Emphysema is a chronic lung disease; the term is sometimes used interchangeably with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition of which emphysema is one factor. If you have emphysema, the minuscule sacs in your lungs that contain air, called the alveoli, are no longer able to effectively send oxygen out into your bloodstream. People with emphysema have poor lung function and display symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Herbal treatments that improve lung function by thinning mucus and drawing out fluids can show promise to some people suffering from this form of lung disease, even though the damage done cannot be reversed.
Cardamom
Cardamom is one of several herbs used in cooking that contains a compound called cineole, which has expectorant properties, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook," published by Rodale. An expectorant, whether in herbal form or in conventional cough medicine, helps make coughs more productive, to expel mucus. Powdered cardamom is available at health food stores. It's easy to add to cold beverages such as juice or to use to make medicinal teas. Other herbs that contain cineole and may be helpful in reducing symptoms of emphysema include spearmint, rosemary, turmeric, basil, tarragon and ginger.
Elecampane
Elecampane is a plant that originated in Europe and Asia, and is now cultivated in North America as well. Though scientific evidence on elecampane is sparse, the root of the plant is a traditional herbal remedy for respiratory conditions related to emphysema, including bronchitis, cough and COPD. The alternative medicine resource PeaceHealth reports that the active ingredients in elecampane are antitussive and soothing in nature. In other words, taking the supplement might help control your coughing. Three daily cups of elecampane tea made with 1 cup of water and 1 g of the dried root may be beneficial to emphysema sufferers. Check with your doctor before using elecampane or any other herbal remedy to treat your condition.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another herb that contains the natural expectorant compound of cineole. "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" explains that although many commercial decongestant and expectorant products contain eucalyptus that is meant to be inhaled, consuming the plant is a more effective way to reap the benefits of its properties to soothe the cough and improve breathing ability of someone with emphysema. Drinking three daily cups of tea that is brewed with 2 tsp. dried eucalyptus leaves may help make coughs more productive.
Horsetail
The diuretic properties of horsetail show promise to draw out excess fluid in the lungs and other areas of the body. Fluid retention can be a symptom associated with emphysema, according to the Australian government's Better Health Channel. Horsetail increases the amount of urine you produce, which can rid your lungs of fluid that, along with the damaged alveoli, affects your breathing ability. The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that there is "good scientific evidence" to support horsetail as a natural diuretic. Doses begin at 300 mg, taken three times a day, for adults.
Ivy Leaf
Ivy leaf--in its liquid extract or dried form--is a powerful expectorant that has shown anecdotal benefits for treating emphysema, COPD and bronchitis, according to PeaceHealth. The German Commission E, an agency equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has approved ivy leaf as an herbal treatment for chronic inflammatory lung conditions. Recommended doses of ivy leaf extract begin at 50 drops for adults, but are to be used in conjunction with conventional treatment for emphysema, cough and bronchitis.
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