Plants that benefit the respiratory system 

Plants have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments and illnesses. Although traditional Chinese medicine is known to be one of the most important phytotherapy-based practices, many cultures around the world have been using plants as remedies for discomfort, infections and illnesses.

In fact, the World Health Organization currently estimates that up to 80% of the world’s population uses native plants to treat health problems¹.

Phytotherapy uses plants, fruits and vegetables as dry matter, or in the form of extracts, to maintain respiratory tract health. There are several plants that can help keep the respiratory system in good working order, and the benefits they can offer should not be overlooked. Let’s get to know them better.

Eucalyptus

The eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) is a tree native to Australia that is now widespread throughout the world. The leaves, which contain a balsamic-scented essential oil, and the oil of eucalyptus are both highly valued for their soothing effect on the throat and mouth, and relief from throat and pharynx irritation^2,4.

A study carried out in Israel  to investigate the effects of aromatic essential oils on patients with upper respiratory tract infections demonstrated the efficacy of an essential oil compound that included oils from two types of eucalyptus trees. Just twenty minutes after it was administered, patients began to feel an improvement in their throat and cough³.

The tradition of inhaling the steam produced by cooking eucalyptus leaves is well known.

The effectiveness of eucalyptus comes from its eucalyptus oil, whose main compound is eucalyptol, a liquid that helps to soothe sore throats⁵.

Liquorice root

Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the oldest and most widely consumed plants in the world. Its respiratory health care properties are well known in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a beneficial plant for respiratory health. It contains over 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids⁶.

Liquorice calms the upper respiratory tract and helps keep it feeling healthy, while helping to keep the airways clear⁷. Besides its effect on the respiratory system, liquorice root is used to aid digestion⁸.

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a highly valued root in Asia for its spicy taste. It arrived in Europe during the spice trade era but has been used since ancient times for its beneficial properties for the respiratory system and lungs.

Ginger aids natural breathing⁹, maintains immune balance and optimal respiratory tract activity⁹.

For anyone seeking to improve respiratory tract health, ginger is a good choice, as it maintains bronchial health⁹. It also aids the normal functioning of the airways and maintains optimal secretions in the respiratory tract⁹.

Mullein

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) is a plant that facilitates ease of breathing, acting as an anti-inflammatory for the airways¹⁰.

Although it is not a very well-known plant, it grows in dry soils and uncultivated land and is widespread in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and the Himalayas.

In ancient times, Roman women used mullein to lighten their hair colour because its flowers contain a yellow pigment. In health, mullein had a calming effect on the airways¹⁰.

Besides mullein’s anti-inflammatory action on the respiratory tract¹⁰, it has the benefit of soothing an irritated throat and pharynx¹¹.

In recent years, use of mullein extracts has increased, as has the quantity of research into the benefits associated with this plant. So much so that mullein extract can now be found in a variety of forms (leaves, dried flowers or capsules)¹².

Where can I find these plants?

Plants beneficial for respiratory problems are now easy to find in specialist shops. The positive effects of these plants are not limited to the respiratory system, and can also have important benefits for the digestive and immune systems.

Anastore has a specific product for easing breathing¹⁰, Pro Respiration. Its components include mullein flower (600 mg), equivalent to 3g of flowers, and extract of acerola, a fruit rich in vitamin C that contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system¹³.

If you are looking for something with a soothing and pleasant effect on the throat, pharynx and vocal chords⁴, Melicinal honey & plants syrup contains eucalyptus essential oil together with other essential oils, honey and propolis. 

Helping to maintain immunity¹⁴ is one of the benefits of ginger, a component in our Organic Ginger plant-based capsules produced from the organically grown  dry rhizome extract of this plant.

Entering the world of phytotherapy means discovering new applications and new uses for plants that we normally consume in culinary contexts.

Pro Respiration

303.75 mg / 120 capsules

32,00 €

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Organic Ginger

250 mg / 60 capsules

18,00 €

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MELICINAL Honey and Plant Syrup

150 g

27,50 €

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Sources

1. Akerele O (1993) Las plantas medicinales: un tesoro que no debemos desperdiciar. Foro Mundial de la Salud, 14: 390-395.
2. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4035).
3. Ben-Arye E, Dudai N, Eini A, Torem M, Schiff E, Rakover Y. Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in primary care: a randomized study using aromatic herbs. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:690346. doi:10.1155/2011/690346
4. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4262).
5. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 2674).
6. Yang R, Wang LQ, Yuan BC, Liu Y. The Pharmacological Activities of Licorice. Planta Med. 2015;81(18):1654-1669. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1557893
7. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4050).
8. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 3769).
9. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 2868).
10. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 2600).
11. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4189).
12. Turker AU, Gurel E. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytother Res. 2005;19(9):733-739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653
13. COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health.
14. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4200).