Blog Category
Oxygen is the most essential nutrient the body receives — and it is the respiratory system that delivers it. From the first breath of a newborn to the last breath of a long life, the health of our lungs, airways, and breathing capacity shapes our vitality in every moment. In western herbal medicine, we have a wonderful tradition of respiratory herbs — thyme, mullein, elecampane, liquorice, eucalyptus — plants that open the airways, soothe irritated mucous membranes, thin excess mucus, and strengthen the lungs over time. The articles collected here explore these herbs and their application for everything from the common cold and persistent cough to more chronic respiratory conditions.
ASOHM News
12 November 2019
Plantain (Plantago Lanceolate), commonly referred to as Plantain weed is extraordinary for many reasons, including its almost endless possibilities to positively improve our health. Often found in many gardens and dismissed as a regular weed, the power of plantain can range from improving digestion and lessening inflammation. What is Plantain? The weed with many names, […]
Read article →
ASOHM News
15 October 2019
The birch tree (Betula alba), also known as silver birch, gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘bhurga’ meaning a tree whose bark is used for writing upon. Found growing wild through Europe in woods and mountain regions, this ornamental and medicinal tree can be found in many parks and is also popular with […]
Read article →
ASOHM News
15 July 2019
What is horehound? Horehound or Marrubium vulgare is native to Europe and is a member of the mint family. It is a hardy plant and flourishes best in poor soil, so can often be found by roadsides, as well as in dry wastelands, fields and pastures. It can be propagated from seed sown in spring, […]
Read article →
ASOHM News
2 April 2019
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the onion family, also known as “Poor Man’s Treacle” and “Stink Plant”. Cultivated world-wide, it is one of the strongest flavoured perennial plants used in food. Bulbs consist of numerous bulblets, known as cloves, enclosed within a whitish skin. Once removed from the outer skin, they can be […]
Read article →
Anti-Cancer
21 August 2017
The immune system in our body is one of the most important functions. Without its proper functioning, without a good defence mechanism, we couldn’t survive as we are constantly subjected to the attacks of millions of germs. These can multiply and cause damage in the body only if they find the breeding ground for their […]
Read article →
Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
2 August 2017
Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses for elderflower in herbal medicine is for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. The elder flower is steeped in herbal history, being credited […]
Read article →Respiratory health is an area where herbal medicine truly shines in its practical, everyday applications. The herbs here are some of the most accessible and effective in the entire materia medica — many can be grown at home, prepared as teas or steam inhalations, and used with confidence. As always, more serious or persistent respiratory symptoms require medical assessment.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most clinically well-supported herbs for cough — it has antispasmodic, expectorant, and antimicrobial properties, and is particularly effective for productive coughs. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a classic lung herb, soothing for the mucous membranes and helpful for dry, irritating coughs. Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a deeper respiratory herb for chronic conditions with excess mucus. Liquorice root is soothing and expectorant.
Yes — and prevention is where I particularly love herbal medicine. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species) has extensive evidence for reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections when taken at the first sign of symptoms. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been shown to reduce flu duration. Garlic, astragalus, and andrographis all have immune-supporting properties that can reduce susceptibility to infections.
Asthma is a serious condition requiring medical management. Herbal medicine can be used as a complementary support — never as a replacement for prescribed inhalers or medications. Herbs with bronchodilatory or anti-inflammatory properties include thyme, liquorice, butterbur (Petasites hybridus), and boswellia (Boswellia serrata). Magnesium-rich herbs and dietary magnesium can also support bronchial relaxation. Please discuss any complementary approaches with your respiratory specialist.
Steam inhalation is one of the oldest and simplest respiratory treatments in the herbal tradition. Adding essential oils or fresh herbs to a bowl of hot water and breathing the steam helps moisten dry airways, loosen mucus, and deliver antimicrobial volatile compounds directly to the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, and peppermint are all excellent choices.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a traditional herb for sinusitis — it is strongly decongestant and antimicrobial, and has been used in German herbal medicine for centuries for sinus congestion. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra flowers) is anti-inflammatory and helpful for catarrh. Echinacea supports immune response. A steam inhalation with eucalyptus or peppermint can provide immediate relief from sinus pressure.
Herbal medicine can support the respiratory system in recovering from smoke damage — mullein, elecampane, and liquorice can help repair and soothe the airways — but this is always most effective in conjunction with cessation of smoking. The body's capacity to repair is remarkable once the source of damage is removed.
Lesson 5 is dedicated to the respiratory system, covering the anatomy of the lungs and airways, how gas exchange occurs, the most common respiratory conditions, and the herbs with the strongest evidence and tradition of use for respiratory health.
The respiratory herbs are among the most satisfying to learn and use — their effects are often felt quickly, and many can be prepared at home with ease. Our online course dedicates an entire lesson to the respiratory system, and we cover the full range of herbs for acute and chronic respiratory conditions. View our lesson packages and enrol today.