Lung Support

Description

Mullein ((Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein has been known to treat ear infections, colon issues, urinary tract infections, kidneys issues, and is best known for what it does for the lungs!  

It can help to naturally heal and improve upper respiratory problems, including bronchitis, dry coughs, sore throats, general hoarseness and tonsillitis, asthma and COPD.

The leaves contain an extract that is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  Leaves and flowers helps to rid the body of mucus, and soothe raw inflamed membranes.  As an asthma support it is effective because of its soothing impact on the bronchioles.

Researchers at Clemson University confirmed the antibacterial properties of Mullein. 

In 2002, these researchers reported that the plant’s extracts are effective against several species of disease-causing bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli more commonly known as E. coli.

**Mullein has been reported to inhibit the effectiveness of anti-diabetic drugs and may intensify the effects of muscle relaxants and lithium.  If you’re taking prescription diuretics, you should talk to your doctor before using the herb since it can also have a diuretic effect.

*Mullein products are not recommended for nursing or pregnant women.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Their long, slender needles (2-5 inches long) grow in bundles of 5 needles that contain high Vitamin C.  They are expectorant, circulatory stimulant, Astringent, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Anodyne, mild diuretic, immune stimulant.

Specific for respiratory and bronchial complaints, especially when wet and cold in nature, needles are helpful to promote expectoration and removal and thinning of mucous from the lungs. Use for coughs, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup.  Warning- White Pine can be quite stimulating to coughs, so if the cough is dry and spasming in nature it can exacerbate these symptoms.

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

The actions of this amazing abundant fall plant are many.  Here are some:

• anti-catarrhal = helps body remove excess mucus (sinuses or other parts of the body)
• carminative (rich in volatile oils = stimulates digestion & reduces gas)
• diuretic
• diaphoretic = promotes sweating
• astringent = tightening of tissues 
• anti-inflammatory= upper respiratory & urinary system
• analgesic = pain reliever
• high in anti-oxidants
• antiseptic
• disinfectant 
• anti-microbial
• anti-lithic = preventing the formation of kidney stones
• expectorant = help remove excess mucus
• anti-fungal
• relaxant herb that stimulates the liver and kidneys
• promotes healing
• digestive bitter 
• stimulant and relaxant nervine
• bacteria-balancing (often termed anti-infective) 
• vulnerary = heals wounds
• anti-tumor

Goldenrod flowers are very versatile.  They help relieve allergies, sinusitis, colds and flu, laryngitis, fever, fungal infections, tuberculosis, edema, depression (especially seasonal affective disorder), gout, bladder infections, venous insufficiency, and tumors. 

Purple Aster is uniquely clearing, relaxing and decongesting to the head and lungs.  This effect is readily apparent when taking a bit of the tincture; the effects aren’t subtle and can be easily perceived.  It acts very effectively to break up stuffy lung and (to as lesser extent) sinus congestion, though as it’s not especially astringent, it doesn’t stop a drippy nose as well as, say, goldenrod.  

It is uniquely antispasmodic for the lung tissue; it relaxes and dilates the respiratory passages.  As a respiratory relaxant, use new england purple aster when tension is “quivery” and irritable, whether such a state is acute or chronic.  I picture quivery, shivery, shuddery lungs which, if they shudder just enough, trigger coughing or asthma or whatever baleful respiratory woe the afflicted is predisposed to.  

This falls in line with the experience of herbalist Sean Donahue, who writes of purple aster, “A tincture made from the flowering tops can immediately relieve muscle constriction around the airways – most effective when the is tightness around the airway that signals that an asthma attack is imminent but spasms have not begun.” 

Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon Balm is such a beautiful plant.  She helps the human body heal in so many ways.  A well known anti-viral, she strengthens the body’s defense mechanisms, making a body more resilient to colds and the flu. It is s also known to dramatically reduce inflammation… and so many of today’s chronic illnesses create inflammation.

Lemonbalm is reported to help thyroid regulation, it’s great to drink some tea after a really large meal because it helps with digestion, and its not only Anti-viral, but contains a high level of antibacterial and anti-fungal properties as well.

Comfrey Leaf ((Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey is indicated for lung issues that include coughing, pertussis, emphysema, asthma and bronchitis. It has expectorant properties and again, its mucilage content makes it a great soother to the lungs. Comfrey can clear up lung issues quickly, both acute and chronic symptoms. A strong infusion (which is what is in my lung support) provides minerals, vitamins and nutrients for overall health and wellness.

Heals All (Prunella Vulgaris)

Heals all  is a member of the mint family, but has no scent.  It is great for relief of sore throats, is immune boosting (it’s an immunomodulator), antiviral, and is high in Vitamin C and usable calcium.

Dark Red Cherries

Cherries are highly nutritious and offer a host of health benefits. 

Not only do they contain an array of powerful plant compounds that can reduce inflammation, but they can improve sleep, boost heart health, and speed recovery after exhaustion.

This tincture contains alcohol and honey.