Emphysema is a disease of the respiratory tract associated with enlargement of the alveoli, or the small air sacs within the lungs. Emphysema eventually causes alveoli to rupture, which narrows the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Certain herbs may promote better breathing. However, always discuss herb-related topics before using herbal medicine to help treat emphysema.
About Emphysema
Emphysema is a degenerative lung disease that often occurs following prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke or other environmental pollutants. If you have emphysema, damage to the alveoli causes decreased lung elasticity. This in turn causes breathing difficulties and prevents the healthy exchange of gases in the lungs. Common signs and symptoms of emphysema include breathlessness, chronic coughing, wheezing and frequent discharge of sputum. Most emphysema-related symptoms do not appear until you reach middle age.
Helpful Herbal Medicines
Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that certain herbs help improve your breathing and may ease emphysema. Helpful herbal medicines for emphysema include astragalus, cordyceps, licorice, thyme, alfalfa, fenugreek, fresh horseradish, mullein tea and rosemary. Elecampane is another herbal medicine that has been used to treat emphysema. Some of these herbs help slow lung degeneration and may improve lung function.
Featured Herb
Elecampane is an herbal medicine commonly used to help treat emphysema. Elecampane has anti-inflammatory and expectorant action, and it has been used boost your immune system and tone your lungs. Elecampane has been used to treat many lung conditions, including emphysema, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis. The University of Michigan Health System states that elecampane has traditionally been used to treat ailments of the respiratory and intestinal tracts. The root of the elecampane plant is used in herbal preparations.
Disclaimer
Emphysema is a serious health problem that requires the attention and care of a qualified health care professional. Although herbs may improve your lung function and prevent further lung degeneration, herbs should be taken in conjunction with other treatment modalities recommended by your doctor. Not all herbs are safe for every person. Talk with your physician to better understand the role that herbal medicines can play in your overall treatment plan for emphysema.
References
- Penn State: Emphysema
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Elecampane
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