Homemade Lung Shield

I’ve developed a simple herbal lung tincture that helps support lung function from all angles.  These lung-supporting herbs can help open up airways, eliminate phlegm, and quiet coughing, while soothing inflammation and addressing underlying causes. This herbal lung remedy can be taken when feeling unwell or as a preventative measure.

Let’s take a closer look at what each herb in this natural lung shield does.  Then, I’ll show you how to put it all together.

Herbs for Lung Health

Your lungs are a critical component of your respiratory system. They transport fresh air from the environment into the body and release carbon dioxide when you breathe out. When you breathe in, oxygen moves into the bloodstream. From there, it gets delivered to each cell in exchange for carbon dioxide, which is carried out of the body when you exhale.

Not only does getting enough oxygen make us feel alive and well, but it is crucial for our overall health, supporting various bodily processes. The heart and brain rely heavily on oxygen for their function. On the other hand, elevated carbon dioxide levels lead to organ damage.

There are multiple reasons someone may struggle to breathe. It can be from allergies, a chronic condition or viruses and bacteria. A lot of the time, what happens when we catch a cold or virus is that the body overproduces mucus which can build up in the lungs, nose, and throat and causes irritation, phlegm, and coughing. This is the body’s way of trying to eliminate whatever is obstructing its normal function, be it a germ or something else.

When safeguarding the lungs, it’s important to consider all aspects, such as microbial issues, mucus production, inflammation, irritation, movement of muscles, and blood circulation. I also cannot overstate the significance of supporting the body with adaptogens when faced with symptoms that trigger extreme reactions, such as coughing fits. But let’s see what herbs can help us with our lung health.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.). Mullein, with its soothing properties, has a remarkable ability to alleviate coughs and promote healing in the lungs. It also aids in moisturizing air passages, thus eliminating dry cough. Throughout the ages, it has been used to encourage the expulsion of mucus and provide comfort to delicate mucous membranes. The plant’s constituents possess the power to combat certain strains of viruses and bacteria, too. Nicole’s Apothecary has a potent Mullein tincture here.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata). Spearmint has a soothing effect on your respiratory system, allowing you to breathe freely by clearing nasal passages. Spearmint possesses a myriad of qualities that contribute to the improvement of respiratory health due to its impressive anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It has a calming effect on dry, aching throats, alleviates congestion in the chest, and provides relief from the discomfort of a sore throat.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). The extraordinary abilities of chamomile flowers stem from a beautiful blend of natural compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and antioxidants. These compounds provide chamomile with potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-asthmatic qualities. Its remarkable healing properties aid in treating respiratory infections and mucus membrane problems by soothing inflammation and safeguarding cells against harm. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance your immune system and combat pathogens associated with the common cold.

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Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). Reishi mushrooms possess an impressive amount of vital minerals and vitamins, including immune-boosting vitamin D. Moreover, their adaptogenic attributes further enhance their allure. This means they have the ability to assist the body in adjusting to external stressors by calming the body’s stress responses. They also promote the utilization of oxygen and a healthy respiratory tract and encourage free and easy breathing. Reishi mushrooms have a remarkable ability to support individuals who may be prone to respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and similar conditions.

Please Note: Commercially available reishi mushroom powder may come from different species, but they all share similar medicinal properties. This reishi variety thrives in the heart of the Midwest United States, where I live. I gather, dry, and grind my own mushrooms, which is what I used for this recipe.

Lemon Peel. Lemons possess a remarkable abundance of antioxidants and vital vitamin C. They are renowned for their ability to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, enhance hydration, strengthen the bronchial system, and boost the immune system. Just make sure to use organic lemons.

Ginger. Ginger has a unique capacity to soothe and purify airways, combating the relentless presence of inflammation. Through clinical trials, both animals and humans have shown that ginger can widen airways. Ginger can also break down thick mucus, assisting in its elimination, and its noteworthy antimicrobial properties aid in the battle against harmful pathogens.

Homemade Lung Shield Recipe (Alcohol-free)

This tincture is made with glycerin, which means it’s safe for children and tastes better than an alcohol extraction.  You can add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit if you want to make it more palatable. For a glycerin extraction, you’ll need a 3:1 ratio, so about 75% glycerin and 25% hot water. Start by gathering your ingredients.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup Mullein leaves or flowers
• 2 tbsp of spearmint leaves
• 2 tbsp of chamomile flowers
• 1 tbsp of reishi mushroom, powdered
• 1 tsp of dried lemon peel (organic)
• 1 tsp of dried chunks of ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¾ cup vegetable glycerin
• ¼ cup scalding hot water
• a pint-size jar
• a ring or rubber band
• a piece of cheesecloth
• a dark dropper container for storage

Instructions:

1. Crush dried herbs to maximize extraction. Add the herbs to a clean pint-size jar.
2. In a separate container, combine 3 parts vegetable glycerin with one part distilled hot water and stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Pour the mixture over the herbs in the jar to cover the plant material completely.
4. Place the cheesecloth on top and secure it with a ring or rubber band.  Place the mixture in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks to macerate.  Shake it gently every day.  If it becomes dry, add a bit more glycerin mixture.
5. Once your lung tincture is done macerating, pour it through a doubled-up cheesecloth into a clean jar and then into dropper bottles for storage.

Dosage

Utilize the lung shield to aid in preventing and addressing congestion or lung-related issues. This lung remedy is suitable for children over one year old. To consume it, just mix your dose with a bit of water or juice and drink it. Children under the age of five: 5 to 7 drops. Up to age 12: give one extra drop per year of age. Adults: take 15 to 20 drops.

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