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| for some herbalists don't approve of smoking no matter what the product, but many have experienced the bronchiole-relaxing benefits of inhaling the smoke of dried mullein leaves, and a blend of lobelia, coltsfoot and mullein may be a soothing alternative to tobacco. |
| Lobelia's long and controversial history makes for fascinating reading, and it's well-told by Barbara Griggs, John Christopher and Jethro Kloss. If you have questions about the herb's safety or therapeutic use, please see their books. In addition, write to the Herb Research Foundation for information on lobelia's uses and safety. |
| Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis). |
| As its name suggests, lungwort is an herb for the lungs. A soothing demulcent, expectorant, astringent and anti-inflammatory herb, lungwort has a long history of use in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. The leaves are brewed as an infusion. |
| Ma Huang/Ephedra (Ephedra sinica). |
| Ma huang or ephedra is one of 40 related species of primitive, single-stemmed desert bushes. Mormon tea (E. nevadensis), a popular beverage herb in the American Southwest, is another. Unlike Mormon tea, the Chinese species, Ma huang, contains an adrenalin-like stimulant, the alkaloid ephedrine. Ma huang was widely used in the treatment of asthma until it was replaced in Western medicine by its synthetic counterpart, amphetamine, developed in the 1930s under the brand name Benzedrine. |
| In holistic circles, Ma huang is enjoying a new peak of popularity because it so effectively relieves the symptoms of hay fever, asthma and respiratory distress. It does so by dilating the bronchial tubes, which results in deeper and faster breathing and increased oxygen intake. |
| Although Ma huang is a natural substance and has fewer side effects than amphetamine, it does have side effects. Ma huang increases blood pressure and pulse rate along with restlessness and nervousness. This is not an herb to take at bedtimeat least, not by itself or in large quantities. |
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