Maintaining healthy lungs is essential for overall well-being, especially in today’s world where pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections are common. Fortunately, nature provides powerful herbs that can help cleanse, strengthen, and protect the lungs. Whether you’re dealing with congestion, inflammation, or simply want to boost respiratory function, these herbs can be incredibly beneficial.
Top 15 Herbs for Lung Health
1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is a well-known herb for respiratory health, traditionally used to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and congestion. Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus, while its anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated airways.
Benefits:
Clears mucus from the lungs
Reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract
Acts as a natural remedy for asthma and bronchitis
How to Use: Drink mullein tea or take it as a tincture.
2. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds like carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which help fight respiratory infections and reduce inflammation.
Benefits:
Fights bacterial and viral infections
Acts as a natural decongestant
Supports immune function
How to Use: Use oregano oil (diluted) in steam inhalation or consume oregano tea.
3. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root is a soothing herb that helps reduce throat irritation and supports lung detoxification. It also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
Benefits:
Soothes sore throats and coughs
Helps thin mucus for easier expulsion
Supports adrenal health, which is linked to respiratory function
How to Use: Drink licorice root tea (avoid excessive use if you have high blood pressure).
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a powerful antiseptic herb that helps fight respiratory infections, including bronchitis and whooping cough. Its active compound, thymol, acts as a natural antibiotic.
Benefits:
Relieves cough and congestion
Fights bacterial and fungal infections
Strengthens the immune system
How to Use: Drink thyme tea or use thyme essential oil in steam therapy.
5. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus is widely used in cough syrups and inhalants due to its potent decongestant properties. The compound cineole acts as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Benefits:
Opens up congested airways
Reduces sinus pressure and inflammation
Helps with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How to Use: Use eucalyptus oil in steam inhalation or apply diluted oil to the chest.
6. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint contains menthol, which relaxes bronchial muscles and improves airflow. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight respiratory infections.
Benefits:
Relieves nasal congestion
Soothes irritated throat and sinuses
Acts as a natural antihistamine for allergies
How to Use: Drink peppermint tea or inhale peppermint oil.
7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a warming herb that helps break down mucus and improve circulation to the lungs. It also has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Benefits:
Reduces lung inflammation
Helps with asthma and allergies
Boosts immunity against infections
How to Use: Drink fresh ginger tea or add ginger to meals.
8. Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Elecampane has been used for centuries to treat chronic lung conditions like bronchitis and asthma. It contains inulin, which soothes bronchial passages.
Benefits:
Acts as a natural expectorant
Helps with chronic coughs
Supports lung tissue health
How to Use: Take elecampane as a tea or tincture.
9. Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Lobelia, also known as “asthma weed,” helps relax airways and improve breathing. It stimulates adrenaline, which opens up bronchial tubes.
Benefits:
Relieves asthma symptoms
Helps with emphysema and COPD
Clears mucus from the lungs
How to Use: Use lobelia in small doses as a tincture (consult a herbalist).
10. Plantain Leaf (Plantago major)
Plantain leaf is a lesser-known but powerful herb for lung health. It helps reduce inflammation and heal damaged lung tissue.
Benefits:
Soothes dry, irritated coughs
Helps with allergies and asthma
Supports lung repair
How to Use: Drink plantain leaf tea or take it as a syrup.
11. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help with sore throats, coughs, and respiratory infections.
Benefits:
Reduces excessive mucus
Fights throat infections
Supports overall respiratory health
How to Use: Gargle sage tea or drink it for relief.
12. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps fight lung infections and reduce inflammation. Its compound allicin boosts immunity.
Benefits:
Fights bacterial and viral respiratory infections
Helps with chronic bronchitis
Strengthens lung defenses
How to Use: Eat raw garlic or take garlic supplements.
13. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root coats and soothes irritated respiratory passages, making it great for dry coughs and sore throats.
Benefits:
Relieves dry, hacking coughs
Reduces throat irritation
Supports mucus membrane health
How to Use: Drink marshmallow root tea.
14. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
A medicinal mushroom, cordyceps improves oxygen utilization and lung function, making it beneficial for asthma and COPD.
Benefits:
Enhances lung capacity
Reduces inflammation
Boosts endurance and breathing efficiency
How to Use: Take cordyceps as a supplement or powder.
15. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Horehound is a traditional remedy for coughs and congestion, helping to expel mucus and soothe the throat.
Benefits:
Acts as a natural expectorant
Relieves bronchitis symptoms
Supports respiratory cleansing
How to Use: Drink horehound tea or take it as a syrup.
How to Use Herbs for Lung Health
Teas & Infusions: Many herbs (like mullein, licorice, and thyme) work well as teas.
Steam Inhalation: Eucalyptus, peppermint, and oregano oils can be used in steam therapy.
Tinctures & Syrups: Herbs like lobelia and elecampane are often taken as concentrated extracts.
Capsules & Powders: For convenience, herbs like cordyceps and garlic are available in supplement form.
