How do New Zealand native plants help with respiratory conditions?
We are blessed in New Zealand to have a wide range of native herbs that can really assist with respiratory health are these are real allies in natural medicine chest.
Manuaka Honey – there is increasing evidence that a single dose of honey helps to reduce cough and muscus secretions in children and in clinical trials honey was found to be equal if not better than diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions as well as relieve cough caused by
minor throat or airway irritation.
This study was not done on Manuka honey but I believe our honey is the best in the world, I also highly recommend rewarewa honey if you can get this. Honey is one of our greatest natural healers but some people are sensitive to it.
http://www.cochrane.org/CD007094/ARI_honey-for-acute-cough-in-children
Kawakawa – one of our most popular and best known native herbs, warming, pleasant tasting tea for colds, coughs and upper respiratory ailments and can also be used as a gargle for strep throat and infected tonsils.
Akeake - is a native New Zealand tree (indigenous to all contents) and has been used for medicine by Maori tribes in their rongoa traditions for generations, with antiviral and antibacterial properties akeake is excellent for coughs, fevers and colds.
Hoheria - this lovely herb soothes inflamed tissues, useful in bronchitis, coughs and asthma.
Kumerahou- this is one of our best allies and treasures in our native medicines, but it is very bitter and sometimes like good things some of the worst tasting is the best for us. Very effective in treating bronchitis and asthma this powerful expectorant is very good to shift that stubborn cough that just won’t resolve. Also used for Tuberculosis (TB).
Manuka – antibacterial, antifungal and anti- inflammatory, used for fevers, coughs & colds and to treat both bacterial and fungal infections. A good immune booster and widely used in inhalation for colds.
Kohekohe – can be used with spasmodic coughing, haemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Pukatea – Useful for persistent painful coughs.
Horipito – very hot and peppery used for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Steam inhalations – got to love them, what is better than a deep bath steeping in these beautiful herbs if not you can use a bowl for steam inhalation or a good old fashioned bucket with herbs steeping in them to fill the room.
Inhalation is particularly useful for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, herbs used kawakawa,manuka, rewarewa, horipito (watch this one is very hot and if rubbed into eyes painful). Be aware not to have the water too hot or too close to your face as this can steam burn the skin.
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I have crafted a range of native herbal respiratory & immune formulas to treat all
manner of complaints and I can make you a formula that is individualized for your health
ailments. I also make chest rubs, creams and ointments for aching joints and many other
common complaints.