Breathe freely with herbal support

03. January 2022 — von F. D.

Airways filled with mucus, difficulty breathing and coughing are unpleasant symptoms that can restrict and slow down everyday life. Anyone who has ever had a cold that penetrates deep into the bronchial tubes knows this only too well. As with us humans, free breathing also contributes significantly to the well-being of our pets. Romping, sleeping, doing everyday things and simply being an animal - all this goes much better with clear airways than if they are constricted or irritated, making breathing difficult.

The airways can become congested or irritated due to various symptoms or diseases, making it difficult to breathe freely. This can be caused by excessive mucus production, intense contractions of the bronchial muscles or a cough caused by irritation of the mucous membranes. Most of the time, these symptoms are of infectious origin. But once irritated, the respiratory system becomes more vulnerable to secondary infections caused by other pathogens.

Clearing the airways of our animals can therefore significantly increase their well-being and also - to some extent - protect them from further infections. Some of the following herbal preparations can help restore healthy breathing:

Thyme

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional respiratory medicine and is often found in large numbers in monastery gardens. Thyme contains flavonoids and triterpenes, and the main substances of essential oil made from thyme are thymol and carvacrol. The components of this plant are said to have a decongestant and secretolytic effect as well as to have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes. Some sources even mention anti-inflammatory properties. The expectorant properties of thyme have been recognized for centuries, making it a particularly suitable ingredient for supporting the respiratory tract.

Ivy

Ivy, Hedera Helix, has also been known for a very long time as a medicinal plant. It contains saponins such as α-hederin and hederacoside C; the latter is also metabolised to α-hederin in the body. It inhibits the internalisation of β2-adrenergic receptors in the alveolar epithelium. Despite the frequent activation of receptors by the adrenaline ligand, there is no development of tolerance; sensitivity is maintained or increased due to the high number of receptors. Binding of adrenaline to β2 receptors causes an increase in surfactant formation in the alveolar epithelium, which thins the bronchial mucus and facilitates expectoration. The same mechanism acts on β2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi, which relaxes more easily. As a result, ivy promotes the dissolution of mucus and the dilation of the bronchi.

Lancet plantain

Lancet plantain is a herb that is also widely used in traditional herbal medicine to support the respiratory tract. It contains mucilage in the form of polysaccharides which are deposited on the mucous membranes to form a mechanical protective film with an anti-irritant effect. Tannins are another important component of plantain which forms a protective film on the mucous membranes. They have a decongestant effect, reduce mucosal sensitivity and prevent irritation.

Manuka honey

Until now, manuka honey has not been used extensively to support the respiratory tract, but it has proven itself in other applications and is now being used increasingly in human and veterinary medicine. Like all other honeys, manuka has an inhibitory effect on bacteria simply because of its high sugar content, as it deprives them and their environment of water. When the honey comes into contact with water, it also produces hydrogen peroxides which can directly damage the cell wall of bacteria.

The special feature of manuka honey is that it contains another antimicrobial ingredient: methylglyoxal. This substance has an antimicrobial effect against many bacteria, even against multi-resistant germs. In addition, it inhibits the formation of biofilms, which makes it much more difficult for pathogens to establish themselves on surfaces. So far, no resistance to methylglyoxal has been proven.

The methylglyoxal content is expressed as MGO. The higher the value, the greater the concentration of methylglyoxal and the stronger the antimicrobial effect of the manuka honey. When used in preparations to support the respiratory tract, manuka honey is therefore supposed to have a defensive effect against bacterial agents and thus prevent potential infection. Finally, honey relieves mucosal irritation due to its viscosity and makes orally administered products taste better.