Top 10 Herbs for Lung Health and Respiratory Support
- Elise Nguyen
- Jan 21
- 10 min read
In recent years, herbs for lung health have gained widespread attention due to their powerful benefits. These natural remedies are a safer, more reassuring option for those looking to support their respiratory system. Let’s explore the top 10 herbs for lung health that can help improve your overall lung health and respiratory wellness.
Why Herbs for Lung Health Matter: Addressing Rising Respiratory Concerns
As we head into the colder months, many Northern Hemisphere countries experience an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs), caused by viruses like influenza, RSV, and hMPV. These respiratory infections can lead to symptoms such as coughing, bronchitis, and pneumonia, some of which may require hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Supporting lung health is crucial during these seasonal spikes in respiratory illnesses. Herbs for lung health, such as thyme, olive leaf, and houttuynia cordata, can play an essential role in boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation, and protecting against respiratory infections. These good herbs for your lungs help maintain respiratory function and provide natural support, making them an ideal remedy during peak flu season.
By gradually improving lung health over time, these herbs for better lung health work to nurture your body and promote long-term wellness.
How Herbs are Beneficial for Lung Health and Respiratory System
Herbs for lung health offer a natural, effective way to support and improve respiratory function. Many of these good herbs for lung health are packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that protect the lungs and the entire respiratory system.
For example, herbs like thyme, andrographis, and olive leaf are known to reduce inflammation in the airways, fight infections, and support the immune system. By reducing oxidative stress and boosting immune health, herbs for lung health can help improve breathing, clear airways, and provide relief from conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. Incorporating these herbs for better lung health into your routine is a great way to protect and maintain respiratory wellness.
Top 10 Herbs for Lung Health
In the section down below let’s explore top 10 herbs for lung health. These are all natural herbs that you can even add in to your diet routine to improve your lung health!
Albizia Lebbeck: A Powerful Herb for Lung Health
Albizia Lebbeck, also known as Sirisha, is native to Southeast Asia and is a potent herb for lung health. Packed with flavonoids and tannins, it reduces inflammation and supports the immune system. Studies suggest that Albizia helps decrease histamine levels, which are responsible for allergic reactions and airway inflammation (1). It’s an excellent choice for those with asthma or chronic cough, making it one of the good herbs for your lungs.
Andrographis Paniculata Leaf: A Trusted Herb for Lung Health
Andrographis Paniculata, known as the "King of Bitters," is a powerful herb for lung health native to South Asia. Its leaves are used in supplements to promote respiratory wellness, especially in countries like Australia and the United States. The key compound, andrographolide, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory (3) and antibacterial properties (4), making it a popular herb for lung health, particularly in managing symptoms of respiratory infections, coughing, and sore throats.
Historically, Andrographis was used during the 1919 flu epidemic in India (5), demonstrating its effectiveness in traditional medicine. Research suggests that a high dose of Andrographis taken for three days (6) can relieve tonsillitis symptoms as effectively as paracetamol. For those seeking effective herbs for respiratory health, Andrographis Paniculata is a top choice for supporting healthy lungs and improving overall respiratory function.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root: Improve Your Lung Health Naturally
Astragalus, also known as huáng qí or milkvetch, is a well-known herb for lung health, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. This powerful herb contains beneficial plant compounds that support your immune system, playing a crucial role in protecting your body against harmful invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and germs that cause illness.
Astragalus is known to enhance immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help prevent illness (7). This makes it a valuable herb for lung health, especially for individuals looking to strengthen their respiratory defenses. By promoting immune health, Astragalus Membranaceus root is a great choice for those seeking natural ways to support healthy lungs and improve overall respiratory function.
Eucalyptus: A Powerful Herb for Lung Health
Eucalyptus, native to Australia, is known for its powerful medicinal properties, especially for lung health. Its oil, extracted from the leaves, is commonly used to support respiratory health. Eucalyptus oil boasts antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (8), helping to relieve coughing, loosen chest mucus, and improve breathing (9).
As an effective herb for lung health, eucalyptus is a natural remedy for managing respiratory conditions. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, as it can trigger asthma symptoms in individuals allergic to it.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra: An Herb for Respiratory Health
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, is native to Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East (10). Used for centuries in traditional medicine, licorice root is valued for its respiratory health benefits. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making it effective for reducing airway irritation and clearing mucus (11)(12).
Licorice root is commonly used to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats, making it a popular herb for lung health support. It also helps strengthen the immune system, adding extra protection for the lungs. However, prolonged use should be monitored, as it may impact blood pressure in some individuals (11).
Incorporating Glycyrrhiza glabra into your routine can support respiratory health naturally, offering relief for common lung conditions.
Houttuynia Cordata: A Powerful Herb for Lung Health
Houttuynia Cordata, also known as Fish Mint, is a herb often used in traditional medicine, particularly for lung health. Packed with essential oils, flavonoids, and alkaloids, this plant offers powerful benefits. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties make it effective for treating respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, and pneumonia.
Traditionally used in China to promote lung health and detoxify the body, Houttuynia Cordata reduces inflammation and combats harmful pathogens, helping protect the lungs and supporting respiratory function. If you're looking for natural herbs for lung health, Houttuynia cordata is a valuable option to consider for preventing and treating respiratory issues (13).
Olive Leaf: A Herb for Supporting Healthy Lungs
Olive leaf extract is one of the best herbs for better lung health. Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the body from cell damage, reducing the risk of many illnesses. One of the key components in olive leaf extract is oleuropein, a polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects (14).
Research shows that olive leaf extract may support the immune system and reduce inflammation in the lungs. It’s especially beneficial for respiratory health, as it helps reduce oxidative stress and the production of harmful cytokines, which can contribute to conditions like COVID-19 and chronic lung diseases. If you're looking for natural herbs for lung health, olive leaf extract offers powerful protection and support for maintaining healthy lungs (14) (15).
Thyme Leaf: A Herb for Lung Health and Breathing
Thyme leaf is a powerful herb with numerous benefits for lung health. Thyme essential oil, extracted from its leaves, is widely used as a natural remedy for coughs. A 2021 study found that thyme oil can help relax the tracheal tissue and has antimicrobial properties that may aid in reducing airway diseases (16).
Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin A, C, copper, and iron, thyme also contains antioxidants and flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial support (17). Compounds such as thymol and carvacrol help fight infections, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy respiratory function (18). If you're looking for herbs for lung health, thyme is an excellent option to support breathing and relieve respiratory issues.
Turmeric: A good Herb for Lung Health
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is a popular herb used in cooking and for its health benefits. Research shows that turmeric has several properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects. However, it’s especially known for its ability to reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, making it a great herb for lung health (19). By helping to reduce inflammation in the airways, turmeric can support better breathing and protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals (20). If you're looking for herbs for lung health, turmeric can be a natural way to support respiratory function and overall wellness.
Ginger: A Powerful Herb for Lung Health
Ginger is a versatile herb with many health benefits, especially for the lungs. Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps break down mucus, making it easier to expel and improving lung health. It also soothes throat pain caused by persistent coughing. Adding grated ginger to soups, smoothies, and stir-fries is a simple way to enjoy its benefits. When combined with amla and aloe vera, ginger juice acts as a natural immunity boost. As one of the top herbs for lung health, ginger can support better breathing and overall respiratory function, making it a great addition to your wellness routine (21).
Effective Ways to Use Herbs for Lung Health
Incorporate into Your Diet: Add herbs like thyme and olive leaf to your daily meals. You can use them in teas, smoothies, soups, or stir-fries to naturally support your lung health.
Use Herbal Supplements: For convenience, consider taking a supplement that contains a blend of herbs for lung health. This ensures you get the right dosage and benefits without the need for daily preparation.
PM-Lung Support II combines good herbs for your lung health like Albizia, Andrographis, Astragalus, Eucalyptus, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Houttuynia Cordata, olive leaf, and thyme. Formulated with scientifically-backed ingredients, taking just 1 tablet twice daily supports your immune system and helps maintain lung health.
Add Herbs to Steam Inhalation: Use herbs like thyme or eucalyptus in steam inhalation to clear mucus and soothe irritated airways. This method is particularly helpful during colds or respiratory discomfort.
In general, good herbs for your lungs can gradually improve lung health over time. These gentle, traditional remedies work to nurture your body from within, promoting long-term wellness and vitality.
Reminder: Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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