Horehound herb (Marrubium vulgare) cool and moist*

A popular, traditional lung herb and an ingredient in cough drops and syrups, it has antiviral and expectorant activity. The soothing properties of Horehound make it useful for dry unproductive coughs, bronchial irritation and mild bronchitis. This herb is beneficial along with Licorice, Wild Cherry and Mullein for mild asthma and spasmodic coughs.

Red Clover blossom (Trifolium pratense) cool and moist*

A mild lung, lymphatic and liver remedy indicated for cases of irritable cough, whooping cough, cough from measles and tonsillitis.

Platycodon root (Platycodon grandiflorus) neutral, slightly moist*

One of the most important lung remedies in TCM. It is an active expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. It is used for sore throats, coughs, laryngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, lung abcesses, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

Elecampane root (Inula helenium) neutral, slightly moist*

One of the few lung herbs that is neutral energetically, thus it is appropriate for almost any lung condition. It is an active antiviral, antibacterial and expectorant, as well as a mild yin tonic to the lungs. Elecampane is useful for pneumonia (hot/dry, hot/damp, cold/dry, cold/damp), bronchitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and chest colds, especially if a major symptom is a persistent, ticklish cough with chest or rib pain.

Ophiopogon root (Ophiopogon japonicus) warm and moist*

Used to nourish the lung. Especially useful for dry coughs, dry mouth and lips, hot/dry bronchitis, difficult to expectorate mucus, sore throat, and dry, irritive coughs associated with febrile diseases (measles, influenza, etc.)

Bibliography:

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

Ellingwood, F., American Materia Medica, Therapeutics, & Pharmacognosy, Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Evanston, IL, 1919

Felter, H. W.  The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, J.K. Scudder, 1922

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

Kuhn, M., Winston, D., Herbal Therapy & Supplements-A Scientific & Traditional Approach, Lippincott, 2001

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