Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic lung condition associated with two principle illnesses: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Family Doctor website states that approximately 12 million Americans have this condition. Although there is no cure for COPD, certain natural treatments, including respiratory medicinal herbs, may help keep your symptoms in check. Ask your doctor if herbal medicine is appropriate for you.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The COPD Foundation states that COPD is an umbrella term that includes several progressive lung diseases, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, irreversible asthma and severe bronchiectasis. Some of the most common indications that you have COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness throughout your chest and chronic coughing, with and without sputum. According to the COPD Foundation, COPD is almost always preventable, almost always treatable and, someday, may even be curable.
Respiratory Medicinal Herbs
There are numerous respiratory medicinal herbs that may help treat COPD. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that herbs have long been used to help treat COPD. Examples of helpful herbs for conditions in the COPD family of lung disorders include gumplant, lobelia, goldenseal, fenugreek, Iceland moss, lomatium, lungwort, cayenne, elecampane, hyssop, wild cherry bark, echinacea and Siberian ginseng. These herbs act on your lungs in various ways to keep your COPD symptoms at bay.
Featured Herb
Lomatium is a respiratory medicinal herb that is often used to help treat COPD. This herb has been used by Native Americans to treat chronic bronchitis and other ailments. Lomatium helps reduce the volume of mucus in your lungs and possesses antibacterial properties. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, states that lomatium has been used to treat colds, flu and viral, fungal and bacterial infections. The root of this plant is used in herbal preparations.
Warning
Although respiratory medicinal herbs may help treat your COPD, they will not cure your condition. Herbal treatments for COPD are intended to reduce your symptoms while causing minimal or no side effects. However, certain herbs for COPD may cause side effects if they are not taken in accordance with your doctor's instructions. Before using respiratory medicinal herbs, always talk with your physician about risks, side effects and possible prescription drug interactions to ensure your health and safety.
References
- Family Doctor: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- COPD Foundation: About COPD
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
