Proprietary blends containing herbs and botanicals have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems—such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Western herbalism—for supporting lung health and respiratory function. Commonly included herbs in such blends may feature mullein (Verbascum thapsus), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), elecampane (Inula helenium), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and others. These herbs are traditionally believed to soothe the respiratory tract, promote expectoration, or reduce irritation in the lungs and airways.

Scientific validation for proprietary blends as a category is limited, because the specific formulation, dosages, and synergistic effects are often not rigorously studied in clinical trials. Individual ingredients, such as licorice root and thyme, have some laboratory or small-scale clinical evidence suggesting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or expectorant activity, but evidence is generally insufficient to draw firm conclusions about their efficacy in supporting lung health in humans.

Overall, the use of proprietary herbal blends for lung support is primarily justified by tradition, with anecdotal and historical use supporting their inclusion in supplements and remedies. Consumers should be aware that while these blends are rooted in traditional practice, modern scientific evidence for their effectiveness as combined formulations is generally lacking.