Herbal Support for Coughs, Colds and Seasonal Irritation

Breathing is something we often take for granted until it’s compromised by congestion, coughing, or inflammation. When your lungs aren’t clear, even everyday breathing can feel like a struggle. Herbal remedies may offer gentle support to help you breathe easier and recover more comfortably.

Breathing not only sustains life, but when done properly, can also enhance overall health. As Andrew Weil, MD, the well-known natural medicine educator states, “Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”¹ Of course, we can’t achieve these deeper benefits until we’re breathing clearly.

Respiratory Conditions

Several respiratory conditions can interfere with breathing, most commonly bronchitis and asthma. Both involve inflammation and excess mucous in the airways, and may fall under chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) when persistent or recurring.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed and congested; symptoms may include coughing, excess mucous, sore throat, chills, and fever.

It can be acute, usually triggered by colds or infections and resolving in a few weeks, or chronic, as seen in smokers, allergy sufferers, or those exposed to irritants. Chronic bronchitis reduces oxygen exchange and may strain the heart over time.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition marked by airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, often in response to allergens or irritants. When triggered, muscles around the airways tighten and fill with mucous, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Asthma may be allergic (e.g. from pollen, animal dander, food) or nonallergic (e.g. from stress, bronchitis, cold air, or inherited factors). Rising levels of pollution are linked to the growing prevalence of asthma.²

In severe cases, asthma can become life-threatening if not properly managed. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and care.

Other respiratory conditions include the following:

Common Cold: Typically caused by a rhinovirus, colds are marked by congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. A prolonged cold can lead to bronchitis or sinus infections.

Allergies: When the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, mould, or pet dander, it can trigger respiratory symptoms such as congestion, coughing, wheezing, or itchy eyes. These reactions may resemble cold symptoms, but seasonal allergies like hay fever typically last longer and recur annually.

Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the lung’s air sacs (alveoli), pneumonia may stem from viruses or bacteria and cause coughing, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Herbs for Respiratory Conditions

Traditional herbal medicine has long used plant-based remedies to help relieve respiratory symptoms like mucous buildup, dry coughs, and airway irritation. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used herbs:

 Marshmallow Root

• Traditionally used as a demulcent to soothe irritated throat tissue and dry coughs³
• Approved in Europe for dry coughs, mucous control, and laryngitis⁴

 Nettle Herb (Stinging Nettle)

• Helps relieve seasonal allergy symptoms⁵
• Supports T cell production and may be helpful for hay fever and food sensitivities⁶

 Ginger Root

• Traditionally used to ease coughs, colds, and bronchitis as an expectorant and anti-tussive⁷

Astragalus Root

• Used in TCM to support lung function and frequent colds⁸
• Supports immune system maintenance⁹

Thyme Leaf

• Acts as an expectorant and spasmolytic for cough and bronchitis¹⁰
• Helps expel mucous by stimulating bronchial hairs¹¹

Linden Flower

• Traditionally used to calm coughs and throat irritation in colds and catarrh¹²

Fenugreek Seed

• Used to relieve mucous buildup in the upper respiratory tract¹³
• Traditionally used in Ayurveda for coughs, fever, and bronchitis¹⁴

Cloves

• Clove oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties¹⁵

Honey

• Naturally antibacterial and soothing for the throat

Eucalyptus

• Traditionally used to ease nasal congestion and support respiratory comfort¹⁶

Cinnamon

• Offers antibacterial and antifungal properties¹⁷

Support for Stubborn Coughs and Seasonal Irritations

Some colds pass quickly. But for those dealing with lingering dry coughs, throat irritation, or seasonal allergy flare-ups, support from herbs may help ease the burden.

Respir First from Health First is a unique liquid herbal formula that supports the respiratory system, eases throat irritation, and helps the body respond to allergens naturally.

Why Choose Respir First?

• Helps relieve bronchitis and seasonal coughs
• Soothes dry coughs and throat irritation
• Supports relief from seasonal allergy symptoms
• Helps maintain a healthy immune system
• Provides antioxidant support
• A traditional, plant-based approach to respiratory wellness

 Sweetened with honey, cloves, and cinnamon, Respir First is a pleasant-tasting herbal tonic that fits easily into your daily wellness routine.

How to Use Respir First

To get the most from Respir First, here are some simple ways to enjoy it as part of your daily routine:

• Can be enjoyed cold or warm. The herbs are heat stable, so try 1–3 tablespoons daily in hot water as a soothing herbal tea.
• Contains limited preservatives, so keep refrigerated after opening and use within 6–8 weeks.
• To extend shelf life, freeze Respir First in ice cube trays. These herbal cubes make a calming lozenge and can also be added to hot water for tea.
• Ideal for supporting respiratory health during seasonal allergies, coughs, colds, and times of poor air quality.

References:
1. drweil.com “Three breathing exercises”
2. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” 4^thP 224.
3. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Marshmallow Root.
4. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 98.
5. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Nettle Root.
6. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 142.
7. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Ginger.
8. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Astragalus.
9. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 28.
10. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Thyme.
11. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 144.
12. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Linden flower.
13. NHPD, Health Canada. Single ingredient monograph: Fenugreek.
14. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 67.
15. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 50.
16. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 65.
17. Balch, Phyllis A., “Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2^nd” Avery. 2012. p. 49.

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