Prince Seng root (Pseudostellaria heterophylla) warm and moist*

Called “ginseng of the lungs” in Chinese medicine, Prince Seng is a yin tonic, mild adaptogen, demulcent and nutritive. It is useful for dry, irritated lungs, dry coughs, emphysema, post-pneumonia debility, fatigue (with Schisandra) and deficient spleen patterns.

Astragalus root (A. membranaceus) warm and moist*

It strengthens the immune reservoir and wei qi. A superior tonic, it is used for rebuilding depleted immune activity. Regular use has been shown in studies to prevent colds, influenza, bronchitis, and sinusitis. It is also useful for chronic lung qi deficiency with shortness of breath, asthma, or COPD.

Spikenard root (Aralia racemosa) warm and moist*

A member of the Araliaceae family, spikenard is an underutilized but valuable medicinal plant. The root has antibacterial and expectorant activity. It is an excellent ingredient in cough syrups; it soothes coughs exacerbated by cold and dryness such as winter coughs. Spikenard is a very helpful tonic for chronic lung conditions brought on by smoking and inhaling particulates. It increases mucus secretions to re-establish normal moisture and soothe inflammation and irritation.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra or G. uralensis) warm and moist*

With a long history of use in China and the Middle East, this intensely sweet root is an adaptogen, demulcent, expectorant, pectoral, antiviral and antidepressant. Licorice strengthens endocrine function. The demulcent action heals mucous membrane tissue especially the stomach (ulcers), large and small intestine (irritable bowel syndrome) and lung (dry, irritated cough). Excessive use of Licorice can elevate blood pressure.

Chinese Asparagus root (Asparagus cochinchinensis) warm and moist*

A yin tonic that is moistening and tonifying to mucous membrane tissue of the lungs and stomach. It is indicated for dry mouth, dry coughs, dry, sticky, hard-to-expectorate mucus, vaginal dryness, gastric irritation and other common signs of yin deficiency.

Bibliography:

Chen, J., Chen, T., Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Art of Medicine Press, 2004

ESCOP, E/S/C/O/P Monographs-The Scientific Foundation For Herbal Medicine Products, Thieme, 2003

Jiao Shu-De, Ten Lectures On The Use Of Medicinals, Paradigm Pub., 2003

Mitchell, Wm, Plant Medicine in Practice, Livingstone Churchill, 2003

Moore, M, The Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Red Crane Books, 1993

Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications For Herbs & Herbal Formulas, HTRL, 8th ed., 2003