“Take A Breather!”
Hydraulics and Herbs [Part 4]
Ever choke on your own spit? Isn’t the simultaneous cough that occurs absolutely “breath-taking?!!”
It may seem funny to mention this, but your respiratory system has safeguards built in to prevent even the tiniest foreign body from intrusion into the trachea. The epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing; effectively blocking tiny droplets of saliva from sliding past. (MOST of the time) And cilia- the minute hairs lining the trachea- create wave-like motions that sweep upwards, clearing out any unwanted debris. In fact, it is the cilia that initiate the sudden cough. Scattered throughout the cilia, are tiny cells that secrete mucus and provide lubrication facilitating removal of microbes and debris.
For some of us, taking a fresh clean breath is one of the hardest things we do all day.
We breathe 12 to 16 times a minute; 960 times an hour; 23,400 times a day!
If our breath doesn’t come easy, we are bound by our bodies to facilitate only that. We cannot do anything if we cannot oxygenate our body- all physical activity depends on how oxygenated we are.
Your respiratory system begins with the nose and mouth; mucous membranes line both and form a contiguous path from the atmosphere to the interior of the lungs. Let’s pretend that we are a breath of air. From the atmosphere, we enter the nose through the nares (nose holes.) We pass through hairs on the sticky walls (mucous membranes) that begin filtration of any pollen, microbes, and debris that we contain. We enter the comb-shaped turbinate structures above the roof of the mouth that are highly vascular, and we feel warmer. Situated at the top of the turbinate structure is the olfactory bulb that senses any fragrance (or odor) that we contain. Contributing warmth, humidity and filtration; the sinuses- also lined with cilia- generate mucus and drain debris here. We whiz around the corner- joining breath from the mouth- and begin descent through the “trapdoor” epiglottis; into the larynx “voice box” and descend into the large “trunk” of the trachea- or windpipe.
We sometimes hear the Respiratory structure called, “the Respiratory Tree.” If you form a mental image of a large tree with its trunk (trachea) with main branches (bronchi) smaller branches (bronchioles) and leaves (alveoli) turned upside down, you can see why. The Trachea divides into the right and left bronchi. It should be noted that the right lung has 3 lobes or parts: the upper, middle, and lower. The left lung has 2 lobes: upper and lower. As such, the right and left bronchi divide into 3 and 2 bronchioles, respectively. Each bronchiole oxygenates one lobe of each lung. As we “puff” from the bronchi into the bronchioles, we are continuously taking turns that are smaller and smaller- finding ourselves into the deep lung tissue itself. At the end of all these divisions, we stop in a several cell-sized Alveoli “sac.” Aveoli are really like tiny balloons with elastic collagen walls that react to hydrostatic pressures surrounding them. And here is where true respiration takes place. There are many millions of alveoli in each lung, and these are the areas responsible for gaseous exchange, presenting a massive surface area for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Within the deepest lung tissues, blood and oxygen mix in the capillary beds that surround the tiny alveoli. Internal pressure of the blood stream and external pressure of lung compressions cause oxygen to flow from the alveoli to the streaming blood surrounding it. Oxygen-rich blood is then returned to the heart with each breath and pumped to all parts of your body- while waste products are carried away to the kidneys and back to the atmosphere in expired breaths. (Hydraulics, yet again!)
Baby’s first breath opens all collapsed alveoli at once. People breathe fully and correctly as infants, but over time, stress and poor posture can decrease breathing efficiency.
It is important to note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lung and the skin are closely related. “Wei qi” is the term designated to the external defense of the body by the lung and skin. The surface area of your respiratory tree is the largest internal organ actually exposed to the environment. It is contiguous with that of the skin, which is the largest working organ of the human body. In “The Skinny on Herbs” (TEH 7/14) we learned that the surface area of the skin covers 20 square feet! We all know how important breathing is. The Lung is called, “the tender organ.” Just experiencing stuffiness of an autumn cold can make us weak and irritable, but permanent breathing insufficiencies affect overall health.
NOURISH THE LUNG. Be proactive with your diet. Consuming the yellow vegetables of autumn (yellow squash; pumpkin; carrots; sweet red, yellow, and red peppers;) and eating fruits such as [dried] apricots provides mixed carotenoids such as Lutein and Lycopene that undergird the lung. Eating Cruciform veggies – those with leaves that form a cross when upended- like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, kale, and Brussel sprouts have shown to strengthen the body against cancer. Folate can be obtained by including black beans, lentils, beets, and asparagus. Mixing garlic, ginger, and turmeric with foods decreases inflammatory response. Omega 3 fatty acids can be increased by consuming fish, nut, and flax oils.
NURTURE THE LUNG Take time each day to fill your lungs with air. Try doing this exercise at least 3 times a day: Relax your body; exhale all the old air from your lungs; Pause; Inhale slowly-expanding first your abdomen, then your chest; Hold for five seconds; Exhale slowly, pushing all air out; Pause- then begin the sequence again. Repeat three times. Breathe Clean. Monitor the air you breathe. Smoke, particulates, fertilizers, and pollutants like asbestos, silicone, and fiberglass; aerosolized fungal spores; and mites all settle to the bottom of the lung and can never be exhaled. It is said that the bottom third of the lungs never fully expand to rid themselves of chemicals and waste, and that smoking itself can leave behind radioactive particulates. Breathe Thoroughly. Thorough breathing not only oxygenates the cells, but also facilitates waste removal of the overall body. When you take a full deep breath, the diaphragm simulates hydrochloric acid production in the stomach and stimulates peristalsis. Your diaphragm also presses against the transverse colon – along which the mesenteric lymph nodes are located- stimulating lymphatic flow. Thorough breathing changes brain waves from Beta to Alpha state; lowering stress and cortisol levels. Insulate from Changes such as cold/damp weather, dry/ air-conditioned workspaces, reduced/ insufficient sleep- conditions that can lower immunity and lead to invasion by viruses and bacteria. For most of us with healthy lungs, autumn represents the only time that we are threatened by respiratory problems. “Cold and Flu” season is the time of year we look back to yearn for summer’s warmth while we still dress in abbreviated clothing. Even though the sun’s rays remain piercing, the air is now cool. Autumn is preparing us for the yin of winter. Our bodies need protection from the tilting earth’s stealthy cooling. Protect from Allergens Recurrent reactions to environmental inhalants can be troubling. Seasonal pollens, industrial chemicals, specific foods, and dust from fertilizer and manure can cause interference to oxygenation as well as just plain messing up your day. If your allergies are seasonal, you should try to isolate the cause and prepare yourself ahead of time. Nettle tea can be helpful in both spring and fall. Many find Local Honey (containing local pollens) useful, as well. There is documentation to support the use of 1 or 2 grains of pollen on the tongue several weeks before expectation of allergic reactions to be very helpful. (Knowing the exact allergen will help determine the time you will be exposed so you can be proactive.)
NATURE THE LUNG with Herbs. We deal with acute and chronic lung conditions. Our apothecary is filled with remedies that treat both types of conditions. For the most part, the Herbs that we will discuss can be utilized for both acute and chronic conditions. You may be familiar with many of these, just as you may think of more Herbs that we don’t mention. It’s best for you to consider utilizing the Herbs that grow near you and to seek the help of a qualified herbalist who can recommend a formula made just for you. You are special and should use remedies that are formulated just for you!
Conditions that cause respiratory interference include:
Allergy (mentioned above) Avoid causative factors, whenever possible.
Nettles, Elder Flower and Berry, Eye Bright, Garlic, Peppermint, Golden
Rod, and Golden Seal.
Blockage – Airway Constriction or structural [polyps]
Antispasmodics to relax the airways such as Boneset, Lobelia, Grindelia, Elecampane, Angelica Root, Khella and Garlic.
Congestion- Inflammation of the mucous membranes, caused by irritants,
infection, or auto-immunity resulting in excessive- sometimes thick- mucous secretions.
Expectorants such as Grindelia, Goldenrod, Golden seal, Elder Flowers, Hyssop, Horehound, Angelica, Lungwort, Mullein, Sweet Violet, Iceland Moss, Plantain leaf, Spikenard and Thyme.
Decongestants: Eucalyptus, Ginger, Peppermint, Licorice, Burdock, Echinacea, Green Tea, Sage, Hops, Lavender, and Thyme.
Cough- Caused by excess mucus, irritants, or constriction- are a sign
of respiratory involvement in any disease. If you have prolonged coughing (over several weeks) consult a qualified practitioner.
Expectorants (as above)
Demulcent Herbs such as Marshmallow root, Mullein, Slippery Elm, and
Licorice.
Cough Sedatives such as Horehound, Lobelia, Wild Cherry Bark, and Wild
Lettuce.
Infection- Acute infections like colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, and flu are seasonal-
for the most part. Recurrent infections are often due to lowered immunity.
If you find that you are afflicted with frequent recurrent respiratory
infections, you may need to strengthen your overall immunity.
Immune enhancing herbs- alone or in formula: Echinacea, (not more than 10 day cycles) Yerba santa, Yerba mansa, Astragalus, Reishi, Cordyceps,
Shiitake mushrooms- and Wild Indigo.
Tonics that Strengthen lung tissue: Reishi, American Ginseng, Astragalus,
Elacampane, Boneset, Codonopsis, Angelica, Garlic, Golden Seal, Grindelia, Ground Ivy, Licorice, Poke Root, Thyme and Yarrow.
Anti-virals: Elderberry, Garlic, Echinacea, and Cedar, Elecampane, Ground Ivy.
Anti-bacterials: Garlic, Thyme, Osha root, Goldenseal, Elecampane, Ground Ivy, Garlic, and Usnea.
Anti-fungals: Garlic, Thyme, Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint,
Ravensara, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Spilanthes, and Usnea.
Pain- Can occur throughout the system. Congestion of the sinuses; swollen
lymph nodes; inflamed throat; constricted airways; inflamed sticky pleura;
muscular pain from coughing; general achiness of influenza. Treat the conditions named above to augment pain relief.
Analgesic Herbs can help: Wild Lettuce, Willow Bark, Hops Flower, Passionflower, Iceland Moss, Ground Ivy, and Myrrh. Burdock seed, Elder Flower, and Bayberry are specifically helpful for throat pain.
Dyspnea-Shortness of breath generally accompanies pulmonary conditions that affect the deep tissues of the lung: like Pneumonia and Pleurisy.
Relief is augmented by treating the cause of the inflammation.
Fever- Accompanies inflammation. Herbs for fever include: Elder Flower, Boneset, Yarrow, and Cayenne.
We need to “take a breather” and discuss the fact that your lungs, your skin, your kidneys and your bowels are all important parts of your excretory system. Your lungs take in oxygen, yes; but they excrete CO2 . They work with the kidneys to rid the body of excess wastes. If the lungs are not efficient, you cannot perform your activities of daily living, and the tender balance between all other systems is compromised. Respiratory conditions can be treated with good habits, great diet, and Herbs. We mentioned quite a few Herbs that can be helpful. You may be familiar with some of them and want to try others. My greatest joy comes from learning that you are inspired to investigate something you’ve found here. We can never learn too much about our bodies, our world, and our Herbs. Breathe Easy!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FOUNDATIONS OF HERBALISM Christopher Hobbs
THE HERBAL HANDBOOK A User’s Guide to Medicinal Herbalism David Hoffman
THE ENERGETICS OF HERBS FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM David Winston
It may seem funny to mention this, but your respiratory system has safeguards built in to prevent even the tiniest foreign body from intrusion into the trachea. The epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing; effectively blocking tiny droplets of saliva from sliding past. (MOST of the time) And cilia- the minute hairs lining the trachea- create wave-like motions that sweep upwards, clearing out any unwanted debris. In fact, it is the cilia that initiate the sudden cough. Scattered throughout the cilia, are tiny cells that secrete mucus and provide lubrication facilitating removal of microbes and debris.
For some of us, taking a fresh clean breath is one of the hardest things we do all day.
We breathe 12 to 16 times a minute; 960 times an hour; 23,400 times a day!
If our breath doesn’t come easy, we are bound by our bodies to facilitate only that. We cannot do anything if we cannot oxygenate our body- all physical activity depends on how oxygenated we are.
Your respiratory system begins with the nose and mouth; mucous membranes line both and form a contiguous path from the atmosphere to the interior of the lungs. Let’s pretend that we are a breath of air. From the atmosphere, we enter the nose through the nares (nose holes.) We pass through hairs on the sticky walls (mucous membranes) that begin filtration of any pollen, microbes, and debris that we contain. We enter the comb-shaped turbinate structures above the roof of the mouth that are highly vascular, and we feel warmer. Situated at the top of the turbinate structure is the olfactory bulb that senses any fragrance (or odor) that we contain. Contributing warmth, humidity and filtration; the sinuses- also lined with cilia- generate mucus and drain debris here. We whiz around the corner- joining breath from the mouth- and begin descent through the “trapdoor” epiglottis; into the larynx “voice box” and descend into the large “trunk” of the trachea- or windpipe.
We sometimes hear the Respiratory structure called, “the Respiratory Tree.” If you form a mental image of a large tree with its trunk (trachea) with main branches (bronchi) smaller branches (bronchioles) and leaves (alveoli) turned upside down, you can see why. The Trachea divides into the right and left bronchi. It should be noted that the right lung has 3 lobes or parts: the upper, middle, and lower. The left lung has 2 lobes: upper and lower. As such, the right and left bronchi divide into 3 and 2 bronchioles, respectively. Each bronchiole oxygenates one lobe of each lung. As we “puff” from the bronchi into the bronchioles, we are continuously taking turns that are smaller and smaller- finding ourselves into the deep lung tissue itself. At the end of all these divisions, we stop in a several cell-sized Alveoli “sac.” Aveoli are really like tiny balloons with elastic collagen walls that react to hydrostatic pressures surrounding them. And here is where true respiration takes place. There are many millions of alveoli in each lung, and these are the areas responsible for gaseous exchange, presenting a massive surface area for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Within the deepest lung tissues, blood and oxygen mix in the capillary beds that surround the tiny alveoli. Internal pressure of the blood stream and external pressure of lung compressions cause oxygen to flow from the alveoli to the streaming blood surrounding it. Oxygen-rich blood is then returned to the heart with each breath and pumped to all parts of your body- while waste products are carried away to the kidneys and back to the atmosphere in expired breaths. (Hydraulics, yet again!)
Baby’s first breath opens all collapsed alveoli at once. People breathe fully and correctly as infants, but over time, stress and poor posture can decrease breathing efficiency.
It is important to note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lung and the skin are closely related. “Wei qi” is the term designated to the external defense of the body by the lung and skin. The surface area of your respiratory tree is the largest internal organ actually exposed to the environment. It is contiguous with that of the skin, which is the largest working organ of the human body. In “The Skinny on Herbs” (TEH 7/14) we learned that the surface area of the skin covers 20 square feet! We all know how important breathing is. The Lung is called, “the tender organ.” Just experiencing stuffiness of an autumn cold can make us weak and irritable, but permanent breathing insufficiencies affect overall health.
NOURISH THE LUNG. Be proactive with your diet. Consuming the yellow vegetables of autumn (yellow squash; pumpkin; carrots; sweet red, yellow, and red peppers;) and eating fruits such as [dried] apricots provides mixed carotenoids such as Lutein and Lycopene that undergird the lung. Eating Cruciform veggies – those with leaves that form a cross when upended- like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, kale, and Brussel sprouts have shown to strengthen the body against cancer. Folate can be obtained by including black beans, lentils, beets, and asparagus. Mixing garlic, ginger, and turmeric with foods decreases inflammatory response. Omega 3 fatty acids can be increased by consuming fish, nut, and flax oils.
NURTURE THE LUNG Take time each day to fill your lungs with air. Try doing this exercise at least 3 times a day: Relax your body; exhale all the old air from your lungs; Pause; Inhale slowly-expanding first your abdomen, then your chest; Hold for five seconds; Exhale slowly, pushing all air out; Pause- then begin the sequence again. Repeat three times. Breathe Clean. Monitor the air you breathe. Smoke, particulates, fertilizers, and pollutants like asbestos, silicone, and fiberglass; aerosolized fungal spores; and mites all settle to the bottom of the lung and can never be exhaled. It is said that the bottom third of the lungs never fully expand to rid themselves of chemicals and waste, and that smoking itself can leave behind radioactive particulates. Breathe Thoroughly. Thorough breathing not only oxygenates the cells, but also facilitates waste removal of the overall body. When you take a full deep breath, the diaphragm simulates hydrochloric acid production in the stomach and stimulates peristalsis. Your diaphragm also presses against the transverse colon – along which the mesenteric lymph nodes are located- stimulating lymphatic flow. Thorough breathing changes brain waves from Beta to Alpha state; lowering stress and cortisol levels. Insulate from Changes such as cold/damp weather, dry/ air-conditioned workspaces, reduced/ insufficient sleep- conditions that can lower immunity and lead to invasion by viruses and bacteria. For most of us with healthy lungs, autumn represents the only time that we are threatened by respiratory problems. “Cold and Flu” season is the time of year we look back to yearn for summer’s warmth while we still dress in abbreviated clothing. Even though the sun’s rays remain piercing, the air is now cool. Autumn is preparing us for the yin of winter. Our bodies need protection from the tilting earth’s stealthy cooling. Protect from Allergens Recurrent reactions to environmental inhalants can be troubling. Seasonal pollens, industrial chemicals, specific foods, and dust from fertilizer and manure can cause interference to oxygenation as well as just plain messing up your day. If your allergies are seasonal, you should try to isolate the cause and prepare yourself ahead of time. Nettle tea can be helpful in both spring and fall. Many find Local Honey (containing local pollens) useful, as well. There is documentation to support the use of 1 or 2 grains of pollen on the tongue several weeks before expectation of allergic reactions to be very helpful. (Knowing the exact allergen will help determine the time you will be exposed so you can be proactive.)
NATURE THE LUNG with Herbs. We deal with acute and chronic lung conditions. Our apothecary is filled with remedies that treat both types of conditions. For the most part, the Herbs that we will discuss can be utilized for both acute and chronic conditions. You may be familiar with many of these, just as you may think of more Herbs that we don’t mention. It’s best for you to consider utilizing the Herbs that grow near you and to seek the help of a qualified herbalist who can recommend a formula made just for you. You are special and should use remedies that are formulated just for you!
Conditions that cause respiratory interference include:
Allergy (mentioned above) Avoid causative factors, whenever possible.
Nettles, Elder Flower and Berry, Eye Bright, Garlic, Peppermint, Golden
Rod, and Golden Seal.
Blockage – Airway Constriction or structural [polyps]
Antispasmodics to relax the airways such as Boneset, Lobelia, Grindelia, Elecampane, Angelica Root, Khella and Garlic.
Congestion- Inflammation of the mucous membranes, caused by irritants,
infection, or auto-immunity resulting in excessive- sometimes thick- mucous secretions.
Expectorants such as Grindelia, Goldenrod, Golden seal, Elder Flowers, Hyssop, Horehound, Angelica, Lungwort, Mullein, Sweet Violet, Iceland Moss, Plantain leaf, Spikenard and Thyme.
Decongestants: Eucalyptus, Ginger, Peppermint, Licorice, Burdock, Echinacea, Green Tea, Sage, Hops, Lavender, and Thyme.
Cough- Caused by excess mucus, irritants, or constriction- are a sign
of respiratory involvement in any disease. If you have prolonged coughing (over several weeks) consult a qualified practitioner.
Expectorants (as above)
Demulcent Herbs such as Marshmallow root, Mullein, Slippery Elm, and
Licorice.
Cough Sedatives such as Horehound, Lobelia, Wild Cherry Bark, and Wild
Lettuce.
Infection- Acute infections like colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, and flu are seasonal-
for the most part. Recurrent infections are often due to lowered immunity.
If you find that you are afflicted with frequent recurrent respiratory
infections, you may need to strengthen your overall immunity.
Immune enhancing herbs- alone or in formula: Echinacea, (not more than 10 day cycles) Yerba santa, Yerba mansa, Astragalus, Reishi, Cordyceps,
Shiitake mushrooms- and Wild Indigo.
Tonics that Strengthen lung tissue: Reishi, American Ginseng, Astragalus,
Elacampane, Boneset, Codonopsis, Angelica, Garlic, Golden Seal, Grindelia, Ground Ivy, Licorice, Poke Root, Thyme and Yarrow.
Anti-virals: Elderberry, Garlic, Echinacea, and Cedar, Elecampane, Ground Ivy.
Anti-bacterials: Garlic, Thyme, Osha root, Goldenseal, Elecampane, Ground Ivy, Garlic, and Usnea.
Anti-fungals: Garlic, Thyme, Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint,
Ravensara, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Spilanthes, and Usnea.
Pain- Can occur throughout the system. Congestion of the sinuses; swollen
lymph nodes; inflamed throat; constricted airways; inflamed sticky pleura;
muscular pain from coughing; general achiness of influenza. Treat the conditions named above to augment pain relief.
Analgesic Herbs can help: Wild Lettuce, Willow Bark, Hops Flower, Passionflower, Iceland Moss, Ground Ivy, and Myrrh. Burdock seed, Elder Flower, and Bayberry are specifically helpful for throat pain.
Dyspnea-Shortness of breath generally accompanies pulmonary conditions that affect the deep tissues of the lung: like Pneumonia and Pleurisy.
Relief is augmented by treating the cause of the inflammation.
Fever- Accompanies inflammation. Herbs for fever include: Elder Flower, Boneset, Yarrow, and Cayenne.
We need to “take a breather” and discuss the fact that your lungs, your skin, your kidneys and your bowels are all important parts of your excretory system. Your lungs take in oxygen, yes; but they excrete CO2 . They work with the kidneys to rid the body of excess wastes. If the lungs are not efficient, you cannot perform your activities of daily living, and the tender balance between all other systems is compromised. Respiratory conditions can be treated with good habits, great diet, and Herbs. We mentioned quite a few Herbs that can be helpful. You may be familiar with some of them and want to try others. My greatest joy comes from learning that you are inspired to investigate something you’ve found here. We can never learn too much about our bodies, our world, and our Herbs. Breathe Easy!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FOUNDATIONS OF HERBALISM Christopher Hobbs
THE HERBAL HANDBOOK A User’s Guide to Medicinal Herbalism David Hoffman
THE ENERGETICS OF HERBS FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM David Winston