One of the herbs I consider a valuable remedy for unhealthy lung function is MULLEIN LEAF. MULLEIN LEAF is indicated when lung tissue is dry. It is useful for coughs that are dry and tickling. It may help with old coughs that have, over time, worn down and inflamed the soft hairs of the lungs. A tightness may be preventing full intake of breath. Mullein lubricates the mucus lining of the lungs and opens the airways. I drink infusions of Mullein Leaf or I take dropperfuls of liquid extract of Mullein Leaf and Flower, and I apply Mullein Flower infused oil to my chest.
An important essential oil to consider at this time is FRANKINCENSE. Because it eases breathlessness and opens and deepens the breathing, I combine drops of it with the Mullein Flower infused oil before applying to my chest. I put 3 to 5 drops of FRANKINCENSE essential oil in the palm of my hand and cover with a half-dollar size puddle of Mullein Flower infused oil and apply across my chest.
Essential oils to diffuse to support lung health include EUCALYPTUS DIVES, ROSEMARY CINEOLE, SPIKE LAVENDER, and THYME LINALOL. I like to use a Vicks Steam Vaporizer (minus the Vicks) that sends the essential oil aromatic molecules on a cloud of moisture into the nasal passageways and down into the airways.
BRONCHIAL MIXTURE is one of our essential oil mixtures beneficial to the lungs. Consisting of FRANKINCENSE and MARJORAM, it is supportive during times of mucus build up, cough, tightness, and breathing difficulties. You may diffuse this product or carry a bottle with you in order to breathe from it any time you need to support your airways.
EVERGREEN MIXTURE is another of our essential oil mixtures that can be used to benefit the lungs. It consists of SILVER FIR, BLACK SPRUCE, AND PINE. These three essential oils have great benefit for the lungs, assisting in obstructive conditions such as fluid and mucus build-up, addressing coughs, and easing breathing. An excellent essential oil mixture to diffuse or breathe from the bottle.
The BRONCHIAL BLEND is a topical essential oil blend. The essential oils in it are diluted in aloe gel, so the product is ready to apply without further dilution. It consists of the following ingredients: HIMALAYAN CEDARWOOD, LAUREL, INULA, AMMI VISNAGA, and ALOE GEL. The label says to apply generously to the upper chest and lower neck at least once daily. Before sleeping is an ideal time. Discontinue use after two months. Resume use after a few weeks' break. Avoid during pregnancy; not for children; not for internal use.
PAW GEP'S AROMATIC BALM is a powerful combination of essential oils diluted in beeswax and sunflower oil so the product is ready for topical application. As strong as the ingredients are in this balm, one may easily open the jar and inhale to help support the opening of both the nasal and bronchial passages. It consists of CAMPHOR (WHITE FRACTION), BIRCH (YELLOW), PEPPERMINT, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS, CINNAMON LEAF, CAJEPUT, CLOVE, and MENTHOL CRYSTALS. The label says do not apply to sensitive areas; avoid contact with eyes and lips; avoid during pregnancy.
Cheryl's Herbs sells all the above products (some discontinued). Please read the following CAUTIONS carefully:
MULLEIN LEAF AND FLOWER - are safe to consume when used appropriately.
FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL - avoid in pregnancy.
EUCALYPTUS DIVES - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; for short term use.
ROSEMARY CINEOLE - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; avoid with high blood pressure and epilepsy; highly stimulating.
SPIKE LAVENDER - avoid in pregnancy; stimulating in large amounts.
THYME LINALOL - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; well suited to moderate use.
MARJORAM - avoid in pregnancy; may provoke an asthma attack; avoid with low blood pressure; avoid with depression as very sedative.
SILVER FIR - non-toxic at low doses. Keep well-sealed and away from light, heat, and damp. Refrigeration is acceptable. The oil can deteriorate easily.
BLACK SPRUCE - non-toxic at low doses. Keep well-sealed and away from light, heat, and damp. Refrigeration is acceptable. The oil can deteriorate easily.
PINE - non-toxic at low doses. Keep well-sealed and away from light, heat , and damp. Refrigeration is acceptable. The oil can deteriorate easily.
HIMALAYAN CEDARWOOD - Avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; moderate use.
LAUREL - avoid in pregnancy; avoid overuse.
INULA - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; possibility of exhausting coughing during direct inhalation of the essential oil.
AMMI VISNAGA - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; phototoxic; avoid with blood-thinning medications.
CAMPHOR (WHITE FRACTION) - avoid on traumatized skin; avoid with epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnancy; very stimulating in small amounts; avoid if sleep is needed; may antidote homeopathic remedies.
BIRCH (YELLOW) -(is an essential oil ingredient in Paw Gep's Aromatic Balm to aid in muscle, tendon, and joint pain. The balm has more than one application). Use sparingly because of its 99% concentration of methyl salicylate. Avoid in pregnancy, lactation, and with babies and children.
PEPPERMINT - keep away from babies' nostrils due to risk of spasming glottis; avoid in pregnancy and lactation; may antidote homeopathic remedies.
EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS - non-toxic at low doses; phototoxic; keep away from babies' nostrils due to risk of spasming glottis; avoid with high blood pressure and epilepsy; may antidote homeopathic remedies.
CINNAMON LEAF - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children; dermal irritant.
CAJEPUT - avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children.
CLOVE - dermal and mucus membrane irritant.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated versions of plant chemistries. When it comes to inhalation, Cheryl used to say that using essential oils in a diffuser or simply inhaling from the bottle was safe. Topical application requires knowing and adhering to the cautions. Always keep your bottles of essential oils (and your essential oil blends and balms) away from babies and children. Cheryl's Herbs is not qualified to direct anyone in the internal consumption of essential oils.
Sources: Matthew Wood's The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants; Gabriel Mojay's Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit; Wanda Sellar's The Directory of Essential Oils; Sylla Sheppard-Hanger's The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.