Herbal Recipes For Lung Health
Whether you’re in Southern California amidst the smoke from wildfire, or breathing in your city’s signature cocktail of exhaust and construction dust, your respiratory system could use a little extra love. These plant allies have been helping humans breathe easier for centuries. Guided by our favorite herbalists, we offer some recipes for tea blends to sip until the air clears.
These respiratory support teas are made from plants you could grow in your yard or balcony, or buy from your favorite natural market. These aren’t miracle cures (nothing is), but they’re backed by generations of traditional use and, increasingly, by modern research.
Signature Tea Blends
Classic Lung Support Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Marshmallow Leaf
- 1 part Mullein Leaf
- 1 part Tulsi/Holy Basil
- 1 part Nettle
- 1/2 part Yarrow Flower/Leaf
- 1/2 part Elder Flower
- 1/2 part Lemon Balm or Mint
Preparation:
Blend herbs thoroughly. Use 1 tablespoon per 3 cups boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Strain through a french press, a fine cloth, tea strainer, or coffee filter. You can store brewed herbs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drink 1-2 cups daily for up to a week. Can be served hot or cold.
Respiratory Soothing Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 part Mullein Leaf
- 1 part Marshmallow Leaf/Root
- 1 part Fennel Seed or Peppermint
- 1 part Plantain Leaf (optional)
Preparation:
Blend herbs thoroughly. Use 1 tablespoon per 3 cups boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Strain through a french press, a fine cloth, tea strainer, or coffee filter. You can store brewed herbs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drink 1-2 cups daily for up to a week. Can be served hot or cold.
Optional Additions:
- Nettle Leaf
- Wild Cherry Bark
- Thyme
- Goldenrod
- Licorice
- Passionflower
The Herbs
Primary Lung Herbs
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
The signature fuzzy leaves of mullein are nature’s gentle respiratory supporter. This herb:
- Opens constricted airways
- Moistens lung tissue
- Reduces inflammation and irritation
- Works well as a foundational herb in respiratory blends
- Should be strained through a cloth filter to remove leaf hairs
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
This tall, elegant herb is renowned for its soothing properties:
- Calms inflammation throughout the respiratory system
- Provides gentle, cooling relief to irritated tissues
- Excellent supporting herb in respiratory formulas
- Can be used as both leaf and root
- Makes an excellent base for herbal syrups
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
A powerhouse of nutrition and gentle support:
- Traditional European remedy for lung conditions
- Provides deep nourishment to respiratory tissue
- Supports healthy immune function
- Helps maintain balanced inflammatory response
Supporting Herbs
Mints (Mentha species)
Both peppermint and spearmint offer valuable benefits:
- Increase lung capacity
- Enhance respiration and oxygenation
- Provide pleasant flavor
- Help break up congestion
- Peppermint is more potent, while spearmint offers a gentler, sweeter taste
Thyme (Thymus officinalis)
This common kitchen herb has powerful properties:
- Rich in expectorant volatile oils
- Antimicrobial properties
- Helps expel mucus
- Relieves breathing difficulty
- Can be grown easily in home gardens
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
A harmonizing herb that:
- Particularly good for sore throats
- Soothes inflamed tissue
- Supports immune function
- Helps blend other herbs together
- Adds natural sweetness
Commonsense Advisory:
- Consider growing your own herbs for the freshest supply
- Always consult healthcare providers before starting any herbal regimen
- Some respiratory conditions require immediate medical attention
- Herbs can complement, but should not replace, prescribed medications for serious conditions
- Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from light
- Best results come from freshly prepared tea
- Strain mullein-containing teas through fine filters to remove irritating hairs
