Orange Recipe for Respiratory Disorders ( Francis Owusu-Banahene, T/Dr)

 

The respiratory system (respiratory apparatus, ventilatory system) is the network of organs and tissues that facilitates breathing. It consists of the airways, the lungs, and the respiratory muscles that mediate the movement of air into and out of the body. Through the respiratory system, the body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide to enable the proper functioning of the body as a whole. Other functions of the respiratory system include the following:

1. Enabling talking and smelling
2. Regulates the temperature and moisture levels of air during inhalation to meet body temperature.
3. Facilitates the transfer of oxygen to various organs of the body.
4. Protects the airway from harmful substances and irritants.

Common respiratory disorders

Respiratory disorders are diseases of the respiratory system that impedes proper respiration. They are consequences of conditions (e.g., allergies, infections, aging, and damages) that cause inflammation of the respiratory system.

Common respiratory disorders and symptoms include rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Tuberculosis, influenza, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, shortness of breath, and headache.

Diet and your respiratory health

Diet influences the condition of the respiratory system in many ways. While certain foods like eggs and milk can precipitate respiratory crises, onions, garlic, fruits, and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C (e.g., oranges) protect the respiratory system.

Fresh-squeezed orange recipe for the respiratory system

Ingredients for just one serving

1. Oranges: two medium sizes.
2. Organic honey: 2 teaspoons

Preparation

1. Extract the orange juice with an orange juicer and place it in a container.
2. Add two teaspoons of the organic honey.
3. Stir thoroughly for a complete mix.
4. Your freshly squeezed, fiber-rich orange juice is ready; serve and take it right away.

 

Additional notes:

1. Optional: for some reason, you can sieve the fiber out, especially if the recipe is meant for children since most children may not be comfortable taking the fiber with the juice. The good news is that taking the fiber out may not necessarily affect the potency of the recipe as far as your respiratory health is concerned.
2. It is always better to take the fresh-squeezed orange recipe right away in order not to lose the vitamin C content. Vitamin C loses its potency over time and exposure to light. In exceptional cases, it is better to preserve the recipe in the fridge.

Therapeutic properties of orange and honey on the respiratory system.

Respiratory disorders (e.g., cough, bronchitis, asthma, etc.) are symptoms of a disturbed or abused respiratory tract. They are mostly signs of irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. For example, cough is the most common symptom of respiratory disease, and it is the body’s defense mechanism to expel foreign or irritating substances from the bronchial tubes. For better results, treatments for respiratory disorders should focus on the underlying causative factors and not just on the symptoms.

The number one underlying factor in respiratory disorders is inflammation resulting from infections and irritants. Orang supplies the body with antioxidant vitamins such as C beta-carotene (provitamin A), which build the body’s immunity, including against infections and hence inflammation.

Honey, on the other hand, is antibacterial, maintains a moist wound environment that promotes healing, and has a high viscosity that helps provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. Raw honey contains copious amounts of compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols, which function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Various studies suggest honey as a better option than antibiotics since it is more effective and less harmful than usual care alternatives and avoids causing harm through antimicrobial resistance. The following are the therapeutic effects of orange and honey on inflammation and the entire respiratory system.

1. Antispasmodic: both orange and honey suppress bronchial spasms and bronchospasms (involuntary contraction and narrowing of the airway).
2. Sedative: calming or soothing effect on the respiratory tract.
3. Mucolytic: breakdown of bronchial mucus
4. Antibiotic: inhibits bacterial and similar microorganism infections in the bronchial path.
5. Expectorant: induce the expulsion of bronchial mucus.
6. Decongestant: relieves congestion in the respiratory tract.
7. Emollient: softens or lubricates the respiratory tract.
8. Bronchodilator: expansion and relaxing of the respiratory tract.
9. Anti-allergic: counter allergic reactions of the respiratory tract.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Francis Owusu-Banahene is a licensed doctor of Traditional medicine, a preventive and holistic health advocate, and the CEO of East Eden Health Reform Center (EEHRC).