Due to the importance of air to humans, respiratory problems should be paid serious attention. Also, because of the connection between the respiratory-digestive-lymphatic-immune systems, major changes are needed to combat respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Adopt these tips to develop a thriving respiratory system:
The most important thing anyone can do for them self is drink water. A properly hydrated body more readily cleanses itself. Mucus is not as thick so as to cause congestion of airways; and lymphatic stagnation becomes rare. In fact, dehydration is one of the root causes of adult asthma.
Exercise is absolutely critical to lymphatic flow. Exercise makes things move in the body. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to sluggish lymph systems and hence to respiratory congestions. The accelerated elimination of toxins from the body via sweating, and high amounts of oxygen inhaled during exercise are enough to change things in the body.
Deep breathing exercise sessions several times a day ensure proper respiratory function and therefore keep most health problems at bay. Here’s how to breathe properly. Contrary to popular belief exercise really does not cause asthma. Physical exertion is contemporaneous with labored breathing which poses risks for an asthma attack. It is a risk factor rather than a causative one. See our “Asthma Scoop” for more on exercise-induced asthma.
For more information on this, refer to “Exercising with asthma” on our exercise page.
Another cool way of exercising the respiratory system is to play a wind instrument. Wind instruments task our 
breathing and “teach” the body how to utilize air properly. They often involve long breaths in and out of the lungs, strengthening the respiratory organs, with one side effect: you make music while you play them!
Pick any one today such as a trumpet, flute, or my personal favorite, a harmonica. Harmonicas are so cool; they are portable and easy to play. See you at the Blues Lounge!
Get some herbal aid. Herbs are very effective in freeing up the lungs and airways to improve respiratory health. Our herb of the month, Mullein is king of every respiratory ailment (see more in herbs). Some herbs such as Capsicum, Garlic and Elecampane decongest mucus from the lungs to improve breathing. It does not matter much how they are taken; teas, soups, extracts, tinctures, capsules, and even poultices may all remedy respiratory ailments so long as they are natural.
The herbal relaxant, Lobelia has a profound effect on the respiratory and nervous systems. Perfect for asthma sufferers (aka “Asthma Weed”). Lobelia extract + pineapple juice relieves asthma quicker than you can say Lobelia inflata! It can be rubbed on the feet, especially for kids’ asthma. Fenugreek, Thyme, Yerba Santa, Marshmallow are other powerful herbs for the respiratory system. Combinations such as ALJ, FOUR and BREATHE EZ may also be helpful.
My favorite respiratory remedy is the Ancient Chinese secret essential oil blend called Tei Fu. It consists of several
Zhongfu: acupuncture Lung meridian
essential oils including safflower, menthol, and wintergreen. Tei Fu Oil brings amazing relief to respiratory ailments when massaged on the front of the shoulder area; an acupuncture pressure point known as Zhongfu or LU1 (LU stands for lung).
Zhongfu is the first point along the lung meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine; massaging it with Tei Fu Oil may bring relief to many respiratory ailments such as snoring, sleep apnea, and even an asthma attack.
Bee Pollen is yet another miraculous remedy. It is considered a strong immune stimulant and generator of health. This is because it helps restore body proteins broken down by toxins and environmental pollutants. When body proteins break down, histamine is produced; causing several allergic reactions. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is convinced that Bee Pollen cured his allergic asthma. See more on Bee Pollen here.
Dietary changes are also a must when dealing with respiratory or lymphatic problems. Heavy consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream is known to cause excess mucus production, as well as slow down lymphatic flow. Sometimes eliminating dairy completely from diet is needed to find relief.
Allergies to foods such as wheat, peanuts, corn, and eggs are often the culprit of respiratory problems, especially asthma. A fast maybe needed to determine if a particular food triggers allergic reactions. A lung function test may also be required before asthma is diagnosed (see “Asthma Scoop” for more details).
While diary may cause congestion, and some other foods may trigger allergic reactions; spicy foods such as cayenne 
pepper, Ginger, salsa, hot mustard, Garlic and Horseradish aid lymphatic flow and relieve respiratory congestion. They also aid digestion, and thus improve lymph drainage. Other herbs that help in this area are Fenugreek, Thyme, Yerba Santa, Marshmallow, and our herb of the month, Mullein.
A 15-minute upper body massage once a week may help relieve breathing discomfort and wheezing by identifying stress and relieving tensed muscles. This is especially useful for asthma symptoms. The use of acupressure to relieve respiratory problems is common practice in the Orient.
Regular bowel movement (2-3 times per day) is important for lymphatic health. Many people require a colon cleanse to ensure proper functioning. A free colon means a decongested lymphatic system; which in turn frees up the respiratory system. See “Types of Cleanses” to find out the type of cleanse the may be right for you.