“Your lungs are both a digesting organ and an eliminative organ. The lungs are digestive organs in the sense that we consume (via breathing) vital elements, including oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon into the body to use as catalysts, fuels and the like.” ~ Dr Morse, Detox Miracle Sourcebook, 2004.
The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe. Its main job is to move fresh air into your body, remove waste gases, and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide at each cell in your body. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is called respiration. For a deeper understanding of this system’s inner workings, read the Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology blog.
In this article, we will review which Doctor Morse's formulas to pair to support general maintenance of the respiratory system, as well as some of the most common imbalances of this system, including long-standing damage due to irritants, chronic imbalances and seasonal sensitivities and healthy sinuses.
Disclaimer
Before we get into formulas and protocols, we’d like to take a moment to encourage you to talk to your doctor before beginning any respiratory system protocol, especially since many respiratory system responses can be the symptoms of some greater issue.
The following protocols have been designed by Doctor Morse and used to support many folks on their healing journey. However, they are only recommendations and should be considered alongside recommendations from a doctor.
Formula Favorites for the Respiratory System
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Protocols
General Maintenance
Our general maintenance protocol supports the body’s daily detoxification efforts through key body systems and includes Kidneys & Bladder Daily, Lymph Drainage Daily, GI Daily and Endocrine Daily. These foundational formulas support any health protocol. *
Strengthen and support healthy lung function with 3 Herb Tea. This formula hydrates the tissues and helps to loosen and expel mucus.*
Lung Detox is an additional boost to the 3 Herb Tea to thin and expel excess mucus that may impair optimal lung function.*
Long-standing Damage Due to Irritants – Respiratory Restoration
The kidneys help maintain fluid balance within the body. We support the health and function of the kidneys to avoid excess accumulation of fluid within the body, which can impact healthy lung function. The lungs and kidneys also work together to maintain the ever-important acid-base balance in the body. Don’t forget that fluid imbalances can impact blood pressure, and, if elevated, can negatively impact lung function. Buildup of toxins not eliminated by the kidneys can lead to irritation in the lungs and long-standing, or chronic respiratory imbalances. Kidneys & Bladder Drain is suggested here to support kidney function with natural diuretics like parsley leaf and root, hydrangea and juniper berry.*
In this protocol, we recommend pairing Kidneys & Bladder Drain with the Lymph Drainage Moderate Mover. The lymph system works with the kidneys to maintain fluid balance, and numerous lymph vessels form an extensive network within the lungs. Sluggish lymph flow can impair lung function. We are also exposed to unwanted organisms and irritants in the air we breathe. Healthy lymph flow aids lung function and immune response. Chronic exposure to acidosis is irritating to all tissues, especially the lungs. An overwhelmed lymph system leads to further congestion and mucus accumulation that may worsen imbalances and overall lung health.*
Breathing is controlled by the central nervous system (brainstem, medulla, pons); mainly the regulation of rate and depth of breathing. Signals are sent to the respiratory muscles where the lungs expand and contract to allow air in and out. The Autonomic Nervous System is involved in periods of stress or exercise (sympathetic), as airway vessels dilate to let more air in and out. For relaxation, the parasympathetic (rest and digest) is engaged to relax airways and restrict air flow to conserve energy. All this controls the constriction and opening of bronchi and bronchioles. This is why we include Brain & Nervous Systems and Spasm Calm for respiratory support in cases of irritation.*
Aside from the obvious transportation of oxygen and nutrients, blood and the circulatory system are important in respiratory system function. Blood is involved in the intricate gas intake process when we inhale and exhale. When we inhale, oxygen-rich blood enters alveoli. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood in these capillaries because the oxygen concentration is higher in the alveoli than in the blood. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide (a cellular waste byproduct) in the blood diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli, where it is expelled from the body during exhalation. For this reason, we suggest including Blood Circulation formula into your respiratory restoration protocol.*
Chronic Lung Imbalances & Seasonal Sensitivities
Chronic lung issues/imbalances can be due in part to genetic weakness and chronic acidosis due to exposure to irritants and toxins. Chronic lung imbalances can also be the result of compounding body system dysfunction. This protocol is designed to build resilience and fortify the respiratory system, as well as prepare the respiratory and immune systems for seasonal shifts that can lead to acute lung spasms and other immune sensitivities.
Progression through the lymph drainage formulas may be more suitable initially. Begin with the Lymph Drainage Gentle Mover for a gentle “nudge” to the lymph system to promote drainage.*
Pair with Kidneys & Bladder Restore to aid the body’s efforts in restoring kidney function through fluid balance and elimination.*
The adrenal glands play a role in influencing breathing, especially during stress or physical activity. Adrenaline causes the muscles around the bronchi and bronchioles to relax, leading to bronchodilation. This effect helps increase airflow to the lungs, making it easier to breathe, particularly during situations requiring heightened physical exertion, the fight or flight response, or an acute and intense restrictive breathing episode. This is why we suggest Adrenal Support for this protocol.*
As with any deeply seeded and longstanding health concern, we have to consider prolonged impacts on the nervous system. We recommend supporting the function of the nervous system with the Brain & Nervous Systems and Spasm Calm.*
Ultimate Immune is an important formula here to help build up the immune system over time. Immunomodulating herbs and materials in this formula include Americal ginseng, astragalus and deer antler. When taken daily, these herbs support the strength and optimal response mechanisms of the immune system. If you experience imbalances caused by seasonal shifts, these herbs are for you! Traditional Herbalists always start folks with seasonal sensitivities on this formula well before the fall and spring dust and blooms erupt to ensure the immune system is fortified once these irritants are on the rise.*
Lung Detox rounds out this protocol with its expectorant and muco-modulating herbs that help to manage mucosa function in the respiratory tract.*
Healthy Sinuses
The sinuses cavities are lines with mucous membranes that produce mucus to trap pollutants, dirt, and dust. These trapped irritants are then drained into the throat and swallowed into the stomach where they are destroyed by stomach acid. This helps keep the body free of unwanted organisms that could, if not destroyed, lead to immune imbalances.
The sinuses warm and humidify the air you breathe before it reaches your lungs, which is good for your health. They influence voice quality, and as we all have likely experienced, obstructed sinuses or nasal congestion can reduce airflow, which can affect the quality of your voice, and our general comfort.
This protocol combines Lymphatic Drainage Super Mover with Kidneys & Bladder Restore. The action of the lymphatic formula is supported by the natural diuretics in Kidneys & Bladder Restore to encourage flow and detoxification that can build up in the congested sinus cavity.*
Fire Cider is suggested here because it is a hot formula, containing peppers and horseradish, which are well loved mucolytic herbs that help support the liquification of blocked sinuses.*
Eye Health contains eyebright herb, traditionally used to help clear the eyes by draining the sinuses. The quercetin, iridoid glycoside and anthocyanin content in eyebright are supportive antioxidants, the tannins are astringent, supporting the expectoration of boggy build-up.*
Throat Soothe spray is also added to this protocol to soothe any postnasal drip that may cause discomfort as the sinuses start to unlock and drain.*
