Have you ever considered how the respiratory system shares some structural similarities with the digestive system? Both systems have a protective lining of mucous membranes and tiny undulating hair or fingerlike projections, called cilia in the respiratory system and villi in the digestive system. Within the lung, much like the villi of the small intestine, minute cilia undulate to ascend trapped microorganisms up and out from the lungs for elimination.  

There is often a cross-over between digestive and respiratory herbs because these herbs support tissue integrity, healthy mucous membranes, soft tissue contractions, and general relaxation. In this article, you will meet the top 10 herbs that Doctor Morse trusts to support respiratory health.

Mullein

Mullein leaf’s soft hairs are a doctrine of signatures indicating how the plant gently sweeps through the lymphatic system. It is known by herbalists as a mucous modulator as it has both mucilaginous gum (which can be hydrating in the presence of water or tightening in dry conditions) and some tannins. In the case of mullein, the saponin content helps to lift mucous from the lining of the respiratory tract to support expectoration. Mullein leaf is featured in Lymph Drainage Gentle Mover, Heal All Caps, Eye Health, GI Loose, GI Daily and Lung Detox.*

Pleurisy 

Also known as butterfly weed or orange milkweed, pleurisy is native to North America. It thrives in many habitats, but it is commonly found in sunny prairies and grasslands with dry, sandy soil, roadsides and disturbed areas. It is traditionally used to support respiratory and heart health. According to herbalist Sharol Tilgner, pleurisy root has an antispasmodic action that is best for hot, dry skin and difficult, uncomfortable breathing. It is beneficial with acute respiratory issues where supporting healthy inflammatory levels would benefit these issues. It shows mild vagus nerve stimulation, which is its mechanism of action for producing perspiration, expectoration and bronchial dilation (M. Moore. 2003, pg 202). Pleurisy is favored in congested, hard to budge conditions. It is also said to support a slow, strong heat beat.  

Pleurisy root contains small amounts of cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) and should be used with caution with other cardiac drugs, although this phytochemical is mostly concentrated in the leaves. It is best used in acute conditions and is contraindicated during delicate pregnancy. Pleurisy is in both 3 Herb Blend and Lung Detox.* 

Horehound 

Marrubium vulgare (commonly known as white horehound) is native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. It thrives in dry, rocky soils, open fields and meadows, and disturbed areas in temperate climates. It can be found growing wild in many parts of the world, including Australia and North America, where it has naturalized. White horehound is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought conditions and poor soil, making it adaptable to a wide range of environments.* 

Horehound is in the mint family and has a very bitter flavor. As a hot tea it serves as an expectorant and diaphoretic, as a cold tea, its bitter principles are more pronounced and support digestion in the stomach and duodenum (Moore, M. 1993, p. 149). As an expectorant, it shines in moist, humid conditions in the lungs and is traditionally used for acute lung spasms that are brought on by seasonal shifts. Horehound is in Dr Morse’s Lung Detox formula.* 

In his book Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Michael Moore writes that horehound supports “cardiopulmonary function, mucous membrane secretions in the lungs and intestinal tract, and bile secretions from the gallbladder. This makes it useful for those who have a little shortness of breath, a little too much recent increase in belly fat, tend to binge or eat large meals, and suffer from palpitations...and heart racing (Moore, M, 1993, p. 150).” 

Thyme 

Thymol is a well-known phytochemical found in thyme which supports the body, and specifically the respiratory system from falling out of balance. Thyme essential oil contains various volatile compounds, including terpenes like camphene and myrcene. These compounds have been studied for their potential bronchodilator effects, which can support healthy breathing. Current research confirms the broad spectrum of biological and therapeutic effects of thymol and thyme essential oil. Studies show that thymol has immunomodulatory action, contains antioxidants (flavonoids), supports healthy inflammatory levels, and removes unwanted organisms from the body. Since this herb is high in essential oils, it would be a great addition to an herbal inhalant. Read more about what these are and how to do an at home herbal inhalant below.* 

Thyme contains saponins, which have a foaming action and are traditionally used to “wash” the tissues of the body. Thyme’s saponins have a targeted affinity for the respiratory tract and support its expectorant action. Thyme is found in Throat Soothe and Lung Detox.* 

American Ginseng 

 

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It typically grows in deciduous forests, preferring shaded, forested areas with rich, well-drained soils. It thrives in humid, temperate climates with consistent moisture in the soil and is often found on the north-facing side of slopes where the soil is cool and not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. 

Native regions where ginseng grows include the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, and parts of the Midwest and southern Canada. American ginseng is often found in old-growth forests and is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. 

American ginseng is a revered herb in traditional Native American and Chinese medicine. Known for its adaptogenic properties, this potent root contains ginsenosides which support the body in managing stress, maintaining healthy inflammatory levels, and cognitive function. Polysaccharides strengthen immune function, while polyacetylenes offer antimicrobial and protective benefits for overall cellular health. Rich in flavonoids, American ginseng also provides antioxidant support, making it a vital herb for promoting vitality, immune resilience, and long-term well-being. American Ginseng is in Ultimate Immune, Muscles by Nature and Male Reproductive Tonic.* 

Lobelia 

Commonly called Indian or wild tobacco, Lobelia earns its reputation for potency through its profound physiological actions, requiring only small doses to support the body's respiratory and nervous systems. Also, a smooth and skeletal muscle antispasmodic. Traditionally, it is one of our best allies for bronchial dilation during acute respiratory spasms and panic. Lobelia slows the heart rate, deepens respiration, and lowers blood pressure (Sinadinos, 2020, p.315). Lobelia is in Spasm Calm.*

Eyebright  

Eyebright is used with morning eye discomfort. The specific indication is acrid, watery discharge from the eyes with a bland discharge from the nose (S. Tilgner, 2009). The quercetin, iridoid glycoside and anthocyanin content are supportive antioxidants, the tannins are astringent, supporting the expectoration of boggy build-up. Eyebright is in our Eye Health formula.* 

Horseradish  

An expectorant, emetic in high doses. Horseradish root will stimulate the whole nervous system and promote perspiration. If eaten at frequent intervals during the day and at meals, horseradish is used to support lung spasms and stimulate immunity. Its heating properties (volatile oils) supports clear sinuses, modulates mucus, and supports gum health, especially when combined with raw honey. It also activates digestion, which in turn can ease flatulence and discomfort. Horsetail is a main ingredient in Fire Cider.* 

Marshmallow 

Marshmallow is a root that loves “wet feet.” As the name implies, it thrives in salt marshes and open meadows, especially where moist soil abounds. It contains mucilaginous polysaccharides, pectin, asparagine & tannins. The polysaccharide and tannin content makes this an amazing herb for mucous membranes throughout the body, and marshmallow shows up in Doctor Morse’s herbal formulas for the urinary, digestive, respiratory, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems.   

Marshmallow's mucilaginous polysaccharides. These molecules are extremely hydrophilic (water loving), swelling as they encounter water, resulting in a thickening, hydrating effect. This makes marshmallow root great for delivering hydration directly to the tissues of the urinary and digestive tract, helping to sooth, rejuvenate, and calm irritated tissue. Mysteriously, these mucopolysaccharides also show up in the mucosa and tissue integrity of the lungs and respiratory tract. Marshmallow root is formulated into Lung Detox, Stomach Tea, GI Daily, Bone & Connective Tissue Support, Prostate Health, Kidney Tea, Kidneys & Bladder Restore and Kidneys & Bladder Hydrate.* 

Elecampane 

An up and coming herb for respiratory health, elecampane is in the Asteraceae, or daisy family. It contains sesquiterpene lactones, alantolactone and isoaltantolactone: these sesquiterpene lactones are the main active constituents in elecampane. They contribute to its expectorant properties by activating the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which helps increase the production of mucus. This action can facilitate the expulsion of mucus and other respiratory secretions, making it easier to clear the airways. In combination with its polysaccharides (mainly inulin), elecampane is an immunomodulator, meaning that it supports the strength and function of the immune system when taken as a tonic herb, over time. Elecampane also contains some resin, making it a pleasantly aromatic root to chew and a delicious root to infuse into honey.

Herbal Inhalants 

A wonderful way to interact with herbs discussed above as well as other essential oil rich herbs in your garden is to prepare an herbal inhalant. This at-home remedy is one of our favorites for supporting respiratory health as it promotes expectoration, deep breathing, and perspiration. Making an at-home herbal inhalant is easy and requires only a bowl, hot water, aromatic herbs and a heavy blanket.  

Step 2: Boil some water. 

Step 3: Chop or tear your harvested herbs a bit and place them in a bowl big enough to hold them.  

Step 4: Sit somewhere comfortable with the bowl of herbs beneath your head and pour the boiling water into a bowl. Try to add enough water to fully submerge your herbs. Be careful not to touch the boiling water. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil here to increase the intensity of the steam. Be sure to only use essential oils with GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) statis.  

Step 5: Cover yourself and the bowl with a thick blanket, blocking any holes to trap the steam. 

Step 6: Take time here to meditate on your breath. Breathe deeply and expel any expectorated mucous. Sing songs, reflect, unwind. This is a great activity to do with your stuffy kids! 

If you have enjoyed this blog, be sure to listen to our podcast on respiratory health! Jenn and Colleen discuss our herbal formulas for supporting the respiratory system, herbal inhalants in-depth, and end with a Craniosacral massage meditation. Listen Now!