14 Well Known Lung Cleansing Herbs

The main functions of the lungs include extracting oxygen from air and discharging waste elements (mainly carbon dioxide) from the blood. Congestion or infection in lungs affects this crucial function in the body that results in certain ailments, such as flu, cough and cold. Long-term lung infections combined with other factors and can even result in life-threatening disease like lung cancer. Following are some of the best herbs that are well-known for their lung-cleansing properties.

Best Lung-Cleansing Herbs

1. Mullein

Mullein contains mucilage and saponin that can be very effective in soothing the respiratory tract. Due to the saponin content, mullein is also considered as one of the most powerful natural expectorant and can be very helpful in cleaning lung congestions and reliving cough and cold.

It soothes the mucus membranes in the lungs, reduces inflammation and removes excess catarrh from the respiratory tract. The best thing about mullein is that it is generally very safe. It can be taken in the form of herbal tea by steeping mullein in hot water. However, mullein supplements in the form of capsules and tablets are more popular. The general dosage recommendation is 500 mg once every day.

2. Garlic

Allicin is the main active component in garlic that contains powerful lung-cleansing properties. It makes the mucus thin and loosens it, making it easy for the lungs to cough excess mucus out. Due to this property, garlic is very commonly used in treating respiratory problems and lungs-related ailments like flu and cold. You can take it in the form of supplements or simply add it liberally in your foods. For lung cleansing, 500 mg in tablet form can be taken once every day.

3. Thyme

The leaves of thyme plant contain thymol, a natural substance which has been found to be very effective in removing microorganisms from the lungs, which eventually clears the air passages. Though thyme leaves can be used directly to prepare herbal decoctions, it is commonly taken in the form of tablets. You can take 500 mg of thyme leaf tablet once every day.

4. Ginger

The main active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, which is a potent substance well-known for its natural ability to eliminate mucus, allergens and pollutants from lung passages. It also provides strength to your lungs and improves their ability to fight infections. You can take it in the form of supplements or simply add it liberally in your foods. The general dosage recommendation is 500 mg in tablet form, two times a day.

5. Horehound

Horehound has potent antispasmodic and lung-detoxification properties. Due to these properties, this herb has been found to be very beneficial in relieving cough and bronchial spasms. It acts like an expectorant that loosens mucus and helps in clearing lung passages. You can prepare a herbal tea using horehound by steeping 1 tsp. of the herb in one cup of hot water. For lung cleansing, you can drink one cup of horehound tea 3 times daily for 1-3 weeks.

6. Lungwort

Lungwort also contains lung-cleansing properties that help in relieving congestion in the lung passages caused by infection or inflammation. It also clears mucus from the bronchial tubes. It is generally taken in the form of herbal tea, which you can prepare by steeping 1 tsp of dried lungwort in one cup of boiling water. The general dosage recommendation is similar as horehound.

7. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot is also a natural expectorant and can be very helpful in cleansing lungs. It contains mucilage, a natural substance known for its ability to sooth irritated bronchial passages and to relieve dry cough.

8. Cilantro

The lung cleansing properties of cilantro is also very effective, especially in removing mercury and other harmful particles from lungs. It is generally taken in the form of tincture or tea. You can prepare cilantro tea by steeping 2-5 gram of dried cilantro leaves in one cup of boiling water for half an hour. To prepare a tincture, you just have to mix some glycerin or alcohol in the cilantro tea. You can take one cup of cilantro tea or one tsp. of cilantro tincture 2 times daily until the condition improves.

9. Asian Ginseng

The root of Asian ginseng plant contains panaxosides and ginsenosides. Both these natural substances have very effective lung-cleansing properties. It fights against infections, congestion and inflammation in lungs so effectively that it is also prescribed as a dietary supplement for lung cancer patients.

10. Elecampane

Medically termed as Inula helenium, elecampane belongs to the aster family. It has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant and antiseptic properties. It stimulates the respiratory tract system and clears the excess mucus membranes from lung passages. It can even relieve irritable cough caused by persistent bronchial inflammation.

Besides cleansing lungs, elecampane is also used in the treatment of serious lung diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, silicosis, tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis. However, excessive dosage of elecampane should be avoided because it can result in diarrhea, vomiting and other side effects. For proper dosage guidelines for your specific condition, you must contact an experienced herbal practitioner.

11 . Licorice

Licorice is well known for its demulcent and expectorant properties, which make it a powerful herb to clear lung congestions and to eliminate lung infections. Glycyrrhizin is the main active component in licorice, which has been found to be very beneficial in soothing inflamed mucus membranes not only from lungs, but also from intestines, stomach and throat. The dosage varies depending upon the specific health condition of the individual. So, consult your doctor before you try this herb.

12. Wild Cherry

Wild cherry belongs to the rosaceae family and contains tonifying expectorant and stimulating astringent properties. Besides removing irritation of the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract and cleansing the lung passages in general, wild cherry has also been found to be very effective in treating an array of lung-related diseases, such as pneumonia, pleurisy and other acute inflammatory conditions.

13. Peppermint

Menthol is the main active component in peppermint, which makes this herb a very good natural expectorant and decongestant. It helps in thinning and loosening phlegm and mucus, which eventually relieves lung congestion. However, those who are suffering from obstructed bile ducts, liver damage, gallbladder inflammation and heartburn should avoid peppermint.

14. Hyssop

Hyssop contains volatile oil, a natural substance medically proven for its effectiveness in cleansing the lungs. The leaves of flowers are used to prepare herbal remedies for various lung-related diseases. However, people suffering from seizure disorders like epilepsy and pregnant women should not use this herb.

All of the above-mentioned herbs are well-known for their lung-cleansing properties, but you are advised to discuss your specific condition with your doctor first and try herbal remedies as per the guidelines prescribed by them.