We present a summary of medicinal plants and natural remedies with properties to treat conditions of the respiratory system.
Our respiratory system is made up of nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli.
Although it goes without saying that breathing is vital, sometimes we seem to forget how important it is to have good hygiene of the respiratory system and promote conscious breathing for good oxygenation.
The most common disorders are: asthmatic allergy or seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, flu, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis, bronchitis, cold or cough.
Medicinal plants for the respiratory system:
- Eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus is the most recommended plant in any respiratory condition because it is an expectorant (helps to expel mucus) and a bronchodilator. Formerly, eucalyptus smoke was inhaled, so eucalyptus cigarettes were formed to relieve respiratory ailments.
Steam inhalations can be done with eucalyptus essential oil, along with pine for example. You can also use the dried plant in infusion. - Echinacea:
It has a great immune power, protects the body by improving the function of leukocytes (defenses) and is also an extraordinary bactericide. It eliminates the symptoms of these diseases as it deflates the nasal turbinates and is an expectorant and at the same time helps the body to fight against the microorganism that causes the disease.
- Propolis:
Propolis is not a plant, but a substance obtained by bees from the buds of trees and used to prevent fungi, bacteria and viruses in the hive as an antibiotic.
We mention it in this block because it is a powerful antibacterial, and it gives very good results in cases of pharyngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis due to its anti-inflammatory, protective and analgesic effect.
- Grapefruit seed extract:
Very effective bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal. Treatment of influenza, bronchitis, otitis, gastroenteritis, parasites, candidiasis and urine infection. It is also a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, very rich in vitamin C, which improves the immune system.
Administration : Add a few drops (7 to 10) dissolved in water or natural juice 3 times a day (according to the manufacturer's recommendation). - Pine:
Relieves respiratory disorders.
Administration : The most recommended way to use pine is in pure essential oil from organic farming, doing chest rubs and back massages. You can take steam inhalations with pine essential oil as well as ingest a couple of drops as an infusion.
- Mint:
Mint is ideal for cases, sinusitis, nasal congestion or bronchitis. Produces immediate freshness with a tonic effect that improves local blood circulation, deflating sinuses that cause clogging and helping to expel mucus.
Administration : The pure and ecological essential oil of peppermint can be used to massage the chest and back, as well as perform inhalations. A single drop applied locally above the eyebrows and to the sides of the nose relieves congestion and sinusitis. You can also use the dried plant in infusion.
- Rosemary:
Invigorating action, relaxes and relieves muscle load, thus helping to relax the muscles of the rib cage in cases of respiratory distress.
Administration : The pure and organic essential oil of rosemary can be used to massage the chest and back, as well as to make inhalations. You can also use the dried plant in infusion.
- Ginger :
Stimulates respiratory function. In infusion it is a very powerful immune booster for coughs, colds, flu and sore throats. For these purposes, it is advisable to combine ginger with fresh lemon and honey.
- Guarana, coffee, tea, black broom, ephedra, coca:
Being stimulating plants and containing caffeine and other alkaloids, they have bronchodilator properties.
Ephedra stimulates the secretion of adrenaline, which has very beneficial bronchodilator effects in case of asthmatic attack. Ephedra can cause intoxication and addiction.
- Melissa, Tila, Valerian:
Being relaxing plants, they help relieve coughs and reduce muscle discomfort caused by breathing difficulties. They combine very well with chamomile.
- Poppy :
It also contains mucilage, which is an antitussive, and for that reason and its calming effect it is recommended in case of a dry cough.
- Lavender :
It has antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. It helps fight and prevent infections, while gently relaxing the muscles and nervous system.
Administration : The pure and ecological essential oil of peppermint can be used to massage the chest and back, as well as perform inhalations. A single drop applied locally above the eyebrows and to the sides of the nose relieves congestion and sinusitis. You can also use the dried plant in infusion.
Nasal washes:
Nasal washes with Burbot and Himalayan Salt are a very old and totally natural technique that provides us with a great number of benefits, including preventing and curing respiratory disorders.
The lota is a jar that we fill with water with salt that we will make flow between one nostril and another. Water enters one pit and falls through the other. The ideal is to repeat the operation until the water falls with a constant and clean flow, which will indicate that the nostril is clear.
- It is a very simple technique recommended for anyone, even children from 5 years old.
- It is a habit especially recommended for people with allergies, asthma, sinus problems, colds, etc.
- Eliminates dirt, bacteria and mucus accumulated in the nasal passages.
- It has a hygienic, relaxing and tonic effect, improving the health of the ears, eyes and nose, thus counteracting the effects of pollution.
- Improves breathing in general.