The lungs are the inner tree of the body, and the air we breathe becomes a source of life or illness, depending on its quality. Academician Ovidiu Bojor has often emphasized the importance of keeping the lungs clean and maintaining conscious breathing for the health of the entire organism. Through his research and recommendations, he has highlighted medicinal plants with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects, as well as simple breathing techniques and lifestyle habits that restore lung function.
Recommended Plants by Ovidiu Bojor for Healthy Lungs
1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- emollient and soothing for the respiratory tract
- natural expectorant
- recommended for bronchitis and persistent cough
Infusion: 1 tablespoon in 250 ml of water, strain very well (the plant has fine hairs).
2. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
- thins bronchial secretions
- soothes throat and lung inflammation
- effective for dry cough
Infusion or cold maceration: 1 tablespoon in 250 ml of water, one cup/day.
3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- natural antibiotic
- expectorant and bronchodilator
- soothes cough and supports immunity
Infusion: 1 tablespoon in 250 ml of water, 2 cups/day. Can be combined with honey.
4. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
- respiratory disinfectant
- supports deep breathing
- recommended for asthma and bronchitis
Administered as an infusion or syrup.
5. Fir (Abies alba buds and resin)
- buds support lung regeneration
- resin has antiseptic effects
- recommended for chronic cough and respiratory infections
Buds are used in syrup or decoction form.
Combined Recipes from Ovidiu Bojor’s Phytotherapy
Tea for Lung Cleansing
Mix:
- 1 part mullein
- 1 part coltsfoot
- 1 part thyme
Preparation: 1 tablespoon of the mix in 250 ml of water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups/day for 3 weeks.
Cough Syrup and Bronchial Regeneration
Ingredients:
- fir buds (100 g)
- honey (200 g)
- water (500 ml)
Preparation: boil the buds in water for 15 minutes, strain, and add honey to the warm liquid. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times/day.
Inhalations with Aromatic Plants
- thyme, hyssop, and sage
Put 2 tablespoons in a liter of boiling water, inhale the steam for 5-7 minutes.
Recommended for blocked sinuses, bronchitis, and flu.
Lifestyle Recommendations for Lungs (according to Bojor)
- Conscious Breathing: 5 minutes in the morning, slow abdominal breathing.
- Walking in Nature: daily, preferably in the forest or near springs.
- Avoiding Smoking and Pollutants: Bojor emphasized that no plant can compensate for a smoking lifestyle.
- Constant Hydration: fluids help thin secretions and cleanse the lungs.
Scientific Studies Confirming Bojor’s Plants
- Mullein – study in Journal of Herbal Medicine (2019): expectorant and cough-soothing effects.
- Coltsfoot – research in Phytotherapy Research (2017): effectiveness in bronchial inflammation and chronic cough.
- Thyme – analysis in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018): contains thymol with antibacterial and bronchodilator action.
- Hyssop – study in Molecules (2020): antiviral and immunostimulatory properties.
- Fir Buds – published in Natural Product Research (2021): extracts have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects on the respiratory system.
Contraindications
- Coltsfoot: not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding (pyrrolizidine alkaloids).
- Hyssop: contraindicated in epilepsy (may be a neuronal excitant).
- Thyme: in excess, may cause gastric irritation.
- Mullein: safe in moderate doses, but the tea must be well strained.
- Syrups with Honey: not administered to children under 1 year.
Used Sources:
- Plants and Health by Ovidiu Bojor, Fiat Lux Publishing
- Health through Aromatherapy and Phytotherapy by Ovidiu Bojor, Fiat Lux Publishing
- Guide to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants from A to Z by Ovidiu Bojor & Elena Bojor, Fiat Lux Publishing
- Journal of Herbal Medicine – Verbascum thapsus for respiratory conditions
- Phytotherapy Research – Tussilago farfara and bronchitis relief
