Lungs are one of the hardest-working organs of our body. They clean air for us momentarily by providing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide alongside certain impurities. The lungs in big cities are under unimaginable pressure in an increasingly fast-paced, polluted world.
Dust, smoke, cigarette smoke, pollution, allergens, and so on; some of our bad habits slowly begin to constrict the lung capacity. So, the person starts feeling and experiencing shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughs, chins, etc., on a recurring basis.
The happy bit is that nature has gifted us with many natural ingredients with which we can fully cleanse our lungs from the inside and pass out all the dirt and toxin that has settled inside them, thus strengthening them. The very simplest way is to consume natural detoxing beverages.
These drinks will clear your lungs and boost your general immunity. Let us go through five great natural detox drinks, their benefits, and an easy way to make them at home.
1. Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea
Why It Works
Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that minimize inflammation in the lungs and throat. It thins and clears mucus. Lemon contains vitamin C, which bolsters immunity and stops repeated infection. Honey calms the throat and alleviates coughing.
Benefits for the Lungs
- Clears mucus and phlegm from the lungs.
- Lessens inflammation and irritation.
- Boosts immunity to avert infection.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 inch ginger (grate)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Insert ginger in a cup of hot water and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain and mix in lemon juice and honey.
- Take it while still lukewarm.
Consuming this in the morning on an empty stomach will keep you light and active during the day.
Tips for quick reference: If you frequently experience sore throats, you can also have it with a pinch of cinnamon powder.
2. Turmeric Golden Milk
Why It Works
Turmeric has curcumin in it, a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Black pepper enhances its potency. It can also be consumed by mixing it with warm milk or plant milk (almond or oat milk) to relax and sleep.
Benefits for the Lungs
- Decreases inflammation in the lungs and respiratory system.
- Relieves cold, cough, and allergy.
- Gives protection against infection by enhancing immunity.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- A dash of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or jaggery
Instructions:
- Warm up the milk on low heat and add the turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon.
- Mix well and switch off the flame once it reaches a soft boil.
- Add honey or jaggery while it’s lukewarm.
It is recommended to have this at bedtime because it is relaxing for the body and aids in sound sleep.
Tips for quick reference: Every night in villages, people consume turmeric milk throughout winter, not just to prevent colds but also for making the body warm and strong.
3. Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Pepper Herbal Tea
Why It Works
Basil is referred to as “life-giving” in Ayurveda since it builds up the body, particularly the lungs. It thins mucus and clears out the respiratory tract. Black pepper loosens mucus and enhances blood flow.
Benefits for the Lungs
- Gives immediate relief from flu, colds, and cough.
- Aids in expulsion of mucus.
- Enhances capacity to breathe and enhances immunity.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 5–6 basil leaves (dried or fresh)
- 3–4 black peppercorns (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Boil water with black pepper and basil in a cup for 5 minutes.
- Strain, add honey, and drink hot.
This tea is particularly useful when there are frequent colds during the rainy season or winter.
4. Green Tea with Lemon
Why It Works
Green tea has antioxidants referred to as catechins, which minimize damage to the lungs due to pollution. Lemon enhances its vitamin C content and speeds up the detoxification process of the body.
Benefits for the Lungs
- Heals damage from pollution.
- Reduces lung inflammation and heaviness.
- Enhances breathing capacity and freshness.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon green tea
- Potassium metabisulfite-free lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Place green tea in boiling water and steep for 2–3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and take slowly.
Take this 1–2 times a day. It’s particularly useful for people who spend long periods in polluted areas.
5. Beetroot and Carrot Juice
Why It Works
Beets have natural nitrates that enhance oxygen circulation in the body and enhance lung capacity. Carrots have beta-carotene, which heals lung cells and guards against disease.
Benefits for the Lungs
- Enhances oxygen transporting capacity to the lungs.
- Renews the tissue by removing toxins.
- Enhances energy and endurance in the body.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 beetroot medium in size
- 2 carrots medium-sized
- Half a lemon
- Small piece of ginger (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel the carrot and beetroot and chop them into small pieces.
- Place them in a blender and add a little water to make juice smooth.
- If preferred, strain and add lemon juice.
Taking this drink 2-3 times a week on an empty stomach in the morning is more beneficial.
Extra Tips to Support Lung Health
- Do deep breathing exercises – Practice pranayama or deep breathing for 10 minutes every day.
- Don’t smoke – whether cigarette smoke or secondhand smoke, it’s bad for the lungs.
- Plenty of water – it thins mucus and prevents the lungs from getting clogged.
- Exercise every day – walking, running, or yoga enhances lung capacity.
Have an air purifier in your home if you reside in a very polluted area.
Conclusion
Lungs are an essential part of our lives. They work day and night to provide us with fresh oxygen. So, it is our duty to protect them. If you drink ginger-lemon-honey tea, turmeric milk, basil-black pepper tea, green tea, and beetroot-carrot juice daily, your lungs will get clearer day by day, and you would be able to breathe easily, and your immunity will be enhanced as well.
Don’t forget, mere drinking isn’t enough. Couple these with good lifestyle practices such as exercise, good sleeping habits, avoidance of smoking, and eating a good diet. Have that and you will be having strong and healthy lungs forever.
FAQs:-
Which ingredients are best for lung detox drinks?
Ginger, turmeric, honey, lemon, tulsi (holy basil), green tea, and peppermint are excellent for respiratory health.
Can I drink these if I have asthma or COPD?
They may provide relief, but they are not a substitute for prescribed medication always follow medical advice.
How often should I drink lung detox beverages?
Once daily is enough for general wellness, but you can enjoy them 2–3 times a week for maintenance.
