Purpose
The purpose of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen, needed by the body for all its processes, for carbon dioxide, the waste product. This system also allows us to speak, sing, make sounds and smell. The alveoli, where this exchange happens are shaped like trees, which I see as being symbolic of oxygen exchange because trees provide us with the oxygen we inhale, while we provide the carbon dioxide trees “inhale”. We work together in a symbiotic relationship to bring life to this plant and human race.
Respiratory Care:
If the blood is the "river of life" flowing through our body, the breath is what keeps this life force flowing. Practicing certain breathing exercises, consuming tonic respiratory foods, and regular exercise can strengthen and build this most important system.
If the blood is the "river of life" flowing through our body, the breath is what keeps this life force flowing. Practicing certain breathing exercises, consuming tonic respiratory foods, and regular exercise can strengthen and build this most important system.
- Breathe clean air. Make sure to change home filters regularly and go outside for fresh air each day. Even better, nature walks and hikes are very lung cleansing, taking deep breaths while out in nature.
- Breathe deeply. Mindfully inhale all the air you can and then exhale it slowly. Doing this for 5 minutes each day not only strengthens the respiratory system it also reduces stress, improves immune function, better oxygenates the blood, and focuses the body towards healing.
- Yoga. This type of exercise focuses on the breath while moving with the body. It calms both the mind and body which reduces stress, improves immunity, and strengthens not only the respiratory system, but the body as a whole.
- 20 minutes of light exercise five days a week. This could be any fun activity you enjoy doing such as walking, riding a bike, roller blading, hiking, dancing, tennis, or any type of sport specific to you, and my favorite - nature walks. Find something you enjoy doing and just get out and do it.
- Foods that feed and strengthen the respiratory tract include: beets, peppers, tomato based foods, blueberries, pumpkin, apples, ginger, garlic, and red cabbage.
Herbs for the Respiratory Tract
Lung Tonics are herbs that can be taken to strengthen, support, increase energy to, and stimulate the respiratory system.
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- astragalus
- elecampane
- fenugreek
- lungwort
- pleurisy root
- reishi mushroom
Anticatarrhals breakdown and eliminate excess mucus and counteract inflammation in both the respiratory system and the digestive system.
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- angelica
- borage
- black pepper
- burdock root
- cloves
- coriander
- dill seed
- all the herbs below under expectorants are also anticatarrhal
Expectorants break up and discharge mucus from the throat and lungs. They can promote coughing when needed to expel mucus and are usually combined with demulcents to soothe the mucus membrane.
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Flowers
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- elecampane
- horehound
- horseradish
- licorice root
- nettles
- pleurisy root
- violet
Antispasmodics are herbs that relieve irritation, muscular spasms, convulsions, cramps. and hacking coughs. In the respiratory systems they would be used for constant coughing beyond the body expelling mucus, and asthmatic conditions.
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Demulcents are mucilaginous herbs that moisten, soften, relieve and protect irritated or inflamed tissue. Because most respiratory issues are dealing with inflammation, these are wonderful to use in combination with any of the herbs above.
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- coltsfoot
- licorice root
- cornsilk
- flax seed
- psyllium seeds
- slippery elm
Upper Respiratory Tract (sinus)
Includes the nasal cavity, sinus, and larynx. The nose is the opening for passage of air. It cleans, heats, and moistens the air as it is breathed in. It is also responsible for smelling and is involved in voice production.
Lower Respiratory Tract (lungs)
Includes the trachea, which is the tube that oxygen flows down to enter the lungs. The lungs, where the bronchioles and alveoli are located and the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange is made. After the exchange is made oxygen is taken to all the parts of the body via the blood, while carbon dioxide is ‘exhaled’ back up through the trachea and out the naval cavity.
Conditions in the Respiratory Tract
Most conditions affecting the respiratory tract have to do with a cold or flu as the body is working to kill and eliminate harmful pathogens in the form of a virus or bacteria. Infection can settle in the sinus cavity or lungs resulting in congestion, pain, discomfort, discharge and coughing. Infection can be a result of a virus, bacteria, emphysema, bronchitis, croup, whooping cough, pleurisy, pneumonia, tuberculosis, allergies or asthma to name a few.
Cold and Flu: The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be caused by weakened immunity, poor nutrition, over work, stress, lack of exercise, etc. It only affects the sinus area and no fever is present. The flu is similar to a cold, also being caused by a virus and contributing factors. Symptoms are the same for a cold but with additional goodies such as fever, body and head aches. Depending on the virus different body systems can also be affected such as the lungs or digestive system adding other symptoms such as respiratory congestion, nausea and vomiting.
- At the first sign of illness cut out all meat, dairy and sugar until the patient is 100% once again. Meat is heavy on the system and the energy put into digestion could go toward healing. Dairy congests the body by producing lots of mucus that you don't want clogging up the lymph and respiratory system, and sugar is a strain on the immune system, preventing it from doing its job at healing the body.
- Massage one of the essential oils, herbal oils or salves below on the bottoms of the feet and along the spine.
- Diffuse an essential oil throughout the home for the duration of the illness. Thieves is a great immune boosting and antibacterial blend, you could also choose one from below or one listed in the Cold/Flu Care box.
- Add more garlic, onions, cinnamon, ginger and herbs to your meals. Black pepper drains chronic sinus and dissolves mucus.
- Administer lots of fluids, including herbal teas, smoothies, fresh juice, broth and probiotic drinks, such as rejuvalec. Stay away from processed drinks and juices that are high in sugar, artificial colors, and other not so great ingredients - fresh is always best!
- Hot beverages: Drinking any type of hot beverage or broth will help open up the pathways in the body; draining mucus, expelling waste and promoting blood, lymph and urine flow.
- Rest, rest, then rest some more. As you rest your body can put all its energy into expelling pathogens, disposing of waste, and over all healing. Rest is the key to quicker healing.
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Sinus congestion and infection manifests as inflammation of the upper respiratory system causing red, swollen nose with discharge that is clear or milky from the pressure of swelling. This can be caused by illness, allergies, or reaction to toxins. An infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include congestion, sinus pain, headache, fever, fatigue, tender sinus cavities, and even sore teeth. The discharge changes to green, yellow, or brown.
- Follow suggestions above for cold and flu.
- Steam Inhalation: The most effective treatment for clearing sinus cavities. This helps loosen the mucus, soothe dry membranes, and drain the sinus cavities. Try one of these herbs or any of the expectorant/decongestant herbs listed on this page.
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- Blow mucus out regularly.
- Neti pot: A fluid-filled vessel that is used to flush or rinse the sinuses and nasal passages with warm water or herbal tea.
apply to sinus cavities
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These essential oils encourage proper nasal function. They can be diffused throughout the home, placed in a humidifier, or applied to sinus cavities with a carrier oil. You can also add to the bath water, shower floor, and as a facial steam in place of the herbs above.
- eucalyptus (highly antiviral so a great option when dealing with a virus)
- ginger
- mints
- rosemary
- lavender
- wintergreen
- ravintsara
- frankincense
- Sinus blend from your favorite company. Young Living has a roll on called Breathe Again that can be applied directly to sinuses. Mountain Rose Herbs has Breathe Blend and Butterfly Express has Breezy.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchioles causing symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and wheezing. This could include croup, whooping cough and other inflamed lung conditions. Acute bronchitis can be associated with cold and flu caused by a virus or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis can be caused by smoking, damp, dusty or foggy environment, or allergies to name a few. The best way to bring balance to this area is to feed, nourish and support the respiratory system.
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Coughs: Coughing is how the body rids itself of excess mucus, waste, dead virus and bacteria material, foreign material, and irritants. There are two kinds of coughs that help pinpoint the cause. Dry coughs can be caused by infections, colds, chemicals in the atmosphere, foreign objects and sometimes nervousness. A loose, “wet” cough is caused by inflammation in the lungs that could result from infection or allergy. Chronic coughing can be from asthma, reflux and smoking to name a few.
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Onion syrup
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- Follow the remedies for cold and flu, and respiratory conditions in addition to these suggestions.
- Work with your body to expel the mucus by using expectorant herbs from above that will aid the body in expelling that mucus.
- If dealing with an unproductive cough, which would mean mucus isn’t coming up, chest pain, and no sleep, you want to use antitussive herbs to help calm and relax the cough reflex. Wild cherry bark is the best one to use, which is where the wild cherry cough syrup stems from. Other good ones for coughs include: garlic, ginger, and horehound.
- Dry cough syrup: juiced purslane with just enough raw honey to make a syrup consistency. Keep stored in the fridge and take as often as need to sooth a dry, irritated cough.
Sore throats are one of the most common health complaints, probably due to the tonsils filtering out toxins, viruses and bacteria. They manifest as raw, burning, itchy, or just soreness at the back of the throat. Most sore throats are caused by viral or bacterial infections but other factors could be irritants and allergies.
- Follow the remedies for cold and flu, and respiratory conditions in addition to these suggestions.
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Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lung caused by bacteria, fungus, or viruses that enter the lungs, leading to inflammation of the lung tissue. It is a general term used to describe any infection that is deep in the lungs. Those at higher risk of developing pneumonia are the elderly, those with weakened or compromised immune systems, those that are hospitalized, alcoholics, those that smoke and those suffering with other health conditions. Symptoms include, rapid, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, sore throat and headache, cough with mucus and possibly blood, fever, sweat, shivering attacks, fatigue and exhaustion.
- Follow all the suggestions for cold and flu, sinus, lung and cough conditions above, in addition to the following:
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How to Prepare Herbs Projects
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Disclaimer: The Information contained on this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prescribe or replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Those who follow these suggestions do so at their own risk.
