In order to improve respiratory function, a multitude of herbs, supplements, exercises, and foods are needed. In this article, I dive into the details as to exactly what to use in order to get significant improvement as well as some of the background information behind the efficacy of each recommendation.

This information can be useful if you’re struggling with a chronic respiratory condition such as Asthma or COPD – which includes emphysema,  chronic bronchitis, etc.

Medicinal Herbs

Thyme

This medicinal herb contains a substance known as Thymol, which is known to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Thyme has a long history of medicinal use for treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and the common cold.

In clinical trials, Thyme essential oil supplementation has been found to improve respiratory function by expelling mucus, improving gas exchange, and increasing the oxygen saturation (1)

Thyme can be used as an essential oil for inhalation or as a supplement. There are also cough syrups that contain Thyme along with with other herbs such as Ivy Leaf.

Caraway Seeds

Also known as Ajwain, Caraway Seeds are a popular Ayurvedic remedy for coughs and digestive complaints. Caraway has been found to improve respiratory function in patients with Asthma when supplemented as a boiled extract – basically a tea. Improved pulmonary function and bronchodilator effects were observed (2).

To experience the benefits, you may simply use it as a tea, twice a day.

Eucalyptus

This herb contains a substance known as Eucalyptol. It has proven to be a potent bronchodilator and has been found to significantly improve the symptoms of COPD (3), acute bronchitis (4), and Asthma (5). In COPD and Asthma, its use was associated with a reduced need for medication, including steroids.

Inhalation of Eucalyptus oil is a great way to experience this benefit. Eucalyptus leaf can be supplemented.

Honey

This popular food and sweetener has been used as a cough remedy in Ayurveda for over 5000 years. It is known for its powerful mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The effects of honey can be compounded, by mixing it with anti-inflammatory & mucolytic herbs such as Turmeric or Holy Basil (Tulsi).

In clinical trials, honey was found to provide significant symptomatic relief for upper respiratory tract infections (6). Its also very effective for treating acute coughs in children (7).

Honey can be consumed on its own or mixed in slightly warm (not hot) water or tea.

It can also be mixed with a bit of turmeric, ginger, Tulsi and black pepper, then eaten. To do this, mix one teaspoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of each of the herbs and spices, then slowly eat it, preferably by licking. This will allow it to slowly coat the back of the throat and esophagus – resulting in a close effect on the lungs during administration and a direct effect once its digested and absorbed.

Breathing Exercises:

Pranayama

This is a group of breathing exercises that clearly improves respiratory function in chronic respiratory conditions. For example, its been found to improve functional performance along with a decrease in dyspnea-related distress as well as and improvement in exercise tolerance in patients with COPD (8). It has also been found to improve asthma control and asthma-related quality of life (9).

These exercises are simple but should be learned from a yoga teacher.

Some of the names of these exercises are:

• Alternate Nostril Breathing
• Oceans Breath
• Bellows Breath
• Cooling Breath
• Humming Bee Breath

Nutrition

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies are associated with childhood asthma & supplementation has been found to reduce hospitalizations (10). Supplementation has also been found to reduce exacerbations in COPD (11), however, some studies have shown little to no improvement, so the results are kind of mixed.

However, vitamin D is essential for respiratory health and should be kept at an optimal level. You can supplement as well as get adequate sunshine with maximum skin exposure.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps with nerve conductivity and smooth movements of the body and its various functions including the relaxation of the the smooth muscles that control breathing. Magnesium is also needed for the activation of Vitamin D.

In clinical trials, Magnesium sulfate, when administered as an IV has been found to improves acute bronchospasms (12). IV Magnesium is administered by a physician or in IV clinics.

You may also use a supplement. The best forms of magnesium, in my opinion, are magnesium glycinate, threonate, and malate. Learn more about which magnesium to use in this article.

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(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)
For more information contact me at doctornishal@gmail.com

by Dr. Nishal R.
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