Locally grown herbs for lung health

Posted: April 2021
Author: Phil Rasmussen |  M.Pharm., M.P.S., Dip. Herb. Med.; M.N.I.M.H.(UK),  F.N.Z.A.M.H. 
 

As the count down to winter 2021 begins, arguably it has never been so important to prepare and support our client’s respiratory health over the colder months. 

We thought we would use this opportunity to show case some key respiratory herbs, grown right here in our own country, New Zealand.  With the world as it is currently, it is more relevant than ever to buy local where we can… and why wouldn’t we, when so many medicinal herbs grow so quickly and so well here.

There are many reasons for the quality of New Zealand grown plants, including the relative youth of our landmass, the richness of our soils carved from volcanoes, rainforests and other inputs from nature, and our diverse geography with many different microclimates. There are few countries in the world where one can be sunbathing on the beach in the morning, and skiing in cold alpine temperatures a few hour’s drive away, in the afternoon.

Many plant constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils and phenolic acids, function to protect them against harmful influences or predators.  One of the reasons that plants grow so quickly is thought to be attributed to the hole in the ozone layer in the atmosphere above us. In response to high UV-B light, New Zealand plants have to put greater energies into producing secondary metabolite compounds to protect themselves, many of which have medicinal properties.

New Zealand is also fortunate to have a reasonably strong biosecurity system, together with a relative abundance of water by world standards. Water supplies as well as soil health are critical parameters in producing healthy plants, both for food and for medicines.

We can’t forget to mention Echinacea when writing about high quality New Zealand grown herbs. The high alkylamide levels found in Echinacea grown here are yet another reflection of our ideal growing conditions.  Although the alkylamides are the most well-known constituents in Echinacea, they are not the only ones that make Echinacea a great herb for respiratory and immune health. Echinacea root also contains inulin-like fructans, which are found in foods such as onion and garlic. This prebiotic constituent improves immunity through promoting healthy gut bacteria.

Kumerahou (Pomaderris kumerahou) is the most well-known New Zealand native herb used for treating respiratory conditions.  The leaves of Kumerahou are best known for their use in the form of a decoction or infusion for a wide variety of respiratory ailments.  Growing in the upper north island only, it was traded by Ngāpuhi with Ngai Tahu for pounamu, and widely used for the treatment of coughs, colds and bronchitis. Various early writers reported its popularity for all manner of chest conditions^1,2,3,4,5.

It was also widely used earlier this century to treat tuberculosis, sometimes combined with Koromiko and other herbs ^6,7.  In the 1930’s it became popular also in the treatment of asthma ^2,5,8,9.

Saponins are probably the main constituents responsible for Kumerahou’s reputed efficacy in these bronchial conditions, although these have yet to be characterised.  Many saponin-rich plants are well known expectorants effective in coughs and asthma, including such well-known herbs as Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Senega (Polygala senega).

Elecampane (Inula Helenium) – Elecampane has a well-documented history of use as both a food and medicine, primarily for respiratory complaints. Elecampane contains considerable amounts of volatile oils, which relax and warm the lungs, in addition to its antiseptic action, helping to kill any microbes causing infection. It is useful in aiding a productive cough, encouraging the expulsion of excess mucous from the lungs and promoting a more fluid mucous. The high level of mucilage contained in this herb is also soothing for any irritation to the lining of the lungs, as experienced with a dry cough.

The combination of relaxing and soothing the lungs, while also providing antiseptic and expectorant actions, makes this herb strongly indicated for a wide range of coughs.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) – Early records show horseradish was used as both a food and medicine from the 13th century in Scandinavia, due to its many stimulating and health-promoting effects. While usually taken internally, there is also a history of use as a poultice on the chest for irritated upper and lower respiratory airways and winter bugs.

New Zealand-grown Horseradish is rich in medicinal glucosinolates and contains a small amount of strong volatile oils, which based on traditional herbal practices have the effect of relaxing the lungs, as well as being antiseptic and chemopreventive.

Horseradish supports irritated and congested respiratory airways, encouraging the expulsion of excess mucus and promoting a more fluid mucus. It also acts to stimulate circulation and has a gentle warming action.

References

1. Keys B., MS Papers 407, Alexander Turnbull Library, NLNZ, n.d.
2. Poverty Bay Federation of Women’s Institutes, “Cookery Calender”, Gisborne, 1935?
3. Anon., “Maori Herbal Remedy”, Hawera Star, 4 February, 1935
4. Bennett F.A., “Medicinal Uses for Native flora”, ‘Dominion’, October 29, 1937.
5. Smith, “Maori Medicinal Plants”, Notes from L. Smith, Botany Division, DSIR, Christchurch, 1940.
6. Anon., Article in ‘He Kotuku Kai-Whakaata’ No. 11-12, January-February issue, 1930.
7. Brooker S.G. et al, “New Zealand Medicinal Plants”, Reed Publishing, Auckland, 1987.
8. Fry A.S., “The Aunt Daisy Story”, A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1957.
9. Anon., “Kumarahou” ‘Te Waka Karaitiana’ Vol 1, No. 8, 1934.

KIWIHERB PRODUCTS

If you are looking for off the shelf product recommendations for respiratory health, Kiwiherb offers several products containing some of the herbs mentioned above:

Kiwiherb Lung Care Spray is a certified organic, antioxidant-rich tonic that supports the clearing of airborne pollutants from the lungs. Elecampane, Ginger and Horseradish support lung health; combined with New Zealand-grown Blackcurrant to protect against free radical damage, it's a handy go-to for city dwellers or travellers in polluted environments.

Kiwiherb Organic ImmuneGuard is a unique formulation using potent herbs to support immune and respiratory health. Locally grown Horseradish and Elecampane help clear airways, while our premium organic Echinacea supports immune function.

Kiwiherb Echinature® is premium New Zealand grown Echinacea root with Manuka Honey providing an immune formula for year-round use. This guaranteed high potency formulation has a minimum level of alkylamides, the main active constituents in Echinacea.