Breathing is something we all take for granted. The lungs play a major role in the human body. Without oxygen, one would die within minutes. The lungs are an elimination organ, taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide. Nowadays, with people being bogged down with fear, parasitic infections rising, and continuous wildfires, ailments of the lungs are all too common. There’s much we can do to support the respiratory tract from a herbal standpoint and with the lungs having a close connection with the kidneys, a kidney cleanse also commonly soothes and proves to be beneficial for lung disorders.
Some Supplements to Help Support Lung Health:
Agarikon
Agarikon is described as the “Elixir of a Long Life” due to its amazing immune supporting functions. It reduces inflammation and combats viral infections. Traditionally, it’s been used to fight respiratory issues. This medicinal mushroom is one to always have on hand for emergencies.
Scarlet Cordyceps
Cordyceps has an ancient reputation for enhancing life. It is known as a ‘lung Qi tonic’ since it supports the oxygenation of the body. It’s ideal for respiratory health and lung support do its exceptional ability to support the immune system. It reduces inflammation in the airways, builds hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood, and in turn restores energy! Cordyceps is very popular among athletes. In 1993, during the Olympics, the Chinese running team faced intense suspicion and backlash for the use of steroids due to how well the performed. Turns out, all the drug tests proved negative and the secret to this success was Cordyceps mushroom! They used the medicinal mushroom because of the unbelievable energizing qualities which increased the athletes’ performances from the enhanced oxygenation.
Mullein
Mullein provides relief from coughing, bronchitis, mucous congestion, breathing difficulties, and other chest complaints. It is an expectorant (promotes secretion of mucous) and has anti-microbial/anti-inflammatory properties. Mullein is best known for its lung soothing capabilities but also helps the lymphatic glands.
RespirActin
RespirActin features the ingredients rosemary, honey, witch hazel, fenugreek seed, black seed, king solomon seed, ginseng powder, damiana leaves, marshmallow, sage, juniper berries, chamomile flowers, cloves, spearmint, cinnamon, and thyme. This formula has been carefully crafted to promote optimal respiratory health and to provide relief for any discomfort in the lungs. It also seems to work well to enhance the performance of athletes and tastes delicious which makes a great remedy for children that are facing breathing difficulties!
Flora Elderberry+
Flora’s elderberry+ liquid formula specifically provides relief of cold and flu symptoms. With ingredients like elderberry, echinacea, and licorice root, it provides antioxidants and boosts the immune system! Traditionally, these three herbs have been used to relieve coughs, sore throat, and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. I’ve had breathing difficulties in the past (for most of my life) and this product was the first I used to heal my respiratory tract, and it worked wonders!
Ayurvedic Approach
According to Ayurveda, it’s extremely important to breathe through the nose to guarantee exceptional lung health. The nose is apart of the respiratory tract, the mouth is not! The nasal passage consists of mucous membranes and tiny hairs that have the ability to trap dust particles and bacteria (body gets rid of these through sneezing). The nose also has the ability to control humidity and temperature of incoming air to ensure a controlled environment for the respiratory tract. Whether it’s winter or summer time, the air inhaled through the nose will always be around 36 degrees celsius by the time it reaches the trachea. Isn’t that neat?! A simple remedy to help respiratory issues is to heat up some ghee with a pinch of pink Himalayan salt and use a dropper to put a couple drops in each nostril in the morning. Another useful practice is to do a net-pot rinse with warm distilled water and 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt daily. Foot massage (paying special attention to the bottoms of the feet) every night before bed with lukewarm mustard seed oil or sesame oil is an amazing Ayurvedic tool to ensure optimal lung health but also overall health, as this stimulates the lymphatic system which aids in the removal of toxins (ama) from the body.
Dr. Vasant Dattatray Lad on Breathing (The Secrets of the Pulse: The Ancient Art of Ayurvedic Pulse Diagnosis)
Notice which nostril has the most air flowing through it. Feel where the air touches the inner nostril. The breath from the right nostril represents male solar energy; the left nostril breath signifies female lunar energy. Every 90 minutes, the breathing pattern alternates between the right and left nostrils. When air brushes the inner sides of the nostrils, the Earth element activates, providing a sense of stability. Conversely, when the Water element is active and air hits the sides of the nostrils near the cheeks, it induces feelings of emotion and compassion.
If the breath touches more at the tip of the nostril, the Fire element is triggered, making one feel fiery, judgmental, critical, ambitious, and competitive. The Air element is located at the outer sides of the nostrils, leading to a fluctuating, hyperactive, and confused mind. When Space is dominant, the breath is subtle and does not touch either the right or left sides of the nostrils. It originates from the central axis of the nose, fostering tranquillity and peace.
German New Medicine’s Take
In German New Medicine, lung ailments are closely related to a fear of death, fear of suffocation, or a territorial conflict. Dr. Hamer discovered this medicine in 1981 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer after the loss of his son. He began to inquire whether his patients had also experienced some sort of shock or trauma before they became sick. Through investigation, he learned that all of his patients did indeed experience a tragedy right before their diagnoses. Throughout our lives, from even as early as conception, we face various shocks and traumas – many of which we don’t even remember. Failure to let go of these emotions and experiences result in the manifestation of physical disease. Our bodies are infinitely intelligent, these shocks result in a natural biological process which we falsely know and believe to be “disease” or “sickness”, in order to help us heal. Flower essences, humalife products, meditation, coffee enemas, reishi mushroom, and microdosing are great tools to understand and release these emotions or traumatic experiences which have an intense hold.
Locations:
Lotus Herbal Health
8417 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB (Haysboro Centre)
510 77 Ave SE, Calgary, AB (Calgary Farmer’s Market)
