Herbal Medicine II - The Respiratory System

Question 1

The Respiratory System

Answer 1

There is a range of herbs with actions that support health of the sinuses, throat, bronchi and lungs.

Question 2

Anti-spasmodics:

Answer 2

Anti-spasmodics: The bronchi and lungs contain smooth muscle so ‘aromatic’ herbs (volatile oils) relax and open the airways in coughs and asthma e.g. peppermint, elecampane root.
* Volatile oils are also anti-microbial against bacteria and viruses (acute bronchitis).
* The warming quality increases blood supply to the chest area which promotes healing and counteracts mucus congestion.

Question 3

Anti-catarrhal:

Answer 3

Anti-catarrhal: Dries and tones the sinuses.
* Elderflower preventative for hay-fever, makes sinuses less prone to irritation. Dries runny nose, watering eyes.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily for 2 months prior to and during hay fever season.

Question 4

Anti-allergy:

Answer 4

Anti-allergy: Reduces allergic responses.
* Nettle leaf, especially fresh is for allergies (allergic skin reactions have the same appearance as nettle rashes, ‘like cures like’).
* 10 fresh leaves infused 3 x daily (take care when picking! Use scissors).

Question 5

Anti-microbial:

Answer 5

Anti-microbial: Kills micro-organisms.
* Thyme leaf is anti-microbial for acute bronchitis.
* Sage leaf is for sore throats and tonsillitis.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 6

Expectorant:

Answer 6

Expectorant: Clears catarrh from the lungs.
* Liquorice root is a general expectorant.
* 1 tsp infused 3 x daily.
* ‘Hot’ spices such as ginger for copious watery phlegm.
* Garlic thins tenacious catarrh and is also antimicrobial.
* Use generous amounts of fresh garlic & ginger in diet.

Question 7

Formula for hay fever and rhinitis:

Answer 7

• 1-part elderflower - upper respiratory astringent and anti-allergy.
• 1-part eyebright leaf - upper respiratory astringent.
• 1-part nettle leaf - anti-allergic.
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
• Take for 2 months before and during allergy season.
• Note: ‘Drying’ herbs balance ‘damp’ allergies.

Question 8

Formula for dry cough:

Answer 8

• 1-part liquorice root -demulcent, expectorant, antitussive (alleviates cough).
• 1-part thyme leaf - respiratory anti-microbial.
• 1-part marshmallow leaf - respiratory demulcent.
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
• Note: Marshmallow is a slimy herb that soothes and ‘moistens’ ‘dry’ lungs.

Question 9

Formula for productive (wet) cough:

Answer 9

• 1-part thyme leaf - respiratory anti-microbial.
• 1-part aniseed - warming expectorant.
• ½ part ginger - warming expectorant.
• Dose: 1 heaped tsp (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
• Note: ‘Warm’ energetics of all herbs in this formula balance the ‘cold’ and dry the ‘dampness’ of a ‘wet’ cough.

Question 10

Formula for colds and flu (by promoting ‘diaphoresis’ = sweating):

Answer 10

• 1-part elderflower.
• 1-part peppermint leaf.
• ½ part yarrow leaf.
• 3 heaped tsp in 500ml / ½ pint of just boiled water. Drink hot in bed after a hot bath, then sweat…
• Sweating helps the body to fight viral infections, traditionally called ‘breaking a fever’, before infection enters the lungs (risk of serious illness).