5+1 Herbs for respiratory infection!

What is a respiratory infection?

Respiratory infections are the most popular and common infections worldwide, with the majority of people suffering from at least one infection a year, especially in the winter months.

Since respiratory infections can affect:

• the nasal cavity
• the bronchi
• the lungs

they are very difficult to classify, as their severity varies and depends very much on the patient’s state of health and age.

Respiratory infections are divided into two types:[1]

• Upper respiratory system (pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis)
• Lower respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia), which in fact show longer duration and severity.

Respiratory infection symptoms

Since we have classified respiratory infections based on the part they affect, let’s also classify their symptoms.

Regarding upper respiratory infections, we encounter symptoms such as: [1][2]

• cough
• fever
• hoarseness
• nasal congestion and runny nose
• sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes (in the neck area)
• severe feeling of fatigue (myalgias, arthralgias)

On the other hand, in lower respiratory tract infections, symptoms may intensify and increase in severity. For example, you may notice:

• severe cough with phlegm
• shortness of breath
• whistling
• chest pain
• blue tint of the skin (in more severe cases – severe respiratory infection)

Respiratory infection causes

In general, the transfer of a microorganism to our respiratory tract can lead to a respiratory system infection.

Specifically [2]:

• viruses (flu, respiratory syncytial virus -RSV),
• bacteria, such as streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus,
• fungi (mainly in immunocompromised people),
• mycoplasma, which is neither a virus nor a bacterium, but a microorganism with characteristics of both,

they can enter our body and infect the respiratory system after shaking hands with a patient or by touching a contaminated surface and then placing our hands in or near the mouth.

How long does a respiratory infection last?

Depending on the type of microorganism (virus or bacteria) and the health status of each person, the symptoms may subside within a few days or even weeks.

For example, a post-infectious cough may persist even for 4 weeks after all other symptoms have subsided. [3] Most commonly, respiratory (usually upper) infections resolve on their own and last 1-2 weeks at most.

In any case, if the symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it would be advisable to consult your attending physician.

Herbs for respiratory infection

Among the most effective herbs traditionally used to treat respiratory infections are the following:

1. Thyme

Thyme, and specifically the dry extract obtained from its leaves and flowers, has been used for thousands of years to treat cough (especially productive). [4]

In addition, it contains Vitamins C, A and iron, which contribute to strengthening the immune system and mostly to faster recovery.

2. Sage

Sage, in addition to its other beneficial properties, offers excellent protection to the respiratory system.[5]

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antimicrobial properties, it helps manage cough.

In fact, when combined with echinacea, it seems to contribute to faster recovery from the symptoms of the common cold and flu.

3. Olive Tree leaves

Olive leaf extract has been characterized for its antiviral properties. In fact, eleuropein, one of the main components of olive leaf extract, provides important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties.[6]

According to newer studies, it contributes to faster recovery from flu and cold symptoms.

4. Oregano oil

Oregano oil, thanks to its active compounds thymol and carvacrol, is traditionally used for its direct therapeutic effects on the respiratory system and the normalization of flu and common cold symptoms. In fact, it provides benefit, relieving persistent spasmodic cough.[7]

Furthermore, its composition of certain vitamins and minerals (Vitamin A, C, zinc, iron) contributes to the shielding of the immune system.

5. Eucalyptus

Both the essential oil of eucalyptus and the dry extract of its leaves have been used for years to improve the symptoms of the common cold and cough in particular. [8]

In addition, its beneficial effect in cases of bronchitis is proven. It is likely that these actions are due to its antibacterial properties.

6. Garlic

Garlic, thanks to the active compound allicin it contains, provides antiseptic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

In this way it contributes not only to the improvement of upper respiratory symptoms, but also to the strengthening of the immune system.[9]

Respiratory infection & diet

Studies show that there was a lower risk of pneumonia, flu and other respiratory infections when participants consumed [10][11]:

• coffee
• tea
• oily fish
• nuts (raw & unsalted)
• fruits

Conversely, the risk increased with red meat consumption.

In addition, the consumption of foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, olives) contributes to the strengthening of the intestinal flora and at the same time to the shielding of the immune system.

In a more general context, it is necessary to eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which will provide the required support and stimulation of the body’s defense mechanisms.

A well-balanced diet plays a key role in protecting our body from respiratory infections.

Find at Vita4you.gr a wide variety of supplements for respiratory system!