalyptus to clear out your nasal congestion. The easiest way is to get a bowl of boiling water, add a few drops of eucalyptus and breathe in the steam, but first, make sure to place a towel over the back of your head. Breathe in the steam for 10 minutes, and also, don’t forget to close your eyes, too.

Conclusion

These plants will surely help you improve your respiratory health, but you should also keep in mind that smoking and living in a highly polluted area are also big factors that contribute to respiratory illnesses. Therefore, using these plants as your natural medicines, but also taking breaks to go somewhere where the air is clear, will surely help you breathe better and live a much healthier life.