Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects your secretory glands, the glands that produce sweat and mucus. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that cystic fibrosis usually targets your lungs, pancreas and other organs. People with cystic fibrosis inherit a faulty gene from each parent. In most cases, the parents do not have cystic fibrosis. Herbalists and other health care providers may prescribe herbal remedies to help treat your cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis Information
According to the Mayo Clinic, cystic fibrosis is particularly common among white people of northern European heritage. Cystic fibrosis targets cells that produce secretions, making your cellular secretions thicker and stickier than usual. These thick and sticky secretions block tubes in your organs, particularly in your lungs and pancreas. If you have cystic fibrosis, you are likely to experience symptoms, including a longstanding cough, wheezing and lung and sinus infections that keep coming back.
Common Herbal Treatments
Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that cystic fibrosis is the most common inherited illness in Americans with northern and western European ancestry. Certain herbal remedies, notes Balch, may help treat symptoms associated with this condition. Herbs that reduce inflammation are often helpful and include boswellia, bromelain, cayenne, ginger and peppermint. Herbs that clear phlegm and mucus from your lungs are also beneficial, including cayenne, elecampane, garlic, horehound, hyssop and mullein.
Highlighted Herb
Hyssop is commonly used by health care practitioners -- especially herbalists and naturopathic physicians -- to help treat cystic fibrosis. According to Balch, hyssop encourages the expulsion of mucus from your respiratory system, decreases congestion in your lungs and performs numerous other actions, including blood pressure management and ridding your body of intestinal gas. Hyssop, a plant indigenous to Central Asia, has been used to treat circulatory disorders, epilepsy, obesity and other health problems.
Warning
Cystic fibrosis is a serious and progressive condition that usually requires a combination of therapies to manage. Herbs alone may provide numerous health benefits in treating your cystic fibrosis symptoms, but you may experience optimal health effects from pursuing other treatment methods recommended by your doctor. A trained herbalist, naturopathic physician or other qualified health care provider can make helpful suggestions about the herbal remedies that may best treat your condition and what side effects they might cause.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is Cystic Fibrosis?
- MayoClinic.com: Cystic Fibrosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
