Lung Health Day falls on the fourth Wednesday in October — so it’s on the 26th this year. The main aim of the day is to raise awareness about the growing number of chronic lung diseases. Body cells, particularly the lungs are subjected to toxins over long periods of time and could go through unnatural changes, which in the long run could lead to cancer or other diseases. Regular checkups, coupled with a healthy lifestyle involving exercise and an antioxidant-rich diet, can help keep our lungs healthy.
Julius Cermak, a naturopathic herbalist, and nutritionist shares,
5 Tea recipes to Purify the Lungs and keep them healthy.
According to Julius “These teas are all anti-inflammatory to ease fluid or toxin buildup in the lungs. They are best when taken before bed so that your body has time to detox as part of its natural overnight system. Some are more soothing to the lungs than others.”
Turmeric ginger honey lemon Tea
Hot herbs like turmeric and ginger promote the circulation of blood through the lungs to help detoxify them. Lemon adds antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and local, wildcrafted honey is anti-inflammatory and soothing to the lung tissues.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 2 inches of ginger root
- ¼ tsp of turmeric powder
- a pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp of raw honey
Direction
Grate the ginger and boil it in water for ten minutes. Add the turmeric, honey, and fresh lemon juice taste. Strain with a fine sieve and enjoy.
Honey Tea
If you don’t have turmeric and ginger around, you can just make honey and lemon tea. This recipe from your grandmother is probably the easiest to make and soothes inflammation in the lungs. It also adds vitamin C antioxidants to help protect your lungs from too much smoke damage.
- Mix honey and fresh lemon juice in a cup.
- Add boiling water.
Green tea
The caffeine in green tea speeds up the circulation to your lungs. This can help carry away toxins. It also adds a heavy dose of antioxidants to your system. Antioxidants help prevent lung and tissue damage that’s caused by smoke.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose green tea leaves
- Honey (optional)
Method:
- Bring the water to a boil and let it cool before adding the green tea.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Add honey if desired and enjoy.
If you prefer matcha, mix a half teaspoon into a cup of boiling water and whisk.
Cinnamon cayenne Tea
The cinnamon in this tea coats the lungs to help prevent irritation. Meanwhile, the cayenne helps dispel mucus and dry coughs.
- Boil a cinnamon stick for ten minutes in water.
- Add a pinch of cayenne at the end.
- It’s better to use cayenne flakes so that the particles of the powder don’t get stuck in your throat.
Marshmallow root tea
Marshmallow root makes a slightly gelatinous tea that coats your throat and helps protect lung tissue.
Mix a teaspoon in half a quart of water and boil it for ten minutes. Then strain and enjoy.
Try to use natural foods and herbs from your neighborhood grocery store to detox and cleanse your lungs and respiratory system.