A Number of Common Herbs for Lung Infections May Provide Some Relief

A Number of Common Herbs for Lung Infections May Provide Some Relief
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Helpful Herbal Actions

Multiple herbs for lung infections may help in either sudden or chronic conditions. Herbs that work in the following ways are of particular benefit.

  • Improve the function of the lungs and heal inflammation (Anti-inflammatories)
  • Improve the consistency of mucous that builds-up in the lungs from the infection (Mucilages)
  • Help the coughing process remove excess mucous (Expectorants)
  • Enhance anti-infective agents—anti-bacterials and anti-virals.
  • Boost immunity

General Health Aids for Lung Infections

Chickweed and Violet

According to the Evenstar Mood & Energy Wellness Center, Chickweed will aid in reducing inflammatory processes in the lungs. It also strengthens the tissues lining the lungs and weakens the cell walls of bacteria, helping anti-bacterial agents destroy them. Violet is reputed to reduce inflammation in the chest, soothe coughs and improve breathing.

Expectorants

Expectorants will loosen mucous and phlegm, making coughs more productive.

  • Coltsfoot
  • Grindelia
  • Licorice (Caution: Do not take if hypertensive)
  • Lobelia
  • Sundew
  • White horehound
  • Wild Cherry Bark

Anti-Microbials

Anti-microbials work on getting rid of harmful microorganisms. Used as essential oils in steam inhalation, they may shorten the duration of the infection. Some useful anti-microbials are:

  • Echinacea
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary

Anti-Inflammatories

A significant part of the uncomfortable feeling that accompanies viral and bacterial lung infections comes from inflammation of the tissues throughout the upper respiratory system. Some herbs should help soothe these membranes:

  • Comfey
  • Ginger
  • Goldenseal (Caution: Do not use if pregnant)
  • Mullein

Immune System Boosters

  • Astragalus
  • Echinacea
  • Asian Ginseng

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine is funding studies on the efficaciousness of Asian Ginseng on chronic lung infections.

Mycoplasma Infections

The Mycoplasmas are microorganisms similar to bacteria. One type, Mycoplasma pneumonia may be helped by Astragalus, Garlic, Ginseng, Olive Leaf Extract and Thyme. Another Mycoplasma, Mycoplasma hominis is a common microorganism often found in the urinary and genital tracts. It also has been implicated in some lung infections. According to a report by Drs. Y.M Che and others, writing in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2005, these Chinese herbs were effective in treating Mycoplasma hominis infections. The available abstract does not go into sufficient detail to determine whether lung infections with this organism are also susceptible. Further research is needed in this area.

  • Radix Isatidis
  • Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
  • Cortex Phellodendri
  • Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
  • Fructus Kochiae
  • Herba Houttuyniae

Fungal Lung Infections

The three major types of fungal (mycotic) infections of the lungs are Histoplasmosis, Coccidiomycosis and Blastomycosis. All of these can have serious complications, even requiring surgery. While herbal practitioners might suggest some herbs, a medical doctor really should be consulted.

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References

Evenstar Mood & Energy Wellness Center: Herbs for Respiratory Ease – https://evenstaronline.com/articles/respiratoryease.html

Che, YM, et al., “Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis to herbs,” American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2005;33(2):191-6.

National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Asian Ginseng – https://search2.google.cit.nih.gov/search?q=cache:DL3cBtIEQKUJ:nccam.nih.gov/health/asianginseng/asianginseng.pdf+lung+infections+herbs&site=NCCAM&client=NCCAM_frontend&proxystylesheet=NCCAM_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&access=p&oe=UTF-8

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