3 Herbal Remedies for Lungs and Respiratory Support

Natural Ways to Support Your Lungs During Respiratory Infections

By the Seed SistAs

Respiratory infections can take a toll on our lungs, making breathing difficult and leaving us feeling exhausted. Whether you’re battling a seasonal cold, flu, or a deeper infection, these herbal remedies for lungs and supporting your respiratory system can make all the difference. 

Checklist for Respiratory Infection Support

Having a clear plan can help you manage symptoms and support recovery. This checklist provides essential steps to care for your lungs, boost immunity, and stay comfortable during illness. From hydration and nutrition to breathing exercises and air quality tips, use this guide to navigate your recovery with ease.

✔ Nurture and Soothe the Lungs

Herbal teas made from elecampane, liquorice, marshmallow root, and plantain leaf can help calm inflammation and support lung tissue.

✔ Thin and Expel Mucus

• Drink plenty of water to keep mucus from thickening.
• Try steam inhalations with hot water and a drop of lavender, eucalyptus, or bay essential oil to open airways.
• Rub a small amount of tiger balm (for adults) on the chest and feet to stimulate circulation and ease congestion.
• Use an onion poultice on the chest or back to break down mucus.

✔ Create the Most Comfortable Breathing Conditions

• Prop yourself up in bed to prevent fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Encourage slow, calm breathing to avoid unnecessary strain.
• Rest as much as possible to prevent further lung irritation.

✔ Practice Breathing Exercises

Deep, controlled breathing helps increase oxygen intake and promotes lung recovery. One effective technique is the Three-Part Breath, which involves focusing on different areas of the torso to expand lung capacity.

The Best Herbal Remedies for Respiratory Infections

Herbal medicine has long recognised the importance of lung-supporting plants. Various herbs have specific actions that assist in respiratory wellness, such as:

• Expectorants – Help thin mucus and assist in its expulsion from the lungs.
• Mucolytics/Anti-catarrhals – Break down and clear mucus from airways.
• Anti-tussives – Suppress persistent coughing.
• Broncho-relaxants – Relax and soothe spasms in the respiratory tract.
• Anti-inflammatory agents – Reduce inflammation in lung tissue.
• Circulatory & Lymphatic Stimulants – Improve circulation to help clear infection.

1. Steam Inhalation for Mucus Relief

Steam inhalations are a great way to keep fluids loose in the lungs while also interfering with the virus. Follow these steps:

1. Boil water and pour it into a large bowl.
2. Lean over the bowl, keeping your face directly above the steam.
3. Add 3 drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree).
4. Cover your head with a towel and breathe slowly and deeply through your nose.
5. Keep soft tissues nearby to clear out mucus as it loosens.

Note: Avoid steam inhalation during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional.

By combining these supportive practices with adequate rest, you can help your lungs stay strong and resilient, even in the face of infections.

2. Herbal Decoction for Lung Support

This powerful tea blend supports respiratory health using liquorice root, , and marshmallow root. Because these are tough, woody roots, the best way to extract their beneficial compounds is through a decoction — a method that involves simmering herbs in water to draw out their active properties.

How to Make the Lung Support Decoction

• 1 teaspoon liquorice root (dried)
• 1 teaspoon elecampane root (dried)
• 1 teaspoon marshmallow root (dried)
• 1 cup cold water (per serving)

1. Measure the herbs: Use 1 teaspoon of each root per 1 cup of water. For example, for 3 cups of tea, use 3 teaspoons of each herb with 3 cups of cold water.
2. Combine and soak: Place the herbs and cold water in a pot. Let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes (optional, but helps with extraction).
3. Simmer gently: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Cool and strain: Remove from heat and allow the decoction to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature. Then strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Drink and store: Enjoy your tea warm. Store any leftover tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use within 48 hours. –

3. Lung Tonic Herbal Tincture

This herbal tincture is a potent lung-supportive remedy made by first creating individual alcohol-based extracts (tinctures) of each herb, then blending them together in equal parts. We carefully grow these herbs ourselves and prepare the tincture with intention and balance. Over the years, our Lung Tonic has brought powerful improvements to countless people as an effective herbal remedy for lungs.

How to Prepare and Use:

1. Make individual tinctures:
   Prepare separate alcohol-based tinctures for each herb listed below. This allows for precise blending and makes it easier to customize.
2. Combine in equal parts:
   Once each tincture is ready, combine them in equal parts to form your Lung Tonic. (If you’re omitting liquorice due to high blood pressure, adjust the ratios of the remaining herbs accordingly.)
3. Dosage:
   Take 20–30 drops, three times daily. You can add the drops to a small amount of water, or take them directly under the tongue.
4. Dietary support:
   While using this tonic, we recommend avoiding dairy and other mucus-forming foods to support the clearing and healing of the lungs.

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – Soothes inflamed lung tissue and strengthens mucosal integrity.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – A natural antimicrobial and powerful expectorant.
• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – Softens and soothes pulmonary tissue, easing dry or irritated lungs.
• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – A deep-acting lung tonic that supports clearing and revitalization.
• Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – A soothing demulcent that protects and heals mucous membranes.
• Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Reduces inflammation and soothes irritation in the lungs.
  Note: Liquorice is not suitable for those with high blood pressure or taking blood thinners — it can be safely omitted from the blend if needed.

Herbal Remedies for Lung Support

Our lungs are constantly in need of care, especially in today’s world filled with pollutants and toxins. Whether you’re managing a passing cold or a long-term respiratory issue, you can nurture your lungs and boost your body’s natural defences during respiratory infections by incorporating these herbal remedies for lungs.

These blog articles are herbal education resources,  produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question.  Wellbeing empowerment for all…