Rediscovering Pulmonary Plants

In the typical context of countries with cold winters, aromatic plants can be chosen to help maintain healthy lungs 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 offer you:

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

If you want a ready-made and delicious solution, try our Boreal blend or our Flu-breaker blend.

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

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

Preparations:

1. Infusions:

• Long: 10 minutes or more; consider preparing in a saucepan 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 in the humid air laden with essential oils naturally present in plants greatly benefits 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; breathe slowly and deeply. Be careful not to burn yourself. Stay over the bowl as long as there is steam.

Excellent time to deep clean your face afterward.

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

3. Kombucha/Water Kefirs/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 fermentation, 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, has a very mild taste, and is 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 previous edition was also effective; 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 the plants mentioned above. They can certainly be combined with each other and with other plants. Often, these plants will be accompanied by lung tonics such as 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, covered infusion is ideal. 

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

Eucalyptus: A classic that needs no introduction; very aromatic and expectorant, a bit drying, improved by marshmallow or licorice in a long covered infusion. A steam bath with this is very pleasant. It is also found in our new Flu-breaker blend recipe, already considered balanced.

Peppermint: Very cooling! The high menthol content of our peppermint indicates that we shouldn't use too much in our infusions. When experiencing a lot of body heat and liver congestion, peppermint will be very beneficial. 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. Avoid if you have high blood pressure or are always hot. For short infusions and steam baths.

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. For short infusions or steam baths.

Sage: Officinal sage didn't earn its name by chance. Its fragrance is powerful, and it has a certain bitterness. Very warming and drying too. For short infusions and steam baths. Avoid during pregnancy.

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