< previous page | page_52 | next page >
Page 52
| by relaxing bronchial tension. Examples include Iceland moss, lungwort, plantain and pleurisy root. |
| Expectorant herbs stimulate the removal of mucus from the lungs, and they often have a tonic effect on the whole respiratory system. Some expectorants work by irritating the bronchioles, speeding the ejection of mucoid material; others work by relaxing or soothing bronchial passages, reducing spasms and relieving dry, irritating coughs. Stimulating expectorants include horehound and elecampane; relaxing expectorants include coltsfoot, lobelia and mullein. |
| Nervines are relaxing herbs that strengthen and nourish the nervous system. They are useful in treating asthma and hay fever, and they help anyone suffering from a respiratory problem that prevents rest and sleep. Hyssop, motherwort and lobelia are respiratory nervines. |
| Tonic herbs nurture the system and help the body correct whatever is out of balance. Pulmonary tonics offer special benefits to the lungs and respiratory system; examples include elecampane and mullein. |
| A specific for a particular condition is an herb known for its beneficial effects, such as mullein or lobelia for asthma or Ma huang (ephedra) for hay fever. Specifics can be used alone or combined with other herbs, in which case they act as the blend's active ingredient. |
| A catalyst or activator herb is often used in herbal blends to stimulate increased circulation and digestion, speeding the action of the herbs it accompanies. Some stimulant herbs are used alone in the treatment of respiratory complaints, such as Ma huang, but most make up a small portion of an herbal recipe. Lobelia and ginger are examples of catalyst herbs added in small doses to many teas and tinctures. Cayenne pepper helps the respiratory system, but its hot taste makes therapeutic doses difficult to take by mouth. For this reason, some herbalists recommend taking a cayenne pepper capsule while drinking a |
< previous page | page_52 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!