Respiratory Health | subbjel, jaggery and marshmallow

Respiratory health it represents the basis of vitality, and medicinal herbs such as sycamore, jagorčevina and marshmallow are traditionally used as a natural support for breathing. At a time when air pollution, seasonal viruses and respiratory problems are increasingly common, respiratory health is becoming one of the key pillars of overall well-being. Although modern medicine offers effective pharmacological solutions, nature has provided us with plants that have been traditionally used to support the respiratory system for centuries. Among the most famous are subbjel, jaggery and marshmallow - plants that modern phytotherapy still studies today because of their mild but targeted action.

This text represents apa analysis their traditional uses, known active ingredients and safety aspects, with the aim of informed and responsible use.

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Respiratory health and the role of medicinal herbs

The respiratory tract is exposed to dust, microorganisms and irritants from the environment every day. When inflammation occurs, the mucous membrane can become irritated and the natural cleaning mechanism (mucociliary system) slowed down. In such situations, certain medicinal plants are traditionally used as support – not as a substitute for therapy, but as a supplement to the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Phytotherapy in this context most often distinguishes between:

• expectorants - plants that facilitate the excretion of secretions
• demulcents – plants rich in mucus that soothe and protect the mucous membrane

The effect of air on respiratory health it especially comes to the fore when we talk about the quality of the environment, which we wrote about in more detail in the apa guide Positive and negative ions – how air affects health on ApA-Channel.

Positive and negative ions – How air affects health | ApA guide

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1. Buckwheat (Tussilago farfara) – a traditional herb for coughs

Coltsfoot is a plant that has been used in folk medicine for centuries, especially for coughs and respiratory tract irritation. Its Latin name Coltsfoot comes from the word cough (cough), which indicates its historical purpose.

Traditional properties of subwhite:

• contains plant mucilage which can relieve mucosal irritation
• it was traditionally used for dry and mixed coughs
• it is often mentioned in old phytotherapeutic records as an herb for short-term use

Important safety note:

Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, substances that in long-term and uncontrolled use can burden the liver. Therefore, today it is recommended:

• short-term use only
• avoidance in children, pregnant women and people with liver diseases
• using only tested, controlled preparations

In modern phytotherapy, coltsfoot is considered a plant that requires special caution and responsibility.

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2. Primrose (Primula veris) – natural expectorant

Primrose is a well-known plant in the European herbal tradition, especially its root, which is used as a herbal expectorant.

Traditional use of jaggery:

• contains saponins which can contribute to the dilution of bronchial secretions
• traditionally used for productive (wet) coughs
• often part of herbal mixtures for the respiratory tract

In phytotherapy, jagorčena is seen as a plant that can support natural cleansing of the respiratory tract, especially when thick secretions are present.

You can read more about how stress and the environment affect breathing in our guide How stress affects the body on ApA-Channel.How stress affects the body - when the body speaks for us | ApA – ApA-Channel

How stress affects the body - when the body speaks for us | ApA

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3. White marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – protection and soothing of the mucous membrane

Marshmallow occupies a special place in herbal medicine thanks to its high content polysaccharide mucus. Its action is mild, but highly appreciated.

Effects of marshmallow:

• mucus forms a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the throat and pharynx
• traditionally used for dry, irritating coughs
• is considered one of the safest plants in phytotherapy

Preparation:

Marshmallows are not cooked. It is most often used cold macerate, in order to preserve sensitive mucus.

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APA analysis: herb synergy in traditional use

Within apa analysis, the concept of synergy is often emphasized - combining plants with different but complementary effects:

• Privet – support for dilution of secretions
• Coltsfoot – traditional help with irritation (with caution)
• Marshmallow – soothing and protecting the mucous membrane

This approach has a long tradition in folk medicine, but today it is recommended only with an informed and moderate approach.

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Table: overview of traditional roles of plants

Plant	Traditional role	Cough type	Dominant ingredients
Coltsfoot	Soothing support	Dry / mixed	Plant mucilages
Privet	Expectorant	Wet	Saponins
Marshmallow	Demulcent	Dry	Polysaccharides

According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), herbal preparations are classified in Europe as traditional herbal medicines with clearly defined purposes and restrictions. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/homepage

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How to use herbal teas responsibly

Herbal mixtures can be used as support, but not as a substitute for medical therapy. Moderation, quality of raw material and individual differences are the key factors.

Example of a mild tea blend:

• primrose + marshmallow
• short-term use
• breaks between courses

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Conclusion: nature as an ally, not a substitute

Podbjel, jagorčevina and marshmallow represent an important part of the European phytotherapy tradition. Their value lies in to support the body's natural processes, with a clear understanding of boundaries and security aspects. The approach to medicinal plants should be informed, measured and responsible - exactly the way ApA philosophy fosters.

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📌 Note (ApA standard):

Note: The content is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual advice from a doctor or pharmacist.