If ever there was a time to brush up on your knowledge of herbal remedies that are helpful for respiratory tract health, that time is now. No longer is the COVID-19 pandemic something that seems as though it will be over anytime soon… it’s more like something we are all just living with now. Masks have become the norm for a lot of us, and with that, a certain learning curve when it comes to mask hygiene too;  keeping our lungs free of the dreaded coronavirus, without introducing other mysterious pathogens from a dirty mask. 

We all know that a healthy diet is great for helping to keep your immune system strong, but there is a lot that we can do to target our respiratory system. Since COVID-19 seems to really do a number on a patient’s lungs, it’s a great idea to shore up the health and strength of our respiratory system before trouble starts. Here are 5 powerful herbs that you should know about, to help promote the health of your lungs.

Respiratory Tract Health The Natural Way

Eucalyptus

Dating all the way back to the native Australians, eucalyptus leaves have been used for their medicinal properties. After Australia was colonized, it began exporting the precious oil that is now commonly used in cough lozenges and syrups. Eucalyptus’s ability to also heal stomach issues, flesh wounds, fevers, and respiratory issues has since made it a staple for herbalists the world over. Its benefits have brought relief in the form of less coughing and congestion, soothed sinuses, and even stronger immune systems, thanks to its antioxidant properties. (1)

Oregano

Is there anything it can’t do? Oregano is probably best known as an ingredient in marinara sauce, but it has so many health benefits that you should definitely keep some oregano oil handy in your medicine cabinet. Carvacrol and rosmarinic acid are the two components of oregano that give this yummy herb its powerfully healthy punch. These are natural histamine reducers and decongestants, so they benefit the respiratory tract both by helping to remove irritation and the triggers that cause it too. (1)

Peppermint

Menthol is well known to relax the muscles of the respiratory tract, allowing you to breathe more freely. Peppermint is full of that, as well as an antihistamine, making it a perfect decongestant. Say bye-bye to chest congestion and phlegm, and take advantage of the antioxidants that peppermint has to offer too. Fight off what’s ailing you, and keep it away too, all with that bright fresh scent that peppermint is known for. (1) 

Ashwagandha

This is an herb that is used in the ancient practice of Ayurveda and offers a number of different healing properties. It helps with chronic lung infection, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps with cell rejuvenation, giving it a boost in the fight against chronic lung infection. (2)

Curcumin

Curcumin is another Ayurvedic herb. Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used in the treatment of both bacterial and viral infections… common colds, flu, and persistent coughs don’t stand a chance against this powerful herb. Known for relieving chest congestion, curcumin is an herb worth having in your respiratory health toolkit. (2)

Support Respiratory Tract Health Every Day

There are so many ways that we can partner with our bodies in better health. By feeding it what it needs to be as strong as possible, and supplementing that wonderful diet with healing remedies straight from Mother Nature, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible chances of a strong and healthy outlook as we move forward through this “COVID thing” together.