Lung health supplements supply time-tested botanicals, traditional herbs and antioxidant compounds that help to support clear and comfortable breathing in addition to:**
- Assisting with congestion to promote easier breathing.**
- Neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals in the lungs.**
- Optimizing oxygen intake for blood health & energy.**
What is Lung Health?
Providing the body with oxygen and relieving it of carbon dioxide, the lungs are essential organs to life itself. Air taken in through the mouth or nose is drawn down into the lungs, where it travels through the bronchial tubes. These tubes split over and over again, funneling air until it reaches the alveoli. Once there, oxygen, which comprises less than twenty-five percent of the air humans breathe, is collected and absorbed into the bloodstream. Meanwhile, in a process known as the “gas exchange,” carbon dioxide is drawn out from the blood and exhaled.
The lungs can filter out foreign particles from the air by catching them in mucous and mucosal membranes. However, remaining irritants may inflame the lungs and disrupt healthy lung function. Many other factors can have a negative impact on lung health, such as allergies, smoking and environmental toxins. Asthma, afflicting over 235 million people worldwide, is related to out-of-control immune and inflammatory responses, and is considered one of the most widespread lung concerns. These detriments to healthy lung function may ultimately reduce oxygen intake into the body, which may diminish energy and create longer-term risks to cardiovascular health and overall wellness.**
While there are many conventional methods of supporting healthy lungs, traditional Chinese herbalism is an alternative practice that is especially prevalent: Chinese folk wellness practices have used herbs for centuries to promote healthier breathing. Dong quai, also known as angelica, is prized as an “adaptogen” that helps to clear the lungs of congestion. Schisandra, also known as Chinese Magnolia, has been studied for its antioxidant activity, which is believed to neutralize free radicals within the lungs. Ban Zhi Lian, also known as skullcap, has been used to modulate inflammation within the lungs, offering soothing support for comfortable breathing.**
Outside of traditional Chinese herbalism, many natural supplements have become known in the West for their beneficial effects on lung health. Some of the most popular include:
- Quercetin: A common flavonoid, quercetin is found in apples and tea and provides multiple health benefits. As an antioxidant, it protects lung tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals and inflammation. Notably, quercetin appears to block the production of histamines, potentially offering support for those with respiratory allergies.**
- Bromelain: First discovered in pineapples, and later found to be especially concentrated in the fruit’s stem, bromelain is a powerful protein group that modulates inflammation and congestion within the lungs, primarily in the mucous membranes.**
- Neti Pot: This traditional method of nasal irrigation is used to purge the sinuses of foreign particles. Primarily used with saline solutions, nasal irrigation has been shown to benefit those with congestion by flushing away irritants from the sinuses before they can reach the lungs. Neti pots are also believed to help with nasal congestion and sinus inflammation.**
- Himalayan Salt Air Inhalers: Use of Himalayan salt air inhalers is believed to have a cleansing effect on the entire respiratory system, especially the lungs. This type of “salt air therapy” has become a popular spa treatment for its ability to promote comfortable breathing, and typically involves inhaling salt air through the mouth, and then exhaling it through the nose.**
- Mullein Leaf: Verbascum thapsus, or mullein, has been used in European folk wellness practices for centuries, and is considered one of the oldest wellness herbs known to humankind. Its lung-supportive reputation is backed by research that suggests it may modulate the inflammation linked to asthma and bronchitis.**
Lung Health Products
Lung health supplements originate from a variety of sources. Capsules, softgels, and liquid extracts are the most widely available forms of these supplements.
Lung Health Products Directions for Use
Always consult your health care provider before beginning any supplement regimen. Recommended dosage varies from product to product.**
