Understanding Herbalist & Alchemist Lung Formulas
Consumers are turning to herbal formulations to support their health. Why do they have mixed levels of success?
- Trained herbalists create formulas for an individual person, not the condition.
- “Off the shelf” formulas are designed for conditions that often manifest differently depending upon the individual.
Clinical herbalist, author, and educator David Winston RH(AHG) resisted the idea of selling pre-made formulas for years, but changed his mind after finding himself using similar combinations of herbs over time with good results.
- H&A formulas combine herbs targeted for conditions, but specific enough to ensure they work.
- The Difference? Within various condition-specific categories, David has developed subcategories for various ways that conditions manifest.
Knowing the Energetics of Herbs and using them correctly:
- For our Lung Formulas – herb energetics focus the formula and the name of the product indicates the condition you want to change.
- Herbs that are energetically warming and drying when used on a hot dry condition might exacerbate the condition.
- So, for a hot and dry condition, use herbs that are energetically cooling and moistening.
Change Formulas as Conditions Change
- As the condition evolves changing to a different combination of herbs may be needed.
- If the original hot/damp condition has consumed the lung yin and left the tissue dry and depleted, time to use tonic, moistening and restorative herbs.
- David Winston’s book Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for Herbs and Herbal Formulas describes all his formulas to help guide selection. Follow the label recommendations unless otherwise directed by a practitioner.
Understanding Lung Formulas
common lung conditions:
- Damp: runny nose, excess mucous
- Dry: little or no discharge or mucous, sticky mucus
- Cold: mucous is clear or white, normal temperature, person feels cold
- Hot: yellow, green or bloody mucous, person feels hot
- Spasmodic: sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles
formula name addresses what you are trying to change:
CONTAINS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Wild Cherry bark (Prunus virginiana), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus), Lobelia herb in flower and seed (Lobelia inflata), Wild Lettuce herb (Lactuca virosa), Khella seed (Ammi visnaga), vegetable glycerin, and Apple Cider vinegar.
INDICATIONS: This formula is effective for respiratory conditions with spasmodic or ticklish throat and associated intercostal or minor back pain.
ACTIVITY: This formula contains herbs that are antispasmodic (Wild Cherry bark, Licorice, Khella, Wild Lettuce), soothing (Licorice, Mullein), and ease the discomfort of minor pain (Wild Cherry bark, Lobelia, and Wild Lettuce). Khella relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi. Lobelia helps maintain normal bronchial health. Licorice effectively addresses ticklish throat. It also has demulcent (yin tonic) and expectorant properties. Licorice, Lobelia and Mullein are expectorants and can help expel sticky, hard-to-expectorate mucus.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Dry air can exacerbate a dry throat. A good humidifier can help increase humidity in our homes especially during the dry winter months. Magnesium deficiency can increase spasm, inducing respiratory spasms and a lack of omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) can promote inflammation and airway hyperactivity. Dust mites, particulates, animal dander and pollen can also cause irritation.
ADDITIONAL USEFUL HERBS: Immune Balance Compound™, Amla, or Blueberry or Pomegranate/Goji berry.
CONTAINS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris), Yerba Santa leaf (Eriodictyon californicum), Orange peel (Citrus aurantium), Ginger rhizome (Zingiberis officinalis) and Osha root (Ligusticum porterii).
INDICATIONS: Use this formula for respiratory conditions associated with excessive mucus or fluid in the lungs, and sinuses. In a cold/damp condition, the mucus is profuse and clear or white in color. The person feels cold, may have chills, a pale, wet tongue, a slow pulse, and they crave warmth. Other symptoms which indicate a cold/damp condition include fatigue, cloudy thinking, edema or profuse clear urination, dyspnea, wheezing, postnasal drip, or a runny nose.
ACTIVITY: These herbs are warming and drying. They have expectorant and circulation enhancing effects. Osha, Orange Peel, Ginger, and Yerba Santa help balance histamine production and reduce nasal secretions. Thyme, Yerba Santa and Osha promote healthy bronchial function and are expectorants, they help expel mucus, and promote freer breathing. In combination, these herbs will dry up excessive secretions and promote expectoration.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy and cold/dry, hot/dry or hot/damp respiratory tract conditions.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Steam inhalations with 1-3 drops of warming essential oils (Marjoram, Cinnamon or Oregano) in a kettle of boiling water can help relieve cold/damp lung conditions.Violet.
CONTAINS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Spikenard root (Aralia racemosa), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Prince Seng root (Pseudostellaria heterophylla), Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) and Chinese Asparagus root (Asparagus cochinchinensis).
INDICATIONS: This formula is indicated for respiratory conditions associated with dry coughs with little or no mucus (if there is mucus, it is sticky, clear, or white), chills, wheezing, and a dry mouth. From a TCM perspective this would be considered a deficient yin syndrome. The original hot/damp condition has consumed the lung yin and left the tissue dry and depleted. Cold/dry lung conditions can also be caused by breathing excessively dry air, especially in the winter.
ACTIVITY: The herbs in this formula are nourishing yin tonics, which moisten the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. They enhance normal mucus production, strengthen the lungs and the wei qi (protective qi). Licorice, Prince Seng, Astragalus, and Chinese Asparagus are immune system tonics. Prince Seng and Licorice are also Qi tonics helping to relieve fatigue and debility. Spikenard is a warming and moistening expectorant which helps to eliminate dry, sticky mucus.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy and cold/damp, hot/damp or hot/dry respiratory tract conditions.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Dry air can exacerbate dry spasmodic or ticklish coughs. A good humidifier can help increase humidity in our homes especially during the dry winter months.
Violet.
CONTAINS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Japanese Honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica), Ground Ivy herb (Glechoma hederacea), Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa), Huang Qin root (Scutellaria baicalensis) and White Sage leaf (Salvia apiana).
INDICATIONS: In hot/damp respiratory conditions, the sputum is yellow, green, or bloody. The patient may also have red inflamed tonsils, a red tongue with a thick yellow moss (lingual coating), and a rapid slippery pulse. Other signs indicating a hot/damp condition include a strong desire for cool temperatures, irritability, and dark, scalding urine.
ACTIVITY: The herbs in this formula are all strongly active, they reduce excessive secretions and clear damp heat. Pleurisy root is especially useful. It was used by Native Americans, the Thomsonians, Eclectics and Physiomedicalists for treating lung conditions. White Sage is rich in essential oils which numb inflamed nerve endings, helping to reduce minor throat pain. It is also effective for reducing excess mucus production. Ground Ivy enhances expectoration of mucus. Honeysuckle flowers and Huang Qin are especially indicated for respiratory conditions with heat, yellow mucus and minor headaches. This is very effective when used before swallowing.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, and hot/dry, cold/damp or cold/dry respiratory tract conditions. Avoid use in young children.
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ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Steam inhalations with 1-3 drops of cooling essential oils (Eucalyptus, Peppermint or Tea Tree) in 16 oz boiling water can help relieve hot/damp lung conditions.Violet.
CONTAINS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Chinese Asparagus root (Asparagus cochinchinensis), Horehound flowering tops (Marrubium vulgare), Platycodon root (Platycodon grandiflorum), Red Clover blossom (Trifolium pratense) and Elecampane root (Inula helenium).
INDICATIONS: This formula is indicated for respiratory conditions with little or no sputum (if there is mucus, it is difficult to expectorate and usually is yellow or green). The patient may also have dry mouth, a dry, irritative cough, a red, furred tongue, and red, dry, glistening tonsils.
ACTIVITY: Chinese Asparagus (or Tian Men Dong) is a yin tonic used for dry, red mucous membrane tissue. It is frequently used in formulas for dry coughs or dry mouth. Elecampane is a powerful herb that soothes mucous membranes. Platycodon is used in TCM for a wide variety of respiratory problems because it is a non-irritating expectorant. It is frequently used to treat spasmodic coughs and sore throats. Red Clover and Horehound are mild tonic expectorants that moisten the pulmonary tissue and reduce redness. The Eclectics felt Red Clover was especially effective for ticklish throats. All of the herbs in this formula have a mild demulcent effect on the mucous membranes and sooth tissue in the lungs via a reflex action.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Cold/damp, cold/dry, hot/damp respiratory tract conditions.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Dry air can exacerbate hot/dry coughs. A good humidifier can help increase humidity in our homes especially during the dry winter months.