If you are looking for simple and effective natural ways to strengthen the respiratory tract, continue reading this article and find out what they are. But first.
There are medicinal herbs and supplements that can strengthen the respiratory tract against viruses. Also, you can read about the best natural sources of zinc, and learn how to make your own hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of this virus. I will also link all these articles below. Coming back to the subject of this article, the good news is that there are many natural ways to strengthen the respiratory tract. We will mention the most useful and handy herbs and supplements you can use to keep your lungs and airways protected against this virus. Let’s begin!
In This Article You Will Find:
7 Natural Ways to Strengthen The Respiratory Tract
1. Antioxidants
More and more studies show that some vitamins and nutrients from fruits, veggies, and plants help strengthen the respiratory tract. When our diet is too scarce in these natural elements, we can supplement with them. This should be done under the supervision of a naturopath doctor, who can prescribe the nutrients that we need. In this category, the most important elements are antioxidants.
Antioxidants reduce the level of free radicals in the body. Through their action, antioxidants reduce the chronic inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract and stimulate the proper functioning of the immune system at the same time. These are the best natural supplements that help strengthen the respiratory tract against viruses and bacteria.
The Best Antioxidants for The Respiratory Tract
- Zinc – read the best natural sources of Zinc.
- Selenium – Brazil nuts, brown rice, fish, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, oatmeal, spinach, lentils, cashews, bananas, etc.
- Glutathione – milk thistle, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, radish, turnip, watercress, etc.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) – honeydew, cantaloupe melon, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc.
- Coenzyme Q10 – non-GMO soy, parsley, broccoli, natto, sweet potato, sorrel herb, avocado, herring, mackerel, extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil, etc.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, green peas, Brussels sprouts, etc.
2. Omega 3 for Healthy Lungs
Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are of tremendous help for a healthy respiratory tract. These acids have a strong anti-inflammatory action on the lungs and strengthen the respiratory tract. They aid in the good functioning of the lungs and also have a natural detox action. In addition to strengthening the respiratory tract, Omega 3 acids have a beneficial action on the circulatory system too.
They wipe clean the walls of the blood vessels and also reduce the triglycerides levels in the blood. Consequently, these fatty acids help raise cell oxygenation. You can find Omega 3 in several species of oceanic fish and algae, but also in flax and hemp seeds.
3. Vitamins for The Respiratory Tract
There are 3 main vitamins that have a tremendous beneficial effect on the health of the respiratory system. In addition, these vitamins help balance the immune system due to their antioxidant action. The vitamins that strengthen the respiratory tract naturally are:
- Vitamin C – rose hips, kakadu plums, acerola, kiwi, chili peppers, guava, blackcurrants, thyme, parsley, mustard spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lemons, papaya, etc.
- Vitamin E – seabuckthorn and seabuckthorn oil, cold-pressed seed and nuts oils, avocado, wild-caught salmon, almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, etc.
- Vitamin D – sunlight, wild-caught salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, tuna, mushrooms, etc.
They all have amazing anti-inflammatory properties for the lungs and airways. However, Vitamin D, in particular, stands out. This vitamin balances out the nervous system, our thoughts, and our emotions. Studies have proven the direct connection between the good functioning of the nervous system and a strong immune system.
Read Also: 5 Home Remedies for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
But more importantly, a study published in 2017 in the British Medical Journal revealed staggering evidence. The conclusion of the study revealed that patients who are Vitamin D deficient (which is most of the world’s population) when administered Vitamins D had a 70% lower incidence of developing an acute respiratory tract infection. If you want to strengthen the respiratory tract bathe in the sun, go outdoors if possible, and enjoy this healing therapy.
4. Herbs for Lung Health
There are also natural herbal extracts that sustain and strengthen the respiratory tract’s overall health, in different ways. Thus, it is helpful to understand how to use each of them for their amazing healing attributes.
Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) and heartsease (Viola tricolor) are two magnificent medicinal herbs for the median and upper respiratory tract health.
Boswellia serrata is a true panacea for all obstructive conditions, as well as respiratory system infections. It is successfully used in infectious and allergic respiratory diseases, from viral, bacterial, or allergic bronchitis to asthma. The extract from this plant helps reduce the allergic reaction and the inflammation of the median and upper respiratory tract. It is an excellent bronchodilator, aiding in easy breathing and the prevention of suffocation attacks.
Read Also: 5 Best Herbs for Viral Lung Infections and How to Use Them
Heartsease (wild pansy) has a powerful anti-allergic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory action on the respiratory tract. This extract helps expel secretions from the bronchi and is highly recommended for ex-smokers or people living or working in heavily polluted conditions. It is a natural remedy for all kinds of bronchitis, due to its decongestant properties. Wild pansy is also used in asthma due to its antispasmodic effect. This is how you can use these two herbal extracts to strengthen the respiratory tract.
- Indian frankincense extract – 2-4 caps/day for 2-3 months; pause for 15 days and resume if necessary.
- Heartsease extracts – 3-6 caps/day for 2 months; pause for 15 days and resume if necessary; best to start this cure 45 days before the pollen or viral respiratory tract seasons.
Best Herbs That Strengthen The Respiratory Tract
- Immunostimulants: echinacea, Iceland moss, black seed oil, Noni, Rhodiola.
- Antiviral: sweet wormwood, clove, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric.
- Expectorants: lungwort, licorice, wild thyme, flat sea holy, cowslip, common ivy, Grindelia, anise, caraway, honey-sweetened plantago and fir syrups, pushkarmool churna, heartsease.
- Lung Cleansing/Purifying: hyssop, basil, and lemon balm, Aloe Vera.
- Anti fever: camphor and mint oil chest rubs.
5. Bee Hive Produce
To increase the respiratory’s system resistance against viruses and bacteria, royal jelly is one of the most potent natural medicines. Propolis has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral as well as detox action on the lungs and airways and helps strengthen the respiratory tract. In addition, propolis with honey and essential oils inhalations help protect the upper respiratory airways and keep viruses away.
How to Use Bee Produce for the Respiratory Tract Health:
- 1 g of royal jelly/day minimum.
- 3 tsp pollen/day minimum (if you have allergic reactions to pollen, we don’t recommend it).
- 1 tsp of 5% propolis tincture in 1/2 tbsp of organic honey/2-3 times a day (keep in the mouth as much as possible, before swallowing it down slowly)
- Organic honey – you can also add the royal jelly and pollen into the honey and take this delicious respiratory strengthening remedy like so.
Follow this treatment for 2 weeks, for the best effects. Shilajit is another natural way to maintain the health of the upper respiratory tract if you have it at hand. Beehive products are some of the best natural ways to strengthen the respiratory tract.
6. Homeopathic Remedies
When deciding to follow a homeopathic treatment to prevent respiratory infections, we advise you to consult with a practitioner. In homeopathy, there is no one treatment that solves all. Below you will find the most used homeopathic remedies to strengthen the respiratory tract and fight respiratory system conditions.
- Allium cepa – used for allergic rhinitis symptoms, including runny nose, tearing, and bursts of sneezing.
- Euphrasia officinalis – used when eye secretion turns irritating, reddish inflamed eyes.
- Wyethia – used for nose, eyes, ears, and roof of the palate itching that lasts.
- Arum tryphillum – used especially for kids with irritated nose and lips, even bleeding.
- Sabadilla – used for sneezing, especially when in the open air or in contact with pollen.
- Eupatorium – use for flu symptoms, especially muscle and bone ache.
- Ferrum phosphoricum – used for high fever.
- Causticum – used for violent cough, hoarseness, and even voice loss.
- Hepar sulphur – used for sore or strep throat and dry cough, triggered by the smallest contact with cold air.
- Mercurius solubilis – used for pharynx aches accompanied by excess salivation, metallic taste in the mouth, foul mouth taste and smell, and temperature changes sensitivity.
- Silicea – used for chronic cough accompanied by nasal and bronchi secretions that are hard to eliminate.
- Belladona – used for fever accompanied by severe symptoms such as pharyngeal aches and facial congestion.
- Cuprum metallicum – used for uncontrollable spasmodic cough.
- Ipeca – also used for uncontrollable spasmodic cough, accompanied by vomiting gag reflex.
- Gelsemium – used for intense tiredness, and cold symptoms such as intense headache, facial congestion, and cold sensation along the spine.
- Aconitum – used for the first stages of a respiratory viral infection, when the mucous membranes become inflamed.
Read Also: 10 Best Natural Treatments for Flu
7. Essential Oils
Eucalyptus, mint, pine, and fir oils are amazing for the health of the throat and airway relief because they help strengthen the respiratory tract. Use them together or individually in steam inhalations, whenever you feel congested or prone to contract the flu. Peppermint and sage essential oils combo is amazing for viral lung infections!
They also work great for chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, or viral bronchitis. These two essential oils relieve the air passages, help you breathe easier, and also reduce headaches and discomfort. Use these oils at night, when the airway obstruction is more severe. These essential oils strengthen the respiratory tract in the fight against viruses and bacteria.
Add 10-12 drops of mint and sage oils in the aromatherapy lamp or ultrasound diffuser together with 50 ml of water.
Best Diet to Strengthen The Respiratory Tract
As with any healing diet, the best foods to eat on a regular basis to strengthen the respiratory tract are fresh fruits and vegetables. If you can buy or cultivate organic, that is even better. Still, there are a few foods, particularly healing for the respiratory system, from the nostrils to the bottom of the lungs. These are:
- Legumes: cabbage, kohlrabi, celery root and stems, carrots, garlic, onion, black radish (especially syrup) – in salads or warming soups.
- Fruits: dates, figs, rose hips, lemons, and sea buckthorn.
- Spices: fresh parsley leaves, wild garlic, cinnamon, horseradish, tarragon, and hot pepper.
What to Avoid
To protect the respiratory tract from viruses, we need to limit exposure to emissions and air pollutants. This is the perfect time to quit smoking because this bad habit not only affects the lungs but also the heart and the entire circulatory system. Avoid any air pollutants as much as possible:
- Formaldehyde from carpets and laminate flooring etc.
- Benzene from gasoline (car exhaust emissions).
- Perchloroethylene is used in dry cleaning services.
- Methylene chloride is used in the solvents industry (paint stripping).
- Oxybenzone, lilial, citral, benzyl salicylate, coumarin, styrene, and BHT, are used in beauty products, mostly perfumes, hair sprays, body and home deodorants, and other synthetically scented products.
You can find EPA’s complete list of the most dangerous urban air toxic pollutants. The best thing to do is take walks in nature, go hiking, or in salt mines, where the air is naturally purified. There are some eco-friendly air purifiers on the market, but the best and cheapest way to keep the air in your home as fresh as possible is air purifying house plants. If you are a smoker and want to find natural ways to ditch the habit, we have a herbal remedy to quit smoking, that you can check out.
Read Also: Seabuckthorn Berries for Cold and Flu
We hope that you’ve found here solid and empowering information about natural ways to strengthen the respiratory tract and other pathogens. There are simple and effective ways in which anyone can strengthen the respiratory tract and enjoy a healthy, and happy life.
