Bronchial Health & Respiratory Viruses

Posted: April 2022
Author: Sharlene Bennett |  BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb
 

Bronchial health is vital to health, wellness and quality of life, and how we breathe and maintain optimal lung or bronchial function is strongly linked to our gut and overall immune response in the body.

We have over 70% of our immune cells within our gut, which makes it a powerhouse of essential immune support. Looking after our gut helps us look after our entire well-being which is vital as we shift into the cooler autumn months and then into winter, when we usually require more immunity support and defence, and nutritional care to stay well.

Staying well with respiratory health

For those with existing respiratory conditions, sudden temperature drops in autumn and winter can be challenging. Bronchial health is often dependent on more warmth, so factors like constricted airways can be brought on by dry or cold air temperature changes and wet weather. What works best is always individual and finding out what can be of the most benefit to support easier breathing and optimise lung function, is an essential wellness tool for bronchial health.

The respiratory herbal botanicals – winter tonics

Helping to combat or lessen the impact of circulating respiratory viruses can be done in a myriad of ways with lifestyle, diet, supplements and phytotherapy. From a phytotherapy perspective, using expectorant or anti- spasmolytic herbs can be of extra help. Powerful herbs such as Elecampane, White horehound, Mullein, and Hyssop are well-known soothers of the respiratory tract, and like Marshmallow or Liquorice, can act to help lessen restrictive breathing, loosen and clear mucus and help as lung decongestants, while also having a soothing effect.    

The other top phytotherapy herbal remedies

Warming, circulatory and anti-inflammatory botanicals such as Ginger and Turmeric, can help with bronchial congestion and often a small amount within a formula goes a long way in helping those afflicted with seasonal allergies and poor bronchial health. 

Other top leading herbs include Echinacea for its famed anti-inflammatory action alongside its renowned immunomodulatory action, and Pelargonium which has many unique properties like anti-viral and immune support, both help to provide further respiratory support. Of course, bronchial or lung health would not be entirely complete without the established phytotherapeutic action of the simple but the most effective herbal expectorant and anti-microbial effect of Thyme.  

The best herbal remedy for you

There are many choices for herbal practitioners to choose from, making up what suits you or your client is always an individual act and one that requires foresight, diligence and care. We have many herbal remedies at our fingertips for use, including our beloved natives like Kumerahou or Hoheria for stubborn hard to treat coughs. The soothing and demulcent actions of Hoheria make it an ideal replacement or partner for Marshmallow or Liquorice.

Finding your winter wellness

Going into winter can help us to discover our valuable and essential immune and respiratory aids for staying well. With an abundant choice of herbal botanicals at our fingertips, choosing what suits for in-clinic use, and what suits your clients’ needs within a comprehensive liquid herb range for better bronchial and sustainable respiratory support can help ward off and maintain autumn and winter wellness.