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Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.
Mucus Cleanses & Protects the Lungs
Mucus is essential for transport of dust, debris, allergens and irritants out of the lungs. It also traps bacteria and dilutes irritants, making them less harmful. Mucus contains antibacterial and antivral properties, including antibodies (IgA).
The cilia, tiny hairs lining the lungs, move the debris filled mucus out of the lungs. Without mucus the cilia would not be able to cleanse the lungs.
Mucus & Coughing
Similarly, for a cough to be productive, mucus must be present. A cough is the body's vital reaction to the presence of some irritant in the lungs. Once the irritant is trapped in mucus, a cough can rapidly clear it. A dry cough fails to clear the lungs of irritants.
Phlegm: Toxic Mucus
When the body fails to produce enough mucus, or fails to metabolize it, the mucus will stagnate, and then thicken or harden, turning into phlegm, a toxic substance. Instead of killing microbes, phlegm becomes a harbor to bacteria to proliferate and could trigger a lung infection.
Expectorant Types
Some expectorant increase bronchial secretions and reduces viscosity and stickiness of mucus, making it easier to expectorate.
Warm Stimulant expectorants - Usually warm, drying pungents that improve circulation to the lower respiratory tract. They are indicated cold Kapha conditions (lung-phlegm-cold) that cause mucus to accumulate. As bronchial irritants, they are contraindicated in coughing. Examples: Thyme, Hyssop, Fennel, Anise, Angelica, Grindelia, Elecampane Root, and Horseradish
Cold Sedative expectorants - Usually cooling pungents that improve circulation to the respiratory tract, are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. They are indicated where mucus is yellow and green indicating infection (lung-phlegm-heat) with yellow tongue and rapid, slippery pulse. Examples: Eucalyptus, Pleurisy
Mucolytic expectorants - Liquefying the mucus directly. These often contain saponins that increase thin mucus production. Examples: Licorice Root, Mullein, Solomon's Seal, Grindelia.
Source - The Energetics of Western Herbs (Peter Holmes)
In addition to the above properties, the ideal expectorant formula will be
Mucus builds while sleeping and lying down at night due to slowed circulation and less movement. The following tips may help clear the lungs first thing in the morning:
Take a hot shower with the bathroom door closed to fill up the room with steam.
Inhaling steam through the mouth for 10-15 minutes
Taking an expectorant herb formula
Inducing nausea and/or vomiting with mustard powder or lobelia (nausea and vomiting has a very strong expectorant effect)
Gentle but vigorous pounding of the chest and back to loosen mucus
Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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