Lung-tonic Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective
Lung-tonic Recipes Lung-tonic Ingredients Lung-tonic Herbs & Supplements AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON LUNG-TONICStrengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.After a respiratory illness, the lungs may take a month or longer to heal. Lung tonics are particularly useful to speed up recovery during this convalescence period. Here is a tincture for convalescence (Source: Stansbury)
OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING RESPIRATORY-HEALTHINGREDIENTS WITH LUNG-TONIC QUALITY
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Neutral (Tridoshic)Fennel SeedsReduces Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Stinging Nettles, Thyme (fresh)Reduces Daikon RadishBasil, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
DECONGESTANTAn herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw), Sorghum Flour, Thyme (fresh)
BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Thyme (fresh)
EXPECTORANTExpectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.Basil, Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Basil, Daikon Radish, Ginger (Fresh), Sorghum Flour, Stinging Nettles
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Carrot, Sorghum Flour, Stinging Nettles
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Sorghum Flour
ANTITUSSIVECough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.Carrot, Stinging Nettles
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Basil, Daikon Radish
IMMUNE-STIMULANTStimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu.Thyme (fresh)
ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.Sorghum Flour
DEMULCENTHerbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.Stinging Nettles
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Basil, Caraway Seeds, Carrot, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Sorghum Flour, Thyme (fresh)
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Basil, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Ginger (Fresh), Sorghum Flour, Stinging Nettles
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Basil, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh)
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Basil, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Stinging Nettles, Thyme (fresh)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Basil, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw), Stinging Nettles, Thyme (fresh)
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw)
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Carrot, Fennel Seeds, Sorghum Flour
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Sorghum Flour
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Basil, Caraway Seeds, Sorghum Flour, Stinging Nettles
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Carrot, Sorghum Flour
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Sorghum Flour, Stinging Nettles
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Daikon Radish, Garlic (raw)
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Stinging Nettles
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Garlic (raw)
MUSKYHave an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.Daikon Radish
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Respiratory HealthBasil, Caraway Seeds, Cardamom, Daikon Radish, Fennel Seeds, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Fresh), Thyme (fresh)Sorghum Flour
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH LUNG-TONIC QUALITY
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Reduces Astragalus, Belly breathing, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Dashamoola Powder, Elecampane, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Lung opening stretchAngelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Coltsfoot, Dashamoola Powder, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Lung exerciser, Lung opening stretch
EXPECTORANTExpectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.Astragalus, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Mullein, Punarnava, Red Clover
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Angelica, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Punarnava, Red Clover, Spikenard
BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Elecampane, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Punarnava, Red Clover
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Angelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Punarnava, Red Clover
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Angelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Humidifier, Inhale Steam
DECONGESTANTAn herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Elecampane, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Mullein, Punarnava
ANTITUSSIVECough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.Astragalus, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Codonopsis (dang shen), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)
ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.Astragalus, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Codonopsis (dang shen), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Punarnava
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Mullein, Red Clover
DEMULCENTHerbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.Angelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Punarnava
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Angelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Elecampane, Horehound, Punarnava
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Astragalus, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Mullein, Red Clover
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Angelica, Astragalus, Codonopsis (dang shen), Elecampane, Kalmegh, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)
IMMUNE-STIMULANTStimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu.Astragalus, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)
ADRENAL-TONICStrengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.Angelica, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Lung opening stretch, Punarnava, Red Clover
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Kalmegh, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Punarnava, Red Clover
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Angelica, Astragalus, Dashamoola Powder, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Inhale Steam, Spikenard
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Elecampane, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Mullein
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Angelica, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Kalmegh
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Astragalus, Dashamoola Powder, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Punarnava
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Dashamoola Powder, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Punarnava
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Astragalus, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Codonopsis (dang shen), Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Red Clover
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Angelica, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Inhale Steam, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Punarnava, Spikenard
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Angelica, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Elecampane, Horehound, Kalmegh, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Mullein, Red Clover
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Angelica, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Inhale Steam
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Angelica, Elecampane
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Elecampane
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Red Clover
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Respiratory HealthAngelica, Avoid respiratory irritants, Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Coltsfoot, Comfrey Root, Elecampane, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Horehound, Humidifier, Inhale Steam, Kalmegh, Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Lung exerciser, Lung opening stretch, Mullein, PunarnavaHeart Circulation BloodBellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Belly breathing, Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Breathing Exercises, Chest Rub with Essential Oils, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), PunarnavaEnergy VitalityBellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)Cleanse And DetoxBreath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), PunarnavaHELPFUL FOR*'Lung-tonic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.LifestyleUnable to exerciseAbout the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
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