Lung Detox Tea (Mullein)

Lungs

Lung Detox Tea

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein, is a member of the snapdragon family. Mullein grows in the United States but originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Mullein is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. It contains a component called saponins, this component helps break down the mucus in the lungs and assists to soothe any inflamed bronchial tubes. This herb can be used to improve lung health and function and reduce symptoms of respiratory illness.

Drinking mullein tea can help the lungs purge themselves of phlegm and mucus, clearing the system of any pollutants, toxins or foreign matter and promoting healthy tissue replacement.

Mullein has many uses, it is helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. Before antibiotics, Mullein was a “go-to” remedy for:

Pneumonia.

Bronchitis.

Whooping cough.

And for less serious conditions, like:

Allergies.

Sore throat.

Tonsillitis.

Lung Detox.

Mullein is a natural expectorant {an expectorant is a substance that thins mucus (phlegm) and makes it easier to cough up.} Its flowers and leaves contain mucilage, which coats mucous membranes (the moist linings inside of your respiratory tract) with a film, reducing inflammation. Mullein contains antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, which protect cells from free radicals. {free rads are unstable molecules that damage your cells.} Mullein has antiseptic qualities, meaning it prevents the growth of disease-causing germs. {One study found that it was effective at fighting pneumonia, staph and E. coli bacteria.}

Mullein tea (along with other forms of the herb) improve lung health and in some cases promote improved lung function. It is classified as a safe herb. When used correctly, it doesn’t typically cause any side effects,”. To date, there are no reports of negative reactions or toxic side effects of mullein. This is a potent herb for those people that have a history of lung issues such as COPD, asthma or chronic bronchitis, pneumonia.

In addition to Mullein, Licorice root potentiates the healing process of the lung tissue.

Licorice root has several benefits for the lungs. Including reducing bronchial spasms and blocking free radical cells that damage lungs and reduce airflow with inflammation. Addressing lung infections through antibacterial and antiviral properties. Inhibiting lung-cancer cells through glycyrrhizins and flavonoids.

Potentiating the effectiveness of bronchodilators in people with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Impacting the progression of chronic bronchitis due to the antioxidant effect on the lungs.

A lab study found that the glycyrrhizic acid, asiatic acid, and oleanolic acids found in licorice root have an antioxidant effect that may help protect cells in the bronchial tree that lead to the lungs.

Soursop Leaves

Researchers have found that soursop leaves reduced inflammation in the airways by inhibiting the production of inflammatory markers. These findings suggest that soursop can be a natural remedy for addressing respiratory conditions that involve inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tree.

The benefits of soursop can be attributed to the plant’s metabolites. Saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, terpenoids, tannins, and several other active phytochemicals. The leaves of the soursop plant contain anti-inflammatory agents. They also have antipyretic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and anti-parasitic properties. Soursop can positively impact the vital systems in the body.

Recent medical studies indicate this herb provides antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects. It shows promise against cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, respiratory organs, blood, liver, cervix, ovary, the mouth, and the skin.

Soursop plants contain several kinds of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids which provide antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, and anthelmintic properties. Soursop leaf oils also contain sesquiterpenes. The most abundant compound is β-caryophyllene. Selected sesquiterpenes show promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, acting on various targets. Overall sesquiterpenes provide antifungal, anxiolytic, analgesic properties.

Smoking Cessation

Once you’ve quit smoking, you may feel the urge to “clean” your lungs to get rid of the toxins that have built up. Fortunately, your lungs are self-cleaning. They begin this process after you smoke your last cigarette. For 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, you will notice your lung function changing and improving as your lungs perform this self-cleaning process.

In the first year after quitting, symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Your lungs are a remarkable organ system that, in some instances, have the ability to repair themselves over time. Your lungs begin to slowly heal. restore and regenerate. The speed at which they heal all depends on how long you smoked and how much damage is present.

Smoking causes two different kinds of permanent damage to your lungs:

Emphysema. With emphysema, the small air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, are destroyed, which decreases the lungs’ surface area. The lungs the lungs are unable to adequately exchange oxygen that your body needs.

Chronic bronchitis. With chronic bronchitis, the smaller airways leading to alveoli become inflamed, and swollen, which prevents oxygen from reaching the alveoli.

The lungs begin recovering in the following ways:

·         Around 3 days after quitting, most people will experience moodiness and irritability, severe headaches, and cravings as the body readjusts. (Smoking cessation tea may be helpful for this period. Reducing cravings, moodiness, and headaches.)

·         At the 1 month mark, a person’s lung function begins to improve.

·         From 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, you may start to notice improved lung function as your lungs start the self-cleaning process.

·         In the first year after quitting, symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath decrease.

·         In the 12 months after stopping smoking, your lungs continuously improve at cleaning themselves and this process reduces your risk of infection.