Protective and Purifying Foods, Herbs and Spices for the Lungs

Without breath there is no life. More and more people have become mindful of how important taking a deep breath is, especially in times of stress and high anxiety. These days we are exposed to so many toxins from the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat.

Our lungs are constantly filtering out toxins, but we still need to do our part to help and support them. Below I have listed some of the most common lung imbalances and the foods, herbs and spices to consume and avoid.

Phlegm in the lungs, to help reduce and expel phlegm

Consume:

• Fennel
• Fenugreek
• Flax seeds
• Horseradish
• Fresh ginger
• Radish
• Nettles
• Sprouts

Avoid:

• All dairy foods
• Mammal meats
• Peanuts
• Soy products (including tempeh, miso)
• All sweeteners (stevia is ok)

Chronic Lung Infection / Inflammation (dry cough)

Consume:

• Seaweed
• Spirulina
• Chlorella
• Oranges
• Pears
• Apples
• Watermelon
• Bananas
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Flax seeds
• Marshmallow root
• Slippery elm bark

Avoid:

• Spicy foods
• Dairy products
• Eggs

Weak voice, limited speech, coughing and shortness of breath

Consume:

• Rice
• Oats
• Carrots
• Mustard greens
• Sweet potato
• Potato
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Licorice root
• Primarily cooked foods

Avoid:

• Citrus foods
• Salt
• All dairy products
• Spinach
• Seaweeds
• Micro-algae (chlorella is ok)

“Health is your biggest asset. Invest in it and it will pay dividends.” NM