Health
Here are some tips to Cleanse and Detox Your Lungs by Linda Vaughn
In a health class or Biology 101 you were probably introduced to the workings of the lungs. First, you learned that we each have two. They’re located in the thoracic or chest area of the body. You learned that they bring life-sustaining oxygen into the body when we inhale and expel carbon monoxide when we exhale. You probably remember as a kid at the pool being challenged to see who among your friends or relatives could hold their breath underwater the longest!
Since we no longer live in that care-free world of childhood, we realize how precious our lungs are to our overall well-being and seek ways to improve their function. Today there are more air pollutants and irritants that make cleansing and strengthening our lungs part of our basic health concerns. A cleanse can expel environmental toxins from the lungs and allow the delicate respiratory linings of the bronchial passages to thrive again. Cleansing will remove accumulated mucus from the airways to improve circulation to the lungs. If you suffer with asthma, chronic bronchitis, throat infections or even bad breath, an at-home cleanse can improve your condition along with some lifestyle and dietary changes. Let’s get started.
10 ways to cleanse and detoxify your lungs
1. Water
- Stay hydrated…minimum 8 cups
2. Deep Breathing
To improve the lung capacity, clear and cleanse airways, and ease stress.
- Lie on your back in a quiet comfortable spot (inside or out).
- Place one hand on your abdomen, and the other on your chest.
- With your eyes closed, inhale deeply through your nose as you count to 5.
- Hold your breath for 2 seconds, and then breathe out 1-2-3-4-5.
- Your goal is to do deep breathing exercises up to 10 times per session, 2 or 3 times a day.
3. Castor Oil Pack (organic, cold-pressed oil)
This treatment can reduce inflammation in the lungs, abdomen, or liver by eliminating toxins. It can be a little messy, so secure a location and all items before you start, and if possibly get a family member or friend to assist you.
- Cut a swath of wool flannel to cover the chest area.
- Soak the cloth in a cup of warm castor oil.
- Encase the chest with plastic wrap to cover the cloth.
- Lie down on a prepared surface with a heating pad for an hour or two.
- After the treatment rinse off the oil with warm water.
- This process can be repeated twice a week for a month.
4. Oregano(herb)
Oregano contains two important ingredients, carvacrol and terpenes to help cleanse the lungs. It reduces inflammation and congestion in the lungs, and the nasal passage airflow is improved resulting in a healthy respiratory tract.
- 2 cups of oregano tea daily improves asthma or other respiratory problems. Steep the tea, fresh or dried oregano in hot water for about 5 minutes.
- Try a few drops of oregano oil into a cup of a warm drink helps as well.
- Cooking with fresh or dried oregano is also good for the lungs
5. Regular Exercise
- Any activity done for at least 30 minutes a day improves your lungs’ health. Try cycling, walking, jogging, jumping rope, dancing, weight lifting…the choice is yours.
6. Ginger
Ginger grows in China, India, Africa, and other warm climates. The odd looking spice is used for its flavoring enhancement, but also good to treat an upset stomach, nausea, and to detoxify your lungs. It effectively eliminates air pollutants from the air passages and improves blood circulation.
- Prepare to drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea daily for strong lungs.
- Boil 1 teaspoon of sliced grated ginger in 1 or 1½ cups of water. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain into a cup; you may add lemon juice and honey to taste.
7. Peppermint
Another good option to naturally cleanse the lungs is fresh peppermint or peppermint oil because of its menthol content.
- Chewing 3 to 5 peppermint leaves each day strengthens the lungs.
- To treat congestion, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a pot of hot water and inhale the steam.
- Use it as a tea (Caution: unless you have a history of gallstones).
8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is highly beneficial as a decongestant for the lungs. Its medicinal properties can ease a cough, congestion and soothe sinus passages.
- Simply add 5 to 10 drops of the essential oil to a bowl or basin of hot water.
- With a large enough towel to drape over your head, lean over the basin or bowl and breathe in the steam.
- Inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day to cleanse the lungs when suffering with congestion.
9. Do a survey of your diet
Studies show that people who eat a lot of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli,cabbage, bok choy, and cauliflower have fewer respiratory ailments. Remember what your mom said? Eat your vegetables!If you notice a change in your physical well-being (congestion) after consuming a food let’s say cow’s milk (made for baby cows), try an alternative. Look around alternatives are available online and in just about every grocery store. If you become bloated, nauseated, or the next morning you notice that your eyes are covered with a dried substance, that’s your body trying to alert you to a problem with that food. Please don’t disregard this warning!Remember, the body is fearfully and wonderfully made!
10. Yoga
Yoga not only improves your flexibility,strengthens muscles, bones, but the practice also increases your lung capacity because every movement incorporates the breath. There are several types of yoga available on DVDs, YouTube, Books, and after the pandemic…check out live classes at your community centers. Let’s say your mobility is somewhat compromised, try “chair yoga.” The yoga movements are performed using a chair. As your strength improves, you can progress to a yoga mat. You can practice on your patio, in your living room, in the park, and even start your yoga stretches before you get out of bed!As a practitioner of several years, I can attest to its benefits to my overall health.
Lifestyle choices/changes are fundamental to your respiratory health
- Quit smoking!
- Make your home a no-smoking zone.
- Stay away from second-hand smoke
- If your home is carpeted, invest in a good vacuum cleaner (HEPPA filters).
- Consider replacing old dusty carpet
- Regularly clean and dust around the house
- Remove toxic cleansers
- Check air fresheners, or plug-ins for their chemical makeup
- Use houseplants as air filters(Mother-in-law’s tongue, Aloe Vera…)
- Invest in a water filtration system
- Change AC filters, regularly
- Radon gas test your home
- Carbon monoxide test your home
- Pets that share our space require regular grooming, cleaning.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Check your local air quality report
- Use a good quality humidifier for a balanced humidity level.
- Take a hot shower or sit in a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes to aid detoxification. (Check out a home sauna on the market)
- As soon as possible wean yourself off alcohol, soda and coffee.
- Consider adopting the practice of no shoes in the bedroom (Slippers, okay)
- It’s never too late to learn to play a wind instrument. In so doing you will increase your lung strength and endurance.(Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…sing!)
Coronavirus
Open doors and windows to let in fresh air to increase air circulation in the home. If possible, wait 24 hours before beginning your spring cleaning and disinfecting. If there’s suspected Convid-19 persons in isolation in the home, follow Interim Guidance for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection for U.S. Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Did you know this amazing body is believed to be able to last 2-3 days without food and water? Not so with the breath! Make your health your wealth.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
