Our lungs are vital organs that ensure gas exchange between air and blood, and participate in the distribution of oxygen throughout the body. Because of their essential function, it is very important to take care of them, both by paying attention to the products you use every day in your home and by taking good care of yourself when you are sick. Indeed, in winter, we often have a chain of respiratory illnesses (colds, flu, bronchitis, etc.) which can put our lungs to the test and reduce our lung capacity, especially since this organ already has to deal with pollution, viruses and bacteria all year round. Fortunately, some plant infusions can protect our bronchi and preserve, but also relieve our infected lungs very effectively.
1) Lungwort infusions for our lungs
This little-known plant with an evocative name belongs to the Borraginaceae family. It is generally found in mountain ranges, undergrowth and meadows. Thanks to his anti-inflammatory, expectorant, emollient and astringent actionit turns out to be an ally of choice to deal with common lung infections during the cold seasons.
To use it as an herbal tea, infuse 2 tablespoons of dried leaves for 10 minutes in 200 ml of simmering water. Here we strongly advise you to add a few peppermint leaves. Indeed, this will reduce its bitter taste. After having infused it well, you can filter it and drink it three times a day during the meal.
2) Thyme, essential for cold seasons
Like most aromatic plants, thyme established itself as an essential medicinal plant in Antiquity. Since then, its reputation has not lost its luster and we still consider common thyme and wild thyme as two key pieces of traditional European pharmacopoeia. And we understand it! Their richness in thymol and flavonoids gives them a strong antiseptic and antifungal powerthus enabling them to establish themselves as plants friendly to our respiratory health. They allow in particular to calm coughing fits (especially in case of severe bronchitis), to help asthmatics and allergies to breathe better and to detoxify our lungs.
To prepare your herbal tea, infuse 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
in 250 ml of water for 10 minutes. Ideally, off the heat, add a small piece of lemon and a teaspoon of honey to complete your herbal tea. This infusion can be taken to prevent viruses and microbes at the rate of one cup per day or up to three cups per day in the event of flu or illness.
3) Mallow infusions for our lungs and throat
Mallow has been used since ancient Rome where it was renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties powerful. However, this plant is also recognized for its beneficial effect on throats irritated by coughing fits (whether dry cough or productive wet cough), but also by bronchial affections.
To take advantage of the comfort and appeasement provided by dried mallow flowers, infuse 1.5 g to 2 g of dried flowers in 200 ml of simmering water. You can drink it 3 times a day or use it as a gargle to stop coughing, fight your bronchitis and kill two birds with one stone by also reducing your digestive problems of the moment (diarrhea and constipation).
4) Eucalyptus, the flagship plant of autumn-winter
The effectiveness of eucalyptus for treat respiratory ailments no longer needs to be demonstrated. In fact, the WHO has approved its use and numerous studies support its ability to reduce cough and sputum in patients with chronic bronchitis. Added to this is the fact that its antiseptic virtues act to prevent the development of pathogenic germs. All this can be explained by its natural richness in volatile essential oils and in particular in essence of eucalyptol which acts on the fluidity of the pulmonary mucus, thus allowing the good functioning of the bronchi.
If we tend to turn to eucalyptus essential oil inhaled to treat winter ailments, the infused dried leaves are not left out in terms of effectiveness! Put 150 ml of water to simmer, then leave between 3 and 4 g of dried leaves to infuse for 10 min. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
Other infusions to protect your lungs
It is not easy to review all the plants and possibilities, as there are so many. However, we would like to mention some lesser-known herbal teas that are just as beneficial for the health of your lungs, especially in the event of a respiratory infection:
–Viburnum soothes the airways and has a draining effect on the lungs. This bark is also appreciated against asthma in all seasons.
–the asaret is THE plant to have in case of bronchitis thanks to its unparalleled expectorant effects.
-Anti-inflammatory and antitussive, the plantain fights respiratory diseases as well as inflammation of the mucous membranes. Its diuretic effect also completes its action by allowing the elimination of toxins by our body.
–The white broth is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and antitumor. It has a double action by protecting the mucous membranes and promoting expectoration.
–The climbing ivy is a plant well known by our ancestors to treat infections and inflammations of the respiratory tract, and in particular severe bronchitis.
Be careful, although these are natural remedies, they are not harmless. Before using a plant, we advise you to find out about the precautions for use and dosage, as well as any contraindications. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor in case of doubt for more safety.
