Each winter my office is filled with lung infections, bronchitis, pleurisy, influenza and other congestive issues of the respiratory tract.  So to help you breathe easier as you ease into winter, here are my favorite breathing formulas...

Pleurisy Root is a great antispasmodic and expectorant, so it's perfect for congested lungs and getting all that "stuff" out of your respiratory tract.  It is diaphoretic so you'll sweat a lot, but even for pleurisy and acute bronchitis or pneumonia, it's an essential ingredient.

White Horehound is also an antispasmodic expectorant, but it has a very gentle stimulating action which is great when you have a nonproductive cough or whooping cough.  I will often combine it with Ginger to get that cough to mean something!

Licorice is great because not only is it an expectorant, it is soothing and anti-inflammatory to the lining of the respiratory tract and can relax spasms of the respiratory tract as well.  It has a long history of traditional use for the treatment of cough, bronchitis and dry, sore respiration.  It moistens the lungs and stops coughing, but also can elevate blood pressure, so should not be used in those with high blood pressure issues. 

Echinacea Purpurea root reduces the symptoms of influenza and really stimulates the immune system's phagocytosis ability (gobbling up those nasty germs).  These are key aspects to treating any respiratory infection and helping support the immune system during the healing process.  It is contraindicated for those taking immunosuppressant medication and should be used in the short-term only for those taking cortisol, prednisone or antacids.  It also is not to be used for those allergic to daisy. 

Ginger is known as a circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, pulmonary antiseptic and warming expectorant.  It is great for acute colds, bronchitis and to settle a wet cough.  This is essential for congestion and helps to increase circulation which can help to warm the body.

Thyme Oil from the leaf is antimicrobial and antispasmodic, so it's great for bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough and other infective conditions that affect breathing. 

So get your medicine chest in order and then your chest will be free and clear this winter.