08/02/2026
Herbal Allies for Respiratory Health 🌱
After recently getting over a cold and fighting a grass fire yesterday, I wanted to share this short list of respiratory supportive herbs with you.
As the winter season lingers, supporting our respiratory system is one way to staying well and recovering faster. Nature has gifted us so many powerful herbal allies that can soothe the lungs, ease congestion and support clear breathing.
Here are seven powerful and effective herbs to keep in your home apothecary so you're ready when lung issues arise:
🌱 Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) - A gentle yet powerful lung tonic, mullein helps to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation and moisten thick mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs. Ideal for dry, hacking coughs and general lung support.
🌱 Elecampane (Inula helenium) - Known for its warming, stimulant expectorant properties, elecampane is a go-to for deep lung congestion. It helps break up stubborn mucus deep in the lungs. Its strong antimicrobial properties make it a wonderful ally for lung infections.
🌱 Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - A soothing demulcent, licorice root coats the throat and brings moisture to dry lungs, easing irritation and inflammation. Its antitussive action can help you get some rest, especially when the cough is dry and unproductive.
🌱 Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - Horehound acts as a natural expectorant and is suited for both upper and lower respiratory complaints. It promotes mucus production, making it easier to expel thick, old mucus from the lungs and allowing new mucus with immune cells to form.
🌱 Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) - A warming and drying herb, hyssop is a stimulating decongestant that is helpful for colds exhibiting excessive, runny, clear mucus and sneezing. It contains camphor-like compounds that loosen phlegm, making it excellent for breaking up mucus. Its antispasmodic properties help to ease coughing.
🌱 Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) - As the name suggests, this herb is traditionally used for lung conditions, particularly those involving inflammation and dryness in the mucus membranes and connective tissue that surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy root is excellent for any dry cough with pressure or fullness in the chest and dry lung infections.
🌱 Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) - One of my favorite herbs for calming a persistent, spasmodic, dry and unproductive cough. Wild cherry bark works as a gentle antitussive to help cool and relax the bronchial tissue. It does not, however, suppress the cough reflex to prevent productive mucus elimination. It’s commonly used in syrups to soothe irritated lungs and airways.
Ways to work with them:
✔️ Infusions, teas, decoctions
✔️ Tinctures
✔️ Herbal steams
✔️ Syrups and oxymels
This is not a complete list of respiratory supportive herbs and you don't need to have all of these herbs on hand. Pick and choose the herbs that sound fitting for how you most often experience lung issues. Everyone is different so not every herb is perfect for every body and every situation.
Respiratory health is vital year-round, but especially during this season when illness is so rampant. What is your favorite go-to herb for lung support? Share with me below!
I hope you're having a beautiful weekend!
Stay well, my friends, and happy herbing 🌱
Pictured below is magnificent Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).