Wheezing: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing out, typically a symptom of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Wheezing is usually caused by inflammation, airway constriction, or mucus buildup in the lungs. If left untreated, wheezing can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infections, and reduced lung function. To alleviate wheezing, herbal remedies such as thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger are used in teas, infusions, or capsules.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of wheezing, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of wheezing?

The main causes of wheezing are typically related to obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In these conditions, inflammation and airway constriction cause the airways to narrow, resulting in a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out, known as wheezing. Other causes include allergies, respiratory infections, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can trigger wheezing in susceptible individuals. Additionally, environmental irritants like tobacco smoke, pollution, and dust mites can also contribute to wheezing by irritating the airways and triggering inflammation.

In some cases, wheezing can also be a symptom of cardiac conditions, such as a heart attack or cardiogenic shock, which can compress the airways and disrupt breathing.

• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes the airway muscles to contract and the airway lining to swell, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that damages the airways and makes it difficult to breathe, causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow limitation.
• Allergies: Allergies, such as allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma, trigger the release of histamine and other chemical mediators that cause the airway muscles to contract and the airway lining to swell, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, irritating the airway lining and triggering inflammation and constriction of the airway muscles, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes the airway muscles to contract and the airway lining to swell, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction.
• Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral pneumonia causes inflammation of the lung tissue and airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction and impaired gas exchange.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that causes rapid constriction of the airway muscles and increased mucus production, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction.
• Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, causes air to leak into the space between the lung and chest wall, leading to decreased lung expansion and airflow obstruction, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Heart failure: Right heart failure causes fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to inflammation and constriction of the airway muscles, and decreased lung expansion, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to impaired gas exchange.
• Neuromuscular diseases: Neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis, affect the nerves that control the airway muscles, leading to impaired contraction and relaxation of the airway muscles and resulting in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for wheezing?

The main medicinal herbs used for wheezing are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Ephedra sinica, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, a compound that acts as a bronchodilator, relieving congestion and wheezing by expanding airways. Echinacea purpurea's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, contains thymol, a compound that has antibacterial properties, helping to combat infections that can exacerbate wheezing.

Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory properties, combined with the expectorant properties of Verbascum thapsus, Ginkgo biloba's ability to improve oxygenation, Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory properties, Ephedra sinica's bronchodilator properties, Lavandula angustifolia's anti-inflammatory properties, and Rosmarinus officinalis's antioxidant properties, all contribute to alleviating wheezing symptoms.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with wheezing due to its essential oils, particularly eucalyptol, which has a bronchodilatory effect, relaxing airway smooth muscle and increasing airflow.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help alleviate wheezing symptoms by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to improved respiratory function.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris, or thyme, contains thymol, a compound that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and combat infections that contribute to wheezing.
• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus, or mullein, has mucilaginous properties and contains saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which may help soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reduce inflammation, and alleviate respiratory issues such as wheezing.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which may help reduce inflammation and exert anti-inflammatory effects on the airways, potentially alleviating wheezing symptoms.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate wheezing symptoms due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to improved respiratory function and reduced inflammation in the airways.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation and alleviating wheezing symptoms.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica, or Ma Huang, contains ephedrine, which acts as a bronchodilator, relaxing airway smooth muscle and increasing airflow, making it a potential remedy for wheezing.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, contains linalool, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may contribute to reduced inflammation and alleviated wheezing symptoms.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially alleviating respiratory issues such as wheezing and improving airway function.

What are the main herbal preparations used for wheezing?

The main herbal preparations used for wheezing are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Ointment, Cream, Suppository, Lozenge, Elixir.

Tincture of Thyme, Echinacea, and Ginkgo Biloba are used to treat wheezing due to their bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoctions of herbs like Licorice root and Wild indigo are used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the airways. Capsules containing herbs like Quercetin and Ginger are used to reduce inflammation and relieve wheezing symptoms.

Salves and creams made from herbs like Eucalyptus and Peppermint are applied topically to relieve congestion and wheezing in the chest.

• Tincture: A tincture of Echinacea purpurea or Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with wheezing by providing anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Decoction: A decoction of Thymus vulgaris or Verbascum thapsus helps with wheezing by releasing its bioactive compounds, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce the severity of wheezing and other respiratory symptoms.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered root of Asclepias tuberosa or Althaea officinalis helps with wheezing by releasing its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Salve: A salve of Calendula officinalis or Plantago major helps with wheezing by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways, while also protecting the skin from further irritation.
• Poultice: A poultice of Eucalyptus globulus or Myrtus communis helps with wheezing by releasing its bioactive compounds, which have decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce the severity of wheezing and other respiratory symptoms.
• Ointment: An ointment of Aloe barbadensis or Punica granatum helps with wheezing by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that calm the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Cream: A cream of Symphytum officinale or Camellia sinensis helps with wheezing by releasing its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Suppository: A suppository of Ipecacuanha or Saponaria officinalis helps with wheezing by releasing its bioactive compounds, which have expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce the severity of wheezing and other respiratory symptoms.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of Echinacea purpurea or Gelsemium sempervirens helps with wheezing by releasing its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways, while also providing a soothing effect on the throat.
• Elixir: An elixir of Glycyrrhiza glabra or Asclepias tuberosa helps with wheezing by providing anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the airways, while also providing a soothing effect on the respiratory system.