Craig’s New 6 Ingredient Lung Repair Elixir is a well recognized herbal remedy that assists the lungs in the healing process to stay healthy with medicinal properties.
The new 6 ingredient elixir contains a mixture of herbs that have been traditionally used to treat lung infections and promote health and nutrition. This includes mullein leaf, peppermint leaf, licorice root, marshmallow root, eleuthero root, plantain leaf, and honey.
Mullein Leaf
Mullein (Verbascum), has been used for hundreds of years to treat infections of the respiratory tract. Mullein Leaf contains a soothing effect on the respiratory lining and expectorant effects- meaning it reduces the thickness of bronchial secretions. These two effects help alleviate a dry and painful cough by helping the individual rest and more easily expel mucus through coughing.
According to a 2010 report by McCarthy and O’Mahony, mullein is among many medicinal herbs that are being re-studied for their antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. Because of mullein’s historical association with the treatment of mycobacterial infections, mullein is of particular interest. Mullein is being researched for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), which is not only deadly but also has antibiotic-resistant strains.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an herb that is well-known for its medicinal properties and soothing effect. Peppermint contains antibacterial properties and contains menthol which soothes the airway and alleviates sore throat. Drinking peppermint teas can be remarkably helpful for calming the nerves as it is caffeine-free and hot beverages can help the body relax. Medically, the herb has been used for hundreds to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory infections, congestion, illnesses, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety. Peppermint is useful for digestive issues because the herb relaxes muscles of the digestive tract and stimulates bile production.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is a medicinal herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a variety of ailments. Records of licorice root’s medical use can be found in Shen Nog’s Classic of Meteria Medica, an ancient book on the use of herbs and other substances for pharmacological use. A 2015 review by Liqiang W., Rui Y., Bochuan Y., Ying L., and Chunsheng L., found that numerous studies have isolated compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral properties for licorice root. The review mentions that several studies have found glycyrrhizin (GL), a triterpenoid, has been reported to have an inhibiting effect on influenza and its viral polymerase activity (need to replicate the virus).
While licorice root is still being studied for its medicinal properties, many people use the herb in their household for homeopathic purposes. Internally, the herb can be used as mouthwash and lozenges to help with a sore throat. Externally, the herb’s recommended use is for topicals used for eczema and itchy skin. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and kidney disease should be cautious with licorice root and should consult their prescribing physician before undertaking any licorice root treatment.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root and marshmallow leaf are commonly used herbs for their medicinal properties. The roots can be used to help treat respiratory infection symptoms. Due to its soothing and decongestant effects on the respiratory tract the root can also alleviate and open up the airways to loosen up mucus. Like most herbal medicines, marshmallow root is being studied for its medicinal properties. Any individual with a chronic illness, metabolic dysfunction (diabetes), medical prescriptions, and pregnant should always consult a physician before undertaking any kind of herbal treatment or supplement.
Eleuthero Root
Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), is used to treat common cold symptoms. The root may help shorten the length and severity of the common cold when taken with Andrographis, another herbal remedy. Eleuthero root is being studied for the treatment of arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure but more research is still needed.
Plantain Leaf
Plantain has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic conditions. According to a 2018 study by Younes N., , has a history of being used to treat asthma, tuberculosis, as well as lung and pleural (a membrane surrounding the lungs) lesions. The article mentioned how an increased immune response has been correlated with the use of plantain leaf extracts, this may be beneficial for fighting infections.
Like always, when you’re sick or trying something new through food as medication consult a Doctor or Nutritionist beforehand to see if it’s right for you.
References
- McCarthy, E., & O’Mahony, J. M. (2010, September 19). What’s in a Name? Can Mullein Weed Beat TB Where Modern Drugs Are Failing? Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/239237
- Wang, L., Yang, R., Yuan, B., Liu, Y., & Liu, C. (2015, February 5). The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26579460/
- “Licorice Root.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root.
- Najafian, Y., Hamedi, S. S., Farshchi, M. K., & Feyzabadi, Z. (2018, February 25). Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29629064
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