Prevent and alleviate
Known medicinal plants for respiratory tract and infections.
There are several medicinal plants that relieve respiratory ailments and strengthen the immune system.
Medicinal plants against cough
Cowslip (primrose) promotes mucus production and expectoration. It therefore helps with respiratory catarrh. Read more about the medicinal plant cowslip (primrose)!
Marshmallow relieves dry irritating cough as well as inflammations in the mouth, throat and stomach. Read more about the use and effect of marshmallow here!
Licorice is considered a remedy for respiratory catarrh and is said to relieve coughs. Read more about the effect of licorice!
Medicinal plants for colds
The essential oil of spruce is used for colds, rheumatic complaints and nerve pain. Read more about spruce!
Elderberry flowers are a recognized diaphoretic remedy for colds. Read more about the use and effect of elderberry!
Japanese mint provides the mint oil, which is used, for example, for respiratory inflammation with colds and hoarseness. Read more about mint oil!
Eucalyptus essential oil can be helpful for respiratory diseases and rheumatic complaints. Read more about the medicinal plant eucalyptus!
Ground mustard seeds processed into a mustard flour foot bath or a mustard poultice is said to help against upper respiratory tract infections. What other healing powers mustard has, learn here!
Thyme helps especially with inflammation of the respiratory tract such as colds. Read more about the use and effect of thyme!
Medicinal plants for respiratory tract inflammations in general
The South African Capeland Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides) helps with respiratory infections such as bronchitis. Read more about the South African Cape geranium here!
Ivy supports the treatment of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. Read more about the use and effect of ivy!
Pine essential oil is used for inflamed respiratory tract, muscle and nerve pain. Read more about the healing power and application of pine!
Mountain pine has a soothing effect on inflammation of the respiratory tract, rheumatic complaints and nerve pain. Read more about the mountain pine!
Blackberry leaf tea is recommended against inflammation of the mouth and throat and mild diarrhea. Read more about the preparation and use of blackberry here!
Folk medicine treats inflammation of the mouth and throat with raspberry leaf tea. Read more about raspberries!
The respiratory tract briefly explained
The respiratory tract is responsible for the vital exchange of gases – the intake of oxygen from the inhaled air and the release of carbon dioxide into the exhaled air. Anatomically, the respiratory tract includes the oral and nasal cavities, the pharynx with the larynx, the trachea and the bronchial tree with its larger and smaller branches (bronchi and bronchioles).
Common problems
Just like cold viruses, influenza viruses can also attack the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. However, the course of influenza is much more severe. Here, too, medicinal plants can have a supporting effect and alleviate the symptoms. A weakened immune system favors colds and other infections. With the help of medicinal plants such as echinacea (coneflower), the body’s own defenses can be strengthened.
