14 Plants For Cough, Lung Infections, And Bronchitis

Cough is usually the first sign of cold or flu. Coming up with the season of cold, flu, and viruses it’s good to know which herbs we can use to help us ease the symptoms.

Typically there are two types of cough, an acute cough that usually lasts for about two to three weeks and a chronic cough that will probably last longer than four weeks. An acute cough is often a symptom of a cold, flu, or due to mucus from a sinus infection. This type of cough usually begins suddenly. The coughs that start from a lung infection, bronchitis, start suddenly, but then they linger.

You should always aim to treat the underlying cause of the health issue, not just to relieve the momentary symptoms.

Herbal medicines have the ability to improve health, such as your lungs, cough, or other persistent respiratory issues. Try some of the following nature’s best medicines:

COLTSFOOT (Tussilago farfara)

This is a traditional remedy used in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. For medicine, you should use the flowers and leaves of the plant. Primarily Coltsfoot is used as a treatment for sore throat and chronic coughs. This plant has many beneficial properties as antioxidant, antitussive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation. Best to consume this herb in tea form.

LICORICE ROOT (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Well-known for its power to deal with diseases of the respiratory system. It is able to reduce throat irritation, purifies inflamed mucky tissue, and serves as an expectoration remedy. Consuming this root will block the free radical cells and will relieve bronchial spasms. Also, this root possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties which makes it excellent even in preventing lung cancer. But be careful not to overuse this root. You should take it for a short period, and then make a pause for about two weeks that take it again.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT (Althea officinalis)

The marshmallow plant originates from Europe. For medicine are used the root and the leaves of this plant.

Because of its soothing effect on bronchioles, it is traditionally used for asthma. And as one of the herbs that are high in mucilage, it is very helpful for cough and sore throats. Best to use when you have a dry cough. The interesting fact about the marshmallow tea is that is best prepared in cold water, just soak one tablespoon of the dried, chopped root in about two cups of water. Best to let it sit overnight.

OSHA ROOT (Ligusticum Porteri)

This plant is a traditional Indian lung remedy and grows in the Rocky Mountains. This plant is a member of the parsley family that has antiviral and antibacterial compounds. For centuries people use this root to treat respiratory and digestive issues. It is one of the best plants for strengthening the lungs because it contains camphor.

It will improve lung circulation, ease the process of breathing in, and relieve respiratory irritations caused by seasonal colds. You can make a cough syrup by mixing the root extract with honey or make a tea from crushed and dried Osha root.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris)

The powerful thyme essential oils are classified as natural antibiotics. This herb from the mint family has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. For a long time, Thyme is used as a natural remedy to treat cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. Thyme tea is effective in eliminating viruses and bacteria. Also, you can inhale the thyme in the steaming process to open airways.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is another herb from the mint family that has many beneficial properties. You can use both the herb and the oregano oil to treat respiratory and digestive issues. Oregano oil taken in tea form or inhaled can be used to treat conditions like cough, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. It will purify the respiratory tract. Also, the oregano essential oil is great against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

LOBELIA (Lobelia inflata)

As an herbal medicine Lobelia is long used as a remedy for respiratory issues as cough, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. As an expectorant, it helps to thin mucus, producing more productive cough. As a result, you will be able to breathe easier. Lobelia can be found as a cream, herbal tea, supplement for oral consumption, or liquid extract.

ELECAMPANE (Inula helenium)

Elecampane is a sunflower-like plant that has a powerful ability to strengthen and support the respiratory system. The best expectorant for congested mucus, coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. This plant functions as a natural antibacterial agent for preventing lung infections. Folk medicine also indicates that this plant can be used for shortness of breath and swollen and inflamed respiratory conditions. Best to use as a tea from dried Elecampane root.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus)

This plant has a specific aroma and very often it is used for respiratory system cleaning. It contains cineole which prevents nose congestion and sinus irritation. Eucalyptus oil benefits are numerous. Its best known to help cold and respiratory relief, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. You can make tea from chopped eucalyptus leaves in warm water, also can inhale eucalyptus oil through the steaming process.

COMMON MULLEIN (Verbascum Thapsus)

The extract of the leaves and flowers of this plant has the power to thin the mucus. As an expectorant is a great addition to relieve issues on the respiratory tract. Promoting discharge of mucus and soothing mucus membranes, Mullein is great for bronchitis and asthma. One cup of boiled water with one tablespoon of the dried plant is an easy homemade tea that will help for relieving cough.

CHAPARRAL (Larrea tridentate)

Chaparral herb, usually in form of a tea is best to use for bronchitis and the common colds. But the benefits from this herb can be used to treat digestion issues like stomach problems, bowel cramps, and diarrhea. It can be of use for urinary tract infections, rheumatic pain, and arthritis. Indians used this plant for lung detox. It contains powerful antioxidants. And it’s promoted as a blood purifier.

SAGE (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has anti-inflammatory properties. For a sore throat is best to do a gargle with sage tea. Sage essential oil is excellent for the respiratory system. This herb directly attacks microbes that cause infection. Drink sage tea if you suffer from a sore throat or a cough.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha x piperita)

Peppermint is probably the first herb that comes to mind when you have a cold. The reason is that the menthol, its active agent is a powerful decongestant and it helps in opening airways. Menthol as an expectorant thins and breaks up mucus, producing a relief. It is an excellent antioxidant that fights colds and improves breathing. Mint essential oil is a must-have when it comes to tending lung issues.

SUNDEW (Drosera spp.)

The traditional use of this herb is as a cough suppressant. Sundew tea is best to use as a natural treatment for respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, dry cough, and windpipe infections. Sundew herb is another expectorant that thins mucus and helps to break up chest congestion.

EXTRA TIP!

Try to add honey to your daily habits. By consuming one tablespoon of honey in the morning, preferably organic, you can treat upper respiratory tract issues and even prevent them.

Dark-colored honey has more vitamins and minerals than the lighter one.

Honey is a great immune booster!

Recipe

Easy homemade cough relief recipe.

Ingredients:

• Milk - 250ml.
• Butter - 1 tablespoon
• Honey - 1 tablespoon
• Yolk - 1 beaten yolk
• Sodium bicarbonate - ¼ tablespoon

Preparation:

Warm-up a cup of milk (250ml). Leave it to cold a little, then add 1tbs butter and 1tbs honey. Stir and add 1 beaten yolk and ¼ sodium bicarbonate.

Dosage:

Use this treatment for at least 5 days. 1 full tablespoon before going to bed.

It is a great remedy for breaking and coughing up mucus, congested in the chest.

You can choose to try improving your health by following healthy habits and by adding foods and herbs to your diet that can help in strengthening your immune system.

Give us feedback if you already tried some of these natural herbs and got better health.

Nature is your best medicine!