Herbs to detox the lungs

Your lungs are an important part of your respiratory system. Their 
function is to take and distribute oxygen to all your vital organs. Your
 lungs are self-cleaning organs. They contain microscopic hairs called 
cilia that continuously remove particles and toxins out of your lungs. 

When your lungs are constantly bombarded by pollutants such as dust and 
cigarette smoke, they become weak and the cilia become damaged and can 
no longer function effectively. There are natural herbs that can be used
 to help cleanse and strengthen the lungs.

               Herbs for the Lungs
             

             1.  Lotus Root Tea
                 --------------
                 This tea helps dissolve and eliminate mucus and lung 
                 congestion over time.

                 Fresh Lotus Root (preferable)
                 ----------------
                 a.  Grate a 2-inch piece of fresh lotus root and 
                     squeeze out juice through a cheesecloth.  Add 2-3
                     drops of ginger juice squeezed from freshly grated
                     ginger root and a tiny pinch of sea salt.  Add an
                     equal amount of spring water and boil for a few 
                     minutes.

                 Lotus Root Powder
                 -----------------
                 b.  Add one teaspoon of powder to a small cup of 
                     water.  Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and 2-3 drops
                     of ginger juice.  Heat on low flame and turn off
                     flame when boiling begins.

             2.  Breeze Free
                 -----------
                 This is a formula for curing congestion and upper 
                 respiratory problems.  It contains Platycodon Root,
                 Ephedra, Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark, Mullein,
                 Licorice Root, Ginger Root, Cinnamon Twigs, and Wild
                 Ginger.

                 You can purchase this formula (made by Planetary
                 Herbal Formulas) from your local natural food store
                 or call Planetary Herbal Formulas 800-606-6226 for
                 the nearest distributor.

        ii.  Lotus Root Plaster
             ------------------
             Lotus root plasters are excellant for dissolving mucus 
             deposits in the bronchi and sinuses.

             Supplies needed:

             1.  Everything that is needed for Ginger Compress (see 
                 above).
             2.  White flour.
             3.  Fresh lotus root (check chinese grocery store or 
                 natural food store).
             4.  Cotton cloth.
             5.  A sheet or other cloth to keep plaster in place.

             Steps:

             1.  Perform a ginger compress for 10-15 minutes on lungs 
                 region.

             2.  Grate fresh lotus root.

             3.  Mix lotus root with 5% grated ginger and 10-15% 
                 white flour.

             4.  Spread paste on cloth about 1/2 inch thick.

             5.  Apply cloth so that plaster directly touches the 
                 skin.

             6.  Tie in place with sheet or large cloth.

             7.  Keep plaster on for several hours.  You can sleep 
                 with it on if you tie it in place.

             8.  Procedure should be repeated for 7-21 days.  Thick 
                 mucus will start to be discharged.

            

             A more complete description of the Lotus Root Plaster 
             can be found in the following book:

                    Macrobiotic Home Remedies
                    by Michio Kushi
                    Japan Publications, c1985
                    ISBN 0-87040-554-3

Other herbs you can use to maintain the health of your lungs are:

Drink one to two cups of honeysuckle flower tea daily. This herb promotes healthy mucous membranes. It also helps your lungs remove pollutants and mucous, according to herbal scientist Albert Leung.

Consume one 500 mg rosemary herb tablet daily. Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help improve the blood circulation in your lungs according to Dr. Light Miller, author of "Ayurveda & Aromatherapy." This helps your lungs remove pollutants into your bloodstream, where they can then be filtered and eliminated.