Lung and Bronchial Issues

Top Picks

• Mullein Our top choice for clearing out the lungs. Traditionally used as an expectorant and lung tonic across many herbal traditions.
• Elder Helps with congestion and immune response; traditionally used for upper respiratory infections.

Expectorants

Herbs that help move and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.

• Red Clover
• Oregon Grape
• Thyme Antimicrobial and expectorant; helps clear bronchial congestion.
• Hyssop Traditionally used in European and Biblical herbalism for coughs and bronchial congestion.
• Elecampane Deep lung herb traditionally used for chronic coughs and bronchitis; contains inulin to soothe bronchial tissue.
• Lemon Grass Traditionally used in West African and Caribbean herbalism as an expectorant for respiratory infections.
• Eucalyptus Contains cineole; expectorant and antimicrobial; effective as an inhalation for bronchial congestion.
• Chaparral Strong antimicrobial resin; traditionally used by Native American peoples for respiratory infections and as a lung cleanser.
• Pau d'Arco Contains lapachol and beta-lapachone; traditionally used in South American herbalism for respiratory infections and immune support.
• Myrrh Antimicrobial resin used in North African, Middle Eastern, and Ayurvedic traditions for respiratory and throat conditions.

Mucilaginous Herbs

Herbs that soothe and coat irritated respiratory tissue.

• Licorice Demulcent and anti-inflammatory; soothes irritated bronchial tissue; also immune-supporting. Avoid long-term use without guidance.
• Marsh Mallow High mucilage content soothes inflamed mucous membranes throughout the respiratory tract.
• Slippery Elm Rich in mucilage; coats and soothes the throat, esophagus, and bronchial tissue.
• Irish Moss Mucilaginous seaweed traditionally used to soothe dry, irritated respiratory tissue and support lung recovery.
• Mullein Leaf and flower are mildly mucilaginous in addition to being expectorant.

Pleural Lining Support

• Pleurisy Root Helps reduce inflammation in the pleural lining of the lungs; traditionally used by Native American peoples for pleurisy and lung infections.

Antiviral and Immune Support

• Echinacea Widely used for upper respiratory infections; traditionally used by Plains Indian peoples and studied for immune activation.
• Oregano Contains carvacrol and thymol; strongly antimicrobial and antiviral; traditionally used in Mediterranean herbalism for respiratory infections.
• Elder Antiviral flavonoids inhibit viral entry into cells; traditionally used for colds, flu, and bronchitis.
• Cinnamon Antimicrobial and warming; traditionally used to ease respiratory infections with chills and congestion.
• Ginger Warming and anti-inflammatory; traditionally used for respiratory infections with cold, damp presentations.
• Thyme Contains thymol; one of the most potent antimicrobials in the European herbal tradition.

Sinus Issues

• Eucalyptus Most effective in essential oil form as steam inhalation; opens sinus passages and reduces inflammation.
• Thyme Helps move stuck mucus; can be used as a steam inhalation or tea.
• Garlic Most effective when consumed raw or added to steam inhalation; antiviral and antibacterial.
• Peppermint Menthol opens sinus passages; effective as tea, steam inhalation, or diluted essential oil applied near the nostrils.
• Hyssop Traditionally used for sinus congestion and chronic catarrh.
• Spearmint Milder than peppermint; traditionally used for sinus congestion and upper respiratory catarrh.
• Elder Elderflower tea is traditionally used for sinus congestion and hay fever.
• Goldenseal Berberine-rich; traditionally used as a strong antimicrobial for sinus infections. Do not use long-term or during pregnancy.