by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

TCM Herbs for Respiratory Health: Strengthening Your Lungs Naturally

Respiratory health holds paramount importance as it directly impacts our overall well-being and quality of life. The respiratory system is vital for the body’s oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion, ensuring the proper functioning of organs and tissues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs play a significant role in promoting respiratory health by addressing imbalances in the body’s energy, or Qi, and enhancing the respiratory system’s functions.

This blog will discuss how integrating TCM herbs into healthcare practices provides complementary and natural avenues for maintaining and enhancing respiratory health.

Understanding TCM Principles

The concept of Qi in TCM is integral to understanding respiratory health. Qi is considered the vital life force that flows through the body, and maintaining a harmonious flow of Qi is crucial for optimal lung function.

TCM also emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang energies, where Yin represents the cooling, nourishing aspect, and Yang symbolizes the active, warming aspect. Achieving equilibrium between Yin and Yang is essential for respiratory health, as imbalances may lead to conditions such as inflammation or congestion.

Furthermore, TCM’s Five Elements theory, which includes Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, is intricately linked to respiratory well-being. The lungs are associated with the Metal element, and imbalances in this element can impact respiratory health.

Understanding and addressing these TCM principles holistically contribute to a comprehensive approach in promoting lung health, emphasizing prevention, balance, and the interconnected nature of the body’s systems.

Read More: Anti Inflammatory Herbs

Common Respiratory Issues in TCM

In TCM, identifying patterns of imbalance is fundamental to understanding and addressing respiratory health. Various imbalances, such as Qi deficiency, dampness, or stagnation, can manifest in respiratory issues.

TCM views common respiratory ailments, like cough, asthma, and bronchitis, through the lens of these patterns, recognizing that different individuals may present with distinct imbalances. Rather than merely treating symptoms, TCM takes a holistic approach by delving into the underlying causes of respiratory conditions.

For instance, a persistent cough may be attributed to Lung Qi deficiency, and TCM seeks to rebalance Qi through herbs, acupuncture, or lifestyle adjustments. By addressing root causes, TCM not only alleviates immediate symptoms but also aims to strengthen the overall constitution, preventing recurrence and fostering long-term respiratory well-being.

Herbs for Respiratory Health

Astragalus (Huang Qi)

Astragalus (Huang Qi) is a herb known for its ability to boost Qi and enhance immune function, making it particularly valuable in promoting respiratory health. With its adaptogenic properties, astragalus is believed to strengthen the body’s vital energy and fortify the immune system, thereby addressing underlying Qi deficiencies that may contribute to respiratory issues.

Its role in supporting lung health aligns with TCM principles, where reinforcing Qi is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of the respiratory system. Astragalus is often prescribed in TCM formulations to address conditions like chronic cough, asthma, and recurrent respiratory infections.

A 2017 study showed that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) enhanced immune responses and inhibited tumors. The study found that APS increases immune markers in mice with tumors. This effect relies on TLR4 and MyD88 proteins, crucial for immune signaling. In normal mice, APS reduces tumor weight and boosts immune responses.

However, these benefits are not seen in mice lacking TLR4 or MyD88, emphasizing their role in APS’s immune-modulating effects. Overall, APS activates a specific immune pathway, suggesting its potential in immune system regulation.

Moreover, by incorporating astragalus into holistic treatment plans, TCM practitioners aim not only to alleviate symptoms but also to bolster the body’s innate defenses and restore balance.

Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) strengthens the lungs and respiratory system. Recognized for its adaptogenic properties and ability to tonify both Yin and Yang energies, cordyceps is often employed to address respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

TCM practitioners believe that cordyceps enhance lung function by promoting the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, improving respiratory capacity. This powerful herb is thought to invigorate the kidneys, supporting the overall health of the respiratory system.

A 2016 clinical study investigated the impact of Cordyceps sinensis on patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. Subjects taking Corbin capsules containing Cordyceps for 3 months showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), asthma symptoms, and lung function compared to the control group.

The treatment group also exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers in the serum. The findings suggest that Cordyceps sinensis formulation can enhance HR-QOL, alleviate asthma symptoms, and improve inflammatory profiles in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

By incorporating cordyceps into TCM formulations alongside astragalus, practitioners aim to create a synergistic effect, not only boosting Qi and immune function but also fortifying the lungs.

Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)

Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) is known for its role in balancing Yin and Yang energies, making it particularly relevant for lung health. Schisandra is believed to have adaptogenic properties that help modulate these energies, contributing to the overall balance within the body.

In TCM, schisandra is often prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory issues, such as coughing and shortness of breath, by harmonizing the opposing forces within the body.

A 2021 scientific review explored the direct and indirect antioxidant effects of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract and its bioactive compounds in cells under both normal and pathological conditions. Schisandra chinensis fruits and their extracts are widely used in alternative medicine for their adaptogenic and ergogenic properties.

They offer protection against various disorders, including neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, and skin issues. The polyphenolic compounds in Schisandra chinensis, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, contribute to its antioxidant properties.

Integrating schisandra into TCM formulations alongside astragalus and cordyceps enhances the holistic approach to respiratory well-being.

Platycodon (Jie Geng)

Platycodon (Jie Geng) has the ability to expel phlegm and promote the circulation of lung Qi. Recognized for its expectorant properties, platycodon is commonly used to clear respiratory passages, making it effective in managing conditions like chronic bronchitis and respiratory infections where phlegm accumulation is a concern.

TCM views the efficient circulation of lung Qi as essential for maintaining respiratory well-being, and platycodon is believed to facilitate this flow, aiding in the expulsion of mucus and supporting overall lung function.

A 2014 study found Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) roots, specifically its extracts and saponins, offer diverse health benefits. These saponins, known as platycosides, have a triterpenoid aglycone and two sugar chains. They exhibit cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, neuroprotective and antiviral activities, and cholesterol-lowering effects.

The commercial significance of saponins is increasing due to their demonstrated health benefits. From foaming properties in crude plant extracts to health applications like platycodin D as a vaccine adjuvant, the review emphasizes the potential of platycosides as remedies for major health hazards such as cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. The review also covers methods of platycoside purification and analysis.

This herb exemplifies the holistic principles of TCM, addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of respiratory imbalances, ensuring a balanced and harmonious state within the lungs.

Conclusion

In summary, TCM offers a holistic approach to respiratory health through the utilization of key herbs such as astragalus for boosting Qi and immune function, cordyceps for strengthening the lungs, schisandra for balancing Yin and Yang, and platycodon for expelling phlegm and promoting lung Qi circulation. By encouraging a holistic approach to lung wellness, TCM recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and aims to restore harmony within.

Watch: 5 Reasons You Constantly Have a Phlegmy Throat | How to Make Herbal Decoctions 101