7 Herbs to Help Clear the Lungs and Help You Breathe Better.

Whether you're dealing with seasonal sniffles, lingering congestion, or a chronic respiratory condition like asthma, the power of plants can offer natural relief. Herbal medicine has a long history of supporting lung function, soothing irritation, and helping the body expel excess mucus. In this post, we’ll explore seven herbs that can support respiratory health, how they work in the body, and the best ways to use them.

🌿 Why Respiratory Health Matters

Your respiratory system does more than just help you breathe—it filters pollutants, balances oxygen and carbon dioxide, and acts as a key detox organ. When it’s compromised, you may experience:

• Chest tightness

• Chronic cough

• Mucus buildup

• Wheezing

• Dry, irritated lungs

• Fatigue

Thankfully, nature provides a toolkit of herbs that support lung function, ease inflammation, clear mucus, and improve breathing.

How to Use Herbs for the Lungs

Internally, you can take a tea (though some of the herbs like horehound are bitter to the taste), or my favorite method, is tincture since it's quick acting, putting the drops under my tongue.

Externally, you can also apply these as a plaster or poultice, make a rub or salve, or do a steam inhalation.

Herbs can be a helpful complement to other treatments for relieving lung congestion.

🌬️ Best Herbs for Lung Congestion & Mucus

1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)A classic respiratory herb, mullein is both expectorant (helps expel mucus) and demulcent (soothes irritation). It’s especially helpful when the lungs feel heavy or congested.🫖 Use as a tea or tincture made from the leaf.

2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)Thyme is a powerful antimicrobial and antispasmodic that helps clear mucus and soothe spasmodic coughs. It’s ideal for wet, rattling coughs and bronchial congestion.🫖 Best as a tea, steam inhalation, or syrup.

3. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)Traditionally used in cough drops, horehound is a strong expectorant and useful for breaking up thick phlegm. It can also calm persistent, tickly coughs.🫖 Use as tea or syrup. Add honey to offset its bitterness.

🌬️ Best Herbs for Dryness, Irritation & Cough

4. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)With a high mucilage content, marshmallow soothes dry, irritated tissue throughout the respiratory tract. It’s especially helpful for dry coughs, hoarseness, and scratchy throats.🫖 Use in cold infusions or warm teas. Avoid boiling to preserve mucilage.

5. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)Licorice is moistening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory. It helps coat and protect dry, inflamed mucous membranes and eases spasms.⚠️ Avoid in people with high blood pressure. Use as tea or tincture.

🌬️ Best Herbs for Asthma & Wheezing

6. Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri)Known as "bear root," osha is a potent respiratory herb used traditionally for asthma, viral infections, and altitude sickness. It helps open the lungs, reduce inflammation, and thin mucus.🫖 Use as a tincture or tea (sparingly due to its potency).

7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Ginger is a warming, anti-inflammatory herb that can help relax bronchial spasms and reduce wheezing. It also supports circulation and immune function.🫖 Use as tea, tincture, or added fresh to meals.

🌬️ Symptom-Specific Herbal Guide

🌱 How to Use These Herbs

• Tea: Great for soothing and hydrating the lungs. Use 1–2 tsp of dried herb per cup. Steep 5–10 minutes.

• Cold Infusion: Best for marshmallow root. Soak overnight in cool water to preserve mucilage.

• Tincture: Concentrated and convenient. Follow dosage on the label or 1–2 dropperfuls as needed.

• Steam Inhalation: Add thyme or ginger to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors.

• Syrups: Combine decocted herbs with honey for a soothing, shelf-stable remedy.

⚠️ Cautions & Considerations

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid osha and large amounts of licorice unless under practitioner supervision.

• Children: Mullein, marshmallow, and thyme are generally safe; use lower dosages.

• High Blood Pressure: Avoid licorice in hypertensive individuals.

• Quality Matters: Use organic or ethically wildcrafted herbs to ensure purity and potency.

💚 Breathe Easier with Herbal Support

Your lungs work hard every day—give them the care they deserve with nature’s help. Whether you’re battling a cold or managing chronic respiratory issues, herbal allies like mullein, thyme, marshmallow, osha, and more can offer gentle, effective relief.

Monarch Herbs has many great options to help with supporting the lungs.