Rediscovering Pulmonary Plants

In the classic view of countries with cold winters, aromatic plants can be chosen to help keep lungs healthy and promote mucus expectoration. They are all antiseptic to varying degrees; their other specificities remain to be seen.

For optimal effect, one must consider the person's condition and lung quality.

Of course, there are several ways to take care of our lungs in winter. And we have several allies to suggest:

Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Fir, Spruce, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage

If you want a ready-made and delicious solution: our Boreal blend or our Flu Breaker blend.

----It should be noted that not all suggested methods are suitable for everyone; an herbalist can best advise you. -----

 What's more comforting than a warm drink when you're sick?

Preparations:

1. Infusions:

• Long: 10 minutes or more; one can consider preparing in a pot and simmering for 5 minutes. Keep covered. 1 teaspoon per cup.
• Short: 5 minutes, covered to retain maximum aromas in the infusion. 1 teaspoon per cup.

2. Steam bath:

Very useful for sinus and lung congestion, taking the time to breathe humid air charged with the essential oils naturally present in plants does a lot of good for the lungs. It is chosen when mucus blocks the respiratory tract. It can be done once a day for 2-3 days.

Boil water in a large kitchen bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of the plant of your choice. Pour hot water over it.

For adults: Sit comfortably at a table with a bath towel. Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with the towel. It's like a sauna; you want to breathe slowly and deeply. Be careful not to burn yourself. Stay over it as long as there is steam.

An excellent time to deep clean your face afterward.

For children/seniors: Same method, but omit the towel.

3. Kombucha/Water Kefir/Wines:

You can also macerate about ten grams per liter of these herbs for flavored beverages.

Preferably choose a sweet white wine, ideally organic.

For kombuchas and kefirs, ensure these herbs are used in a second maceration, as essential oils can affect the mothers/SCOBY.

You can consume 60ml per day of these preparations as a preventive measure.

Not sure where to start? Try the Boreal Blend or the Flu Breaker.

 

Our Boreal blend is made from local plants, is very mild in taste, and safe for the whole family. It has been one of our best sellers since its creation.

The Flu Breaker Blend, in its revised version, contains Eucalyptus, Licorice root, fermented Lemon peel, Ginger root, Honeysuckle buds, Echinacea leaf, Elderflower, and Osmanthus flower.

The old edition was also interesting in its effectiveness; both recipes contain plants mentioned in this article, plus plants that help fight viruses and soothe the respiratory tract.

Plants in detail

Let's review and compare our plants mentioned above. We can certainly combine them with each other and with other plants. Often these plants will be accompanied by lung tonics like mullein, coltsfoot. Or plants like elderflower, marshmallow, mallow, honeysuckle, or licorice (as in the flu breaker).

Fir: Very sweet flavor suitable for the whole family, mild expectorant and tonic, very safe. Long and covered infusion ideal.

Spruce: Mild flavor but a bit more pungent than fir, reserved for teens and adults. Also a general tonic aspect. A long and covered infusion is ideal. Also good for steam baths.

Eucalyptus: A classic, its presentation needs no introduction, very aromatic and expectorant, a bit dry, improved by marshmallow or licorice in a long covered infusion, steam baths are very pleasant with this. It is also found in our new Flu Breaker blend recipe, already balanced.

Peppermint: Very cooling! The high menthol content of our peppermint tells us not to put too much in our infusions. When you feel a lot of heat in your body and congestion in the liver, peppermint will be very interesting. Short and covered infusion. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup.

Rosemary: Despite its Mediterranean origin, it looks like a small fir tree! Excellent in cooking but also in infusions. It has a warming effect and activates blood circulation, so it is considered a stimulant without caffeine. Its rosmarinic acid content makes it very interesting for liver health and seasonal allergies. It should be avoided if you have high blood pressure or are always hot. In short infusion and steam bath.

Thyme: Another classic, naturalized almost everywhere in the Western world, can advantageously replace lawns! Very drying and warming, it is favored when mucus is clear and flowing abundantly. It will also help with urinary infections. In short infusion or steam bath.

Sage: Officinal sage did not earn its name by chance. Its fragrance is powerful and it has a certain bitterness. Very warming and drying as well. In short infusion and steam bath. Avoid during pregnancy.

This article does not replace medical or professional advice on your health. Any use is the responsibility of the user. The information provided here is for educational purposes only.