Our lungs are bombarded every day with car exhaust, cigarette smoke,
paint fumes and other pollutants. Because of these irritants, many of us
are susceptible to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and
emphysema. A large number of over-the-counter and prescription remedies
are available to help treat symptoms. Natural remedies are gaining
popularity. A study done at The University of the West Indies-St.
Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago states: "Most users perceived that herbs
were efficacious, and in some instances, more efficacious than
conventional medicines."
Grape Seed Extract
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According to a study done at Ohio State University's Heart
and Lung Research Institute, grape seed extract showed promise in
repairing body tissues. The study found evidence that it helped to speed
the healing process dramatically. "It helped the body make more of a
compound used to regenerate damaged blood vessels, and it also increased
the amount of free radicals in the wound site. Free radicals help clear
potentially pathogenic bacteria from a wound." This supplement is
readily available over the counter.
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This fuzzy herb is touted as an all-around effective
treatment for respiratory illness. You may find it under its scientific
name, Verbascum. According to Kahlee Keane, a contributor to
HerbalRemediesInfo.com, "Verbascum's high content of mucilage and
saponins renders this herb ideal for the treatment of respiratory
ailments, from coughs and colds to emphysema, asthma and whooping cough.
In addition to the soothing effect imparted by the mucilage, it
possesses good antibiotic properties."
The most direct and effective way to use this herb is to inhale smoke
made by burning it. Some roll the crushed herb into cigarette papers.
There is little concern about cancer because it contains no tar or
nicotine, which are the carcinogenic ingredients in cigarettes. You also
can simply burn the leaves in a fireproof bowl and inhale the smoke as
it fills the room. Some prefer to steep the leaves and drink it as a
tea. You will need to strain this mixture to remove the fuzzy hairs that
cover the leaves. Mullein can be purchased in drop or tablet form at
health food stores and online.
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You may have heard of this herb's memory-boosting qualities,
but that's just one of its many uses. Whether you use it in tea,
tincture or capsule form, Ginkgo has been shown to prevent free radical
damage in the organs of the body, including the lungs. Stanford
University's HOPES website explains that the flavenoids found in Ginkgo
biloba protect cells from a process called lipid peroxidation. This is
basically free radicals "stealing" electrons from cells, causing damage.
Ginkgo has been the subject of many published studies and is regulated
by the FDA. Large doses of Ginkgo can result in headache, dizziness or
nausea, so remember the rule about not taking too much of a good thing.
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