Nutritional information on clearing the air passages
Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, emphysema are the common cold. What do they have in common? They obstruct our ability to breathe easily... and, heavy mucus production is generally symptomatic of them all, adding to this obstruction.
Every day we take about 22,000 breaths and along with that essential oxygen, we take in dirt, pollen, disease germs and other pollutants, including cigarette smoke. It is mucus that gathers up these irritants as they enter the nose and throat. It is mucus that protects the mucous membranes that line our entire upper respiratory system from nose to lungs. And, it is that same mucus that while obstructing our breathing, is a signal that our body is trying to bring itself to health. Strange as it may seem, mucus is a good guy.
When we become congested, there are nutrients we can take that can support the mucous membrane in its production of mucus, and increase the body's ability to discharge it, and the accompanying irritants, for a speedier return to health. These nutrients are combined in an herbal formula that can help us to "breathe easy."
This formula is bound with licorice root and licorice root extract.
According to S. Dharmananda, author and herbalist, there are four basic approaches that herbalists use in treating congesttive problems:
Herbal mucilage is a plant substance which is not soluble in water but which forms a slippery mass when suspended in water. The mucilages aid mucus in protecting and soothing inflamed mucous membrane surfaces that accompany bronchitis and cough, and some cases of asthma. Mucilages provide both symptomatic relief and some curative benefits. They are especially useful for treating chronic conditions since these types of conditions invariably result in irritated membrane surfaces.
Expectorants stimulate the natural processes that move mucus along the tissue surfaces, facilitating the removal of mucus from the lungs and throat. Mucilage also has an expectorant function. It blinds up excess mucus in such a way that it is more easily moved to the stomach for digestion.
Comfrey leaves and root have been used traditionally for upper respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, colds, pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, pleurisy, and thickening of lung ti9ssue This wonderful herb has the additional property of stopping lung hemorrhage which may occur with severe inflammation or coughing. it is the richest source of mucilage, soothing and stimulating the mucous membrane and aiding the bronchial tubes. it also functions as an expectorant, helping to remove toxic material from the lungs.
Along with comfrey, both foenugreek and mullein are often recommended by herbalists for the treatment of upper respiratory problems. Foenugreek is extremely good for lung problems and helps clean bronchial passages. Foenugreek is an expectorant.
Like comfrey, mullein has an attraction toward the respiratory organs. it works as both a mucilage and an expectorant. Mullein has three special recommendations that add additional support to the formula not brought by either comfrey or foenugreek. Mullein is particularly good for the treatment of atrophied lung tissue. This is found in emphysema. Secondly, it is a great herbal pain killer, bringing relief without bringing narcotic symptoms. Lastly, it is also calming and quieting to inflamed and irritated nerves.
PABA acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. According to Durk Pearson's research, it knocks out upper respiratory conditions.
Licorice, as always, acts to harmonize all the other ingredients of the formula. However, it is an excellent expectorant and has been used as a remedy for smoker's cough. Not only does it ease the cough, but it has the additional benefit of reducing the desire to smoke.