4 Home Remedies To Strengthen Your Lungs

Whether we smoke or live with a smoker, strengthening our lungs will allow us to breathe better and prevent various complications.

The lungs are part of the respiratory system. They are located inside the thorax, protected by the ribs, and on both sides of the heart. The respiratory system is responsible for transporting air, which contains O2, from outside our body to the blood.

The function of the lungs is to exchange gases with the blood. For this, the alveoli are in close contact with the capillaries.

Throughout life,  various factors intervene in the quality of gas exchange. This is due to factors such as external contaminants or bad habits like smoking.

It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to protect the health of the lungs. Regular checks will also help prevent disease and other ailments.

You can also try some natural remedies that help strengthen the lungs in a way. These are herbal preparations which, according to natural medicine, have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

Natural remedies to strengthen the lungs

It is necessary to make some clarification on the natural remedies to strengthen the lungs. First of all, they are not a first-line treatment for illnesses. They should therefore be considered only as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, these are preparations of which we have only brief evidence as to their harmlessness and efficacy. They should therefore be the used first with caution, especially if there is already a disease or if you take medications. It is therefore essential to consult your doctor and comment on your intention to try this type of remedy.

1. Eucalyptus vapor

Eucalyptus is one of the plants most used to strengthen the organs of respiration, due to its high menthol composition. It allows the maximum opening of the bronchi and thanks to this, an excellent obtaining of air.

Research published in  Alternative Medicine Review  showed that inhaling eucalyptus steam  has the benefit s against the symptoms of diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This is due to its active compound, 1,8-cineole, which  has antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including  Mycobacterium tuberculosis  and  Staphylococcus aureus.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus leaves (20 g)
• 8 cups of boiling water (2 liters)

Preparation

• First bring the water to a boil and add the eucalyptus leaves. Then cover the pot to concentrate the substance of the leaves in the water.
• Without removing it from the heat, bring your face to the pan, being careful not to burn yourself. Then inhale the minty vapor of these leaves for 10 minutes. You will quickly feel the improvement in full breathing.
• Repeat the process whenever you experience shortness of breath, whether from asthma or sinus conditions.

2. Horse chestnut

It is said that horse chestnut can be used as a remedy to strengthen the respiratory system. This would be the result of a substance called aescin, present in its extracts. According to information from experimental and therapeutic medicine, aescin acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of horse chestnut (5 g)
• 1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the amount of horse chestnut in the cup of boiling water. Let the horse chestnut infuse in the bottom of the cup then filter everything.
• Take it 2-3 times a week when you have breathing problems such as asthma, cough, or bronchitis. However, do not forget to consult a specialist for any symptoms that may appear.

3. Licorice root

This natural remedy helps  soothe irritations in the respiratory system. In addition, as detailed in a study published in the journal  Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B , it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Ingredients

• 1 piece of licorice root
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Heat the water and, when it comes to a boil, add the licorice root and let it steep for 5 minutes. Filter everything and, after a few minutes, drink this infusion.
• It is a remedy that is contraindicated in people with hypertension, as it can make this condition worse. It is therefore important to always consult the doctor for symptoms.

4. Bay leaves

There is little research linking the use of bay leaves to lung health. However, in popular culture, they are used ent for years as a remedy to stop smoking and relieve the irritation of the airways. 

However, there must be proof of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This  apparently  explains its beneficial effects on the health of the respiratory system.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of honeysuckle (10 g)

Preparation

• First heat the water until it boils. Add bay leaves and honeysuckle and let steep over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Then remove from the heat, cover and let this remedy steep for another 10 minutes, until it reaches a temperature suitable for consumption.
• If you live with smokers, then consume one cup of this remedy per day, three times per week. This way your lungs will recover and be perfectly healthy.

In summary

We can try natural remedies to strengthen lung function. However,  given the lack of evidence, they should be used sparingly and with caution. If possible, a doctor should be consulted before taking them regularly.