Natural Health: How can I help my anxious elderly dad? 

They can also ease emphysema, which impacts the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs, where the vital exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs, making breathing very difficult.

The mullein (verbascum thapsis) herb is a well-known anti-inflammatory for soothing and easing irritation in the respiratory tract. It also helps to break up mucous, which can be related to emphysema.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is another herb I often recommend for coughs, colds, and flu. It works particularly well for the lungs and is a powerful antiseptic, making it an excellent choice to prevent and treat infection.

Thyme will also help to loosen and clear any mucous, so in addition to drinking it as a herbal infusion, your father can use it as a steam inhalation. 

To help improve airflow and ease breathing, add a tablespoon of dried or fresh thyme leaf to a bowl of hot water. Your father will need to cover his head with a towel and inhale the steam as deeply as possible.

Try this steam method for brief periods to see how he feels. It can be quite challenging, particularly if it is helping to dislodge mucous. If it seems to be helping, then he can extend the steam sessions as necessary.

To make a herbal infusion for the lungs, steep a teaspoon of dried leaf (either mullein alone or a combination of mullein and thyme) in boiling water for five to eight minutes and drink three to four cups daily.

Breathing exercises can help with anxiety and improve lung capacity. One simple exercise is pursed-lip breathing, in which you inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle.

Ensure your father talks with his doctor before taking medicinal herbs or doing breathing exercises.

Ten years ago, I picked up pneumonia while travelling abroad. I recovered fully, but I find that every time I get a virus, it nearly always affects my lungs. What would you suggest?

Since you have had pneumonia, your lungs could benefit from extra TLC, especially after a virus.

As mentioned in the previous response, mullein leaf is a good lung herb, and, in your case, would work well if taken with marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) as a cold infusion. You can also add thyme, rose petals, and calendula petals.

To make a cold infusion, combine two tablespoons of dried herbs in a litre of water. Steep this overnight —a jar with a lid is ideal since you can shake it to help infuse the herbs. Strain the infusion and drink it cold throughout the day. You can gently warm the infusion, but don’t overheat or boil it.

Medicinal mushrooms also help to support long-term recovery. Reishi and cordyceps are known to be potent immune boosters with adaptogenic properties. These will support your lung health and help you build resilience against future illness.