Colds and flu are 'hanging out! There's a mounting anxiety about viruses in general due to current situations around the world. I am updating some of my posts to make sure that the latest info is shared. Having said that, there IS a nasty cold and ensuing cough which I've been told, has a tendency to linger. I've been asked to create some formulas for a number of clients. Here are some herbal solutions to relieve congestion.
Which formula works best, of course, depends on the individual's overall 'picture' and acute symptoms.
Herbs, with their ages old wisdom can alleviate symptoms and help us on the road to better health. In traditional herbal medicine, we treat the whole person, which doesn't mean we just treat 'symptoms' but the underlying causes and the individual's chronic situation, incorporating a plan to uplift and support. We can all benefit from an ongoing herbal medicine protocol!
Herbal Solutions include 'make at home' remedies:
We tend to start with the most gentle remedies first, as in the ideas I shared in previous post, "Chest Congestion Remedies" (I also recommend checking out cold kicker honey as a healing option).
If you haven't tried Horseradish as an effective herb to relieve congestion, you must!! It's a gift!
We can enjoy herbal tea blends to help soothe congestion, too. Both drinking the tea and inhaling the healing steam can be beneficial. "Healing steams" can definitely act as decongestants. Step into a healthy calming bath to help soothe congestion.
Many times, these home remedies can be effective and no further action is required.
In herbal medicine, there are many possible combinations of herbs, for each situation.
We personalize each remedy, with the whole person in mind (their medical history, ongoing issues, lifestyle considerations etc)
If looking for an herbal formula to help to clear lung congestion ~ keep these herbal solutions in mind when checking out a treatment plan for yourself.
HERBAL SOLUTIONS can include these SPECIFIC Herbs:
Herbs to help to improve and remove congestion:
Coltsfoot: (Tussilago farfara)relieves congestion. Small doses can help to open passageways.
We use it to help with cough, pneumonia + laryngitis
Elecampane Root: (Inula helenium) good expectorant, soothes coughs
Eucalyptus leaf: helps to break up phlegm, fight coughing spasms
Juniper berries: can be used as a steam inhalation for coughs, colds, excess mucus
Hyssop Herb: (Asclepias tuberosa)Anti-spasmodic, expectorant. Excellent relief coughs, can help to manage excess mucus
Lungwort: As tea or tincture; colds, coughs, asthma. Often combined with mallow and coltsfoot
Pleurisy Root: (Asclepias tuberosa) Also known as Butterflyweed and Butterfly Milkweed
Pleurisy root has historically been used to loosen bronchial secretions. Herbalists use it to help
with all types of respiratory infections and lung & respiratory conditions. It has a mild tonic effect on lungs.
White Horehound Herb: Relieves cough, spasms, expectorates excess phlegm
There are more options but these are some of my favourites. For further reading, check out this post about traditional lung herbs
These two ideas are powerful ~ please use with the guidance of a respected herbalist only:
Comfrey leaf: excellent for respiratory illness
Comfrey root: excellent for lung complaints, cough
Have you used any of these herbs?
Do you want a personalized remedy for you or a family member? Just email me and we can make arrangements to make that happen.
I don't have a specific formula to share as I customize remedies for each situation.
Here's a decongestant herbal formula from the folks at HerbPharm if you would like to explore a ready-made formula.
Here's to feeling better and better --
To your health!
Carol
Check out my eBOOK ~ "Cold + Flu Season ~ Are YOU ready?" here.
For less than the cost of 'over the counter' cold remedy ~ you can learn how to make all the cold + flu remedies necessary for the best winter1
melissa
I would love more info on this post, this winter had been incredibly hard for me.antibiotics for walking pneumonia felt like they were no help....now chest congestion.....suggestions???
jason white
Osha root is really great for sore throats and is a powerful expectorant.
carollittle
That's correct. A wonderful herb to know !!
Tanya
I have a kiddo who us congested most of the year. Would like recommendations for an herbal tincture we could try
Carol Little
Hello Tanya. I cannot make recommendations for anyone who is not a 'herb client'. I hope you understand that, as I have no pertinent information (e.g. --age, medical history + about 100 other details)-- I can't make anything but general recommendations. Having said that, I have 6 or 7 articles in posts about congestion, and I'm hoping that you will find these helpful. First thing I would do, is eliminate dairy for a while (if they drink milk) and see if that makes a difference.
I sincerely hope that you find some answers, Tanya. Green wishes, C