Plants for the Respiratory System
OSHA ~ Lingusticum Porteri~ "Bear Medicine"
Commonly referred to as bear medicine and traditionally used by Native Americans in the Southwest US. Grows high in the Rocky Mountains and is used in it’s bark form. It’s actions are (and not limited to) an antistetic, antibacterial, antihistamine, antiviral, circulatory stimulant, expectorant, decongestant, immune system stimulant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It is the Supreme Lung Herb! Used to assist in indigestion, upper respiratory infections, allergies, bronchitis, cold, cough,emphysema, sore throat, sinus headache, foggy/dull thinking, arthritis, carpal tunnel…and related matters.
Also used in a spiritual manner- extremely sacred- used for protection and increasing intuitive/psychic abilities and inducing future visionary dreams.
It is prepared as a decoction- breaking off a small piece, about ¼ inch per cup of water, put in about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil and then simmer for 20-30 minutes. Has a very strong taste. You can also keep a piece of it on you, or on an altar, to bring the energy into you and your space. The Native Americans traditionally keep this in something red. Not to be used if you are pregnant!
Mullien ~ Verbascum Thapsus ~main distinction between Elecampagne is you will use this if you have a DRY cough
This plant has Yin quality – it is cooling and moistening, so if you tend to be more yang and run a little hot, this is a good balancing plant for you. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis, diuretic, antimicrobial, astringent, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. Indications for use would be emphysema, lung and bronchial congestion, a hard spasmodic cough lymphatic congestion, nervousness, insomnia, urinary tract infections, migraines, ear issues. It is a good preventive plant. Used in essential oils, roots, flowers and leaves. To use leaves in tea you need a fine strainer due to little hairs on leaves, make as an infusion pouring hot water over the tea and let steep.
Elecampagne ~ Inula Helenium ~ to be used for someone with a WET cough
This plant has yang quality- a heating and warming quality and has the highest level of inulin ~ a form of soluble fiber and is super nutrient dense. The physical description of someone who would benefit from this plant is someone who is pale, thin, lacking in good nutrition and with stagnant energy. It sanitizes the lungs. It’s actions are very similar to those of Mullien and will help to heal shortness of breath, long time bronchial and sinus infections, asthma, emphysema, whooping cough, facial neuralgia, post nasal drip, tonsillitis, parasites, and particularly coughs for the elderly. This is made as a decoction- simmering in water, also as a tincture and the root can also be used in wine! Again not to be used in pregnancy, nursing, or for people with ulcers
Commonly referred to as bear medicine and traditionally used by Native Americans in the Southwest US. Grows high in the Rocky Mountains and is used in it’s bark form. It’s actions are (and not limited to) an antistetic, antibacterial, antihistamine, antiviral, circulatory stimulant, expectorant, decongestant, immune system stimulant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It is the Supreme Lung Herb! Used to assist in indigestion, upper respiratory infections, allergies, bronchitis, cold, cough,emphysema, sore throat, sinus headache, foggy/dull thinking, arthritis, carpal tunnel…and related matters.
Also used in a spiritual manner- extremely sacred- used for protection and increasing intuitive/psychic abilities and inducing future visionary dreams.
It is prepared as a decoction- breaking off a small piece, about ¼ inch per cup of water, put in about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil and then simmer for 20-30 minutes. Has a very strong taste. You can also keep a piece of it on you, or on an altar, to bring the energy into you and your space. The Native Americans traditionally keep this in something red. Not to be used if you are pregnant!
Mullien ~ Verbascum Thapsus ~main distinction between Elecampagne is you will use this if you have a DRY cough
This plant has Yin quality – it is cooling and moistening, so if you tend to be more yang and run a little hot, this is a good balancing plant for you. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis, diuretic, antimicrobial, astringent, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. Indications for use would be emphysema, lung and bronchial congestion, a hard spasmodic cough lymphatic congestion, nervousness, insomnia, urinary tract infections, migraines, ear issues. It is a good preventive plant. Used in essential oils, roots, flowers and leaves. To use leaves in tea you need a fine strainer due to little hairs on leaves, make as an infusion pouring hot water over the tea and let steep.
Elecampagne ~ Inula Helenium ~ to be used for someone with a WET cough
This plant has yang quality- a heating and warming quality and has the highest level of inulin ~ a form of soluble fiber and is super nutrient dense. The physical description of someone who would benefit from this plant is someone who is pale, thin, lacking in good nutrition and with stagnant energy. It sanitizes the lungs. It’s actions are very similar to those of Mullien and will help to heal shortness of breath, long time bronchial and sinus infections, asthma, emphysema, whooping cough, facial neuralgia, post nasal drip, tonsillitis, parasites, and particularly coughs for the elderly. This is made as a decoction- simmering in water, also as a tincture and the root can also be used in wine! Again not to be used in pregnancy, nursing, or for people with ulcers