20 Natural Ways to Cleanse Your Lungs

12. Thyme Syrup

A 2016 study of the effects of thyme on bronchial pathways concluded—without a doubt—that this herb is among the most protective and supportive of the lungs:

“Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used traditionally to prepare herbal remedies possessing expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive and antispasmodic properties…Thyme extract might be an effective treatment of chronic diseases based on inflammatory processes when hypersecretion of mucus overwhelms the ciliary clearance and obstructs airways, causing morbidity and mortality. Moreover, thyme extract, evaluated in H460 lung cancer cell line, demonstrated to induce cell cytotoxicity in addition to reduce inflammatory cell signals.” (19)

Ingredients:

• 2 to 4 ounces thyme leaf and flower (fresh is best but dried will do)
• 1 quart of water
• 1 cup honey

To make the syrup:

1. Combine the thyme and water in a small saucepan over very low heat.
2. Simmer with the lid ajar until the liquid is reduced by half. You should be left with about 2 cups of strong thyme tea.
3. Strain out the herbs, cool slightly and add the honey.
4. Stir and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks.
5. To use, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon every couple of hours until the cold or the cough subsides.

13. Sage Tea

This herb inhibits cancer growth and metastasis in the lungs and elsewhere in the body. (20) Hence, people whose lungs are especially at risk (smokers and those who are exposed to hazardous substances) will especially benefit from sage. The many aromatic oils in sage open your sinuses and relieve lung congestion. They are soothing for coughs, colds, and sore throats.

Loaded with antioxidants, sage also regulates cholesterol.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tsp fresh sage leaves or 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp buckwheat honey

Directions:

1. Place the sage inside of a tea strainer.
2. Boil the water and pour into your teapot.
3. Steep the sage for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour the tea into your mug and sweeten with honey.
5. Take no more than 3 cups a day.