Breathing is part of our lives that can’t be taken for granted. But when the winter season kicks, our respiratory health is threatened. The dry, cold air becomes tough on the lungs. And the dropping temperatures don’t help it either. And that’s why you must always take care of your respiratory health. Maintaining a strong respiratory system prepares your body to handle the worst when the time comes. 

Luckily, you don’t do much. There are everyday herbs that you can use to improve your respiratory system. These are herbs that will ease your breathing and strengthen the entire respiratory system. 

In this article, we’ll share with you the top herbs that are good for respiratory health. 

1. Peppermint 

Peppermint is one of the most common herbs you’ll find in almost every home. It’s a species of the mint family that grows natively in North America and Europe. And it’s known for its rejuvenating and vitality abilities. That’s why Egyptians and ancient Romans used it mainly to soothe digestive issues. 

And now, research shows that peppermint effectively deals with respiratory issues. The natural menthol in the peppermint act as a decongestant. As a result, helps shrink swollen membranes and loosens congestion. 

When you already have a blockage, try breathing from a mixture of peppermint oil steam to open your nasal passages. You can also add peppermint to your tea and make it a daily routine. 

2. Pushkarmool 

Also known as Inula racemose, Pushkarmool is a perennial herb in the daisy family. It has bright yellow flowers and wide green leaves. And you can find the herb blooming between July and September or growing in alpine climates. 

Pushkarmool has a pungent taste. And when taken regularly, it rejuvenates the lungs and supports the body’s inflammatory response. 

The herb is used to ease different symptoms. Thanks to its many therapeutic abilities. It’s also used in the manufacture of bronchodilators and expectorants. A bronchodilator mainly relaxes lung muscles and widens the airway for better healthy breathing. While the expectorants thin the mucus in the airway to have productive coughs. 

Today, you can get the herb as a herbal supplement in capsule form. You can buy it and include it in your wellness routine. And apart from respiratory health, it also supports blood pressure. 

3. Rosemary 

Rosemary has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Thanks to its numerous healing power. The herb is an aromatic plant used mostly as a garnish and seasoning in culinary dishes. It’s known for its distinctive aroma. 

Rosemary is in the mint family. And it has antioxidant, cleansing, and expectorant properties that make it a perfect choice for lung health. The herb helps clear the nasal passage. 

And to help in clearing the nasal passage, all you need to do is add rosemary oil to a diffuser. You can also add it to boiling water and inhale the steam. It will help in clearing mucus in your lungs and facilitates easy breathing. 

The most popular way to take rosemary is to try out rosemary tea. Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary to a tea basket to enjoy it. For additional flavour, add ginger, cardamon and a piece of cinnamon. 

4. Mullein 

Here’s a herb used in traditional medicine as a lung-boosting plant. It’s a weedy herb you can use if you’re experiencing a dry cough or scratchy throat. The herb helps the production of more mucus which ease and heals inflamed membranes. 

You can also use the herb to formulate poultice, reducing inflammation and drawing out inflation from your body system. 

5. Stinging Nettle 

Also known as Urtica dioica is named after the sensation you get when you come in contact with the hairy leaves. It’s a bristly plant that natively grows in most parts of Europe and North America. It’s a common weed used as a herb for thousands of years. Due to its nutrient content level, it’s also used in manufacture of different supplements. It has different vitamins, polyphenols, and minerals. 

The rejuvenating and nourishing power of stinging nettle will help your respiration. It restores it to normal performance at all times. 

To use stinging nettle, add an ounce of dried leaves to about four cups of hot water. Mix them and let them steep for about four hours. It works more effectively when you leave the solution to stay overnight. And for a better experience, drink the solution within 36 hours. 

Best Vitamins For Boosting Your Respiratory System

Different herbs, fruits, vegetables, and foods will sort out your respiratory system. The most important thing you need to know is the nutrients that will help your body have a strong respiratory. And with that in mind, then you can choose a herb that has the specific vitamins that you’re looking for. 

1. Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is perfect for strengthening your lungs and boosting immunity. It’s also one of the best vitamins for regenerating body cells. So, taking in more vitamins will allow your body to repair naturally. 

You can get the vitamin from different herbs. And apart from herbs, you can get it from carrots, fish, fortified cereals, squash, dairy product, cantaloupe, and broccoli. 

2. Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is the best vitamin for fighting diseases. It helps in dealing with chronic respiration issues. And that means taking an adequate amount of vitamin C boosts their respiration performance. 

Apart from the immunity boost, it also helps in detoxing the lungs from free radicals. And it’s naturally found in some herbs and vegetables. You can get it from Broccoli, chilli peppers, kiwi kale, berries, guava, and citrus fruits. 

3. Vitamin D 

Vitamin D helps in dealing with COPD flare-ups. That means it will reduce the risks of wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiration-related ailments. Adequate vitamins in the body improve lung performance. 

You can get sufficient vitamin D from the sunlight. However, you can as well get it from other foods such as tuna, sardines, salmon, and egg yolks. So, if you find a herb with Vitamin D, just know it’s good for respiration. 

4. Vitamin E 

This is an effective vitamin for antioxidants. As a result, they will help you deal with chronic lung conditions. This is because they reduce the oxidative stress that could harm your lung tissues. This is especially for people who suffer from different chronic lung ailments. 

It’s also helpful in dealing with inflammations. That means any inflammation-related issues in the body will be sorted out. It’s the best solution for weak lungs. 

Parting Shot 

The best herbs for respiratory health are those with critical nutrients and vitamins such as A, C, D, and E. Once you find these herbs, you will be sorted and ready to protect your respiration. Some of these herbs have been used for thousands of years in different treatments. And you can use them to continue protecting your respiration health. Luckily most of the herbs that we have shared with you in this article are all available in the market. You can buy them whenever you need to use them.