DIY Lung Formula For Coughs, Bronchitis, Asthma

 This herbal combination for lungs has been a lifesaver for one of my daughters.  She began getting horrible coughs a few years ago on a repeated basis.  The coughs were dry, had a ring to them and were happening too frequently.  It seemed her lungs were weak: she would cough on and on if she was around a lot of dust outside or if she ran hard in the church gym.  One of her coughs even turned into pneumonia.  I knew I had to find something that would effectively target her easily inflamed lungs and draw out any mucus that needed removed.

I was so thankful when I found this formula in Dr. Christopher's book, Herbal Home Health Care.   Giving my daughter just one cup of this tea when she has one of her coughing fits heals it the same day!   

I also used this in tea form with my youngest last week.  She woke up with a barking cough and constricted breathing.  I made one cup of this tea and divided it throughout the day - it knocked the nasty cough out that day and she then had only an occasional, productive cough after that.  {For my youngest, I added the tea with juice so she would readily drink it.}

Here are the simple instructions- 

Combine equal parts of the following herbs:
{Click each herb below to read more information about them!}

• Marshmallow - sooths irritated and inflamed mucous membranes
• Comfrey - heals on contact internally and externally
• Chickweed - as a "drawing" herb it removes toxins and reduces inflammation
• Mullein - loosens, expels mucus and also calms spasms; reduces swelling in the glandular system. 
• Lobelia - a strong relaxant, dilates the bronchial passages and relieves spasms

Mix all these herbs together and store in a bag or container.

There are 4 ways you can use these herbs:

1.  Make a tea by combining 1-2 tsp. {I always use 2 when making medicinal teas} per cup of boiling water.  Once the herbs are added to the boiling water, remove pan from heat, cover and steep 5-10 minutes, then strain.  Adults drink 1 cup 3 times a day.  Children drink half the amount.  Since I use this formula for coughs and lung problems, I prefer to give a tea because there's nothing like sipping hot tea to calm coughs, but the other methods below will also work.

2.  Grind the herbs with a mortar and pestle, and place in capsules for convenience of taking.  Capsules are easy to put together when using a capsule machine, but it can be done without one.  Tea and tincture forms are the most potent, but capsules will work also for those that prefer them.  For adults, give 2 capsules 3 times a day.  Give children half the amount.

3. Grind the herbs with a mortar and pestle and sprinkle the powder on applesauce or yogurt.  This is really convenient for children, but some adults may like this too!  Give the same dosage as #2.

4. Make a tincture with the herbs.  Administer 15-20 drops for adults and about 10 drops for children.

Not a DIY person?  You can purchase the formula in capsules here and in tincture form here. 

As I've said many times, God has created amazing plants for our use and good health.  His creation never ceases to amaze me.

*Note:  I take comfrey internally in limited quantities because I feel the studies done on comfrey are faulty.  However if you are not comfortable with taking it internally, just leave it out. :)

 

Do you have a favorite herb or herbal combination for healing the lungs?  I would love to hear it!

Linked to:
Growing Home    Time-Warp Wife 
Raising Homemakers    Deep Roots At Home    A Wise Woman Builds Her Home   
 Wildcrafting Wednesday