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Herbs for Respiratory Health



                                            by Dr. Janet McKenzie, ND, MBA, BSn


       Botanicals are like the “green” version
       of pharmaceuticals and many drugs are
       initially developed from plant extracts.
       When used in their natural form,

       herbs tend to have fewer side effects
       than drugs because of the balancing
       effects of their numerous constituents.
       Caution is still warranted when using
       botanicals, however, since some have
       the potential to be toxic at certain dose
       levels.


       Peppermint, an herb commonly used
       in many products for its wonderful
       flavour, has antimicrobial properties
                                      1
       and relieves muscle spasms  such as
                              2
       those that can occur in airways during
       coughing. Menthol is a highly active constituent of peppermint, known for its ability to suppress cough  and produce a cooling
                                                                                              3
       sensation in inflamed tissues .
                               4

       Eucalyptus is also an herb traditionally used to ease respiration. It is known to have antimicrobial properties  as well as analgesic and
                                                                                                  5
       anti-inflammatory effects .
                             6

       Rosemary is not only a delicious culinary herb; it is also used medicinally in the treatment of respiratory conditions characterized by

       coughing and seems to have antibacterial, antifungal activities .
                                                            7

       Camphor is another traditional cough remedy. It eases air flow and reduces fits of coughing .
                                                                                    8

       Breath is life – make each breath the best it can be.

       References
       1  Iscan G, Kirimer N, Kurkcuoglu M, et al. Antimicrobial screening of Mentha piperita essential oils. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50:3943-6.
       2  Haen, E. [Expectorants, antitussive agents, bronchospasmolytic agents. Therapy of obstructive respiratory tract diseases]. Med Monatsschr.Pharm 1989;12(11):344-355.
       3  Laude, E. A., Morice, A. H., and Grattan, T. J. The antitussive effects of menthol, camphor and cineole in conscious guinea-pigs. Pulm.Pharmacol 1994;7(3):179-184.
       4  Eccles, R. Menthol and related cooling compounds. J Pharm Pharmacol 1994;46(8):618-630.
       5  Takahashi T, Kokubo R, Sakaino M. Antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts and flavonoids from Eucalyptus maculata. Lett Appl Microbiol 2004;39:60-4.
       6  Silva J, Abebe W, Sousa SM, et al. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;89:277-83.
       7  Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
       8  Laude EA, Morice AH, Grattan TJ. The antitussive effects of menthol, camphor and cineole in conscious guinea-pigs. Pulm Pharmacol. 1994 Jun;7(3):179-84.
       Janet McKenzie is a graduate of the University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Queen’s School of Business and the Canadian School of Naturopathic Medicine. She has practices in
       Hamilton and Toronto, and teaches at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
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