Physicians use the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, to describe lung damage associated with emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. If you are considering using herbs to treat your COPD, first meet with your physician to discuss the possible risks and benefits associated with herbal preparations.
Identification
Most people who develop COPD are smokers or used to be smokers, including cigarette, pipe and cigar smokers. Other possible causes of COPD include chronic exposure to chemical fumes, air pollution or dust. Inhaling secondhand smoke can also cause this condition. Common signs and symptoms of COPD include wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and an ongoing, hacking cough. If you have this condition, you may also experience swelling in certain parts of your body and develop colds and flu on a more frequent basis.
Useful Herbs and Vitamins
Many herbs and vitamins can help treat your COPD. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that herbal medicine has proven effective in the treatment of COPD. Useful herbs include American and Siberian ginseng, astragalus, myrrh, pau d'arco, echinacea, licorice, black radish, chickweed, boneset, boswellia, bromelain, coltsfoot, slippery elm, wild cherry bark, fenugreek and ginkgo. Useful vitamins to take as dietary supplements include vitamins C and D.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb that is often used to help treat COPD. Goldenseal possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is effective for all conditions associated with irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes lining your bronchial tubes, throat, nasal passages and sinuses. Goldenseal was a commonly used remedy among Native Americans to help treat inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory, urinary and digestive tracts.
Considerations
A proper diet and environment play a significant role in treating respiratory diseases, including COPD. A healthy lifestyle can make COPD much easier to manage. Before making lifestyle changes, visit your doctor to discuss topics associated with herbal and dietary treatments. Herbs should be treated with the same caution level as pharmaceutical drugs. A health care professional who specializes in herbal medicine can give you relevant information about what herbs may be best for you.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is COPD
- "Prescription for Natural Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Goldenseal
