01/12/2025
Nature offers so many incredible herbs for healing and preventing infections. Here are a few safe yet effective respiratory herbs to keep on hand this fall/winter...
🌿Mullein leaf open the lungs, eases spasms, tightness, and cough, and soothes irritation and dryness.
🌿Marshmallow (root & leaves) moisturize, soothe, and
air inflammation whenever the lungs feel dry and irritated.
🌿Plantain leaf is abundant & the leaves ease irritation and dryness, moisturizing while also helping to dry, tighten, and tone the mucus lining. Bonus antimicrobial activity like mullein also.
🌿Peppermint is a natural decongestant, shrinks swollen membranes in the nose making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.
🌿Elderberry is antiviral, antibacterial against several nasty strains of bacteria, and immune modulator/tonic.
Scientific studies have verified its benefits in reducing duration, symptoms, and severity for respiratory
infections
🌿Astragalus (root) is an all around amazing herb for the immune system but also important immune tonic herb for the lungs. Like elderberry, it soothes inflammation, can prevent and reduce symptoms of respiratory infections. Add the root to boiling rice or soup broths.
With the exception of astragalus, these plants are common on the east coast and easily found. While elderberry harvest time has passed, keep an eye out on your next nature walk for these other respiratory allies
What is one herb that you feel has really helped you during a respiratory infection?
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