Pulmonary fibrosis, or PF, is a disease characterized by lung tissue flexibility caused by scarring. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and a constant dry cough. It can be caused by toxic industrial substances like asbestos and silicone. Two Chinese herbs, Stephania tetrandra and tripterygium, are yielding promising results in clinical studies. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
PF is a progressive and lethal disease that affects the ability for the body to receive enough oxygen. For some reason, certain people develop excess amounts of fibrous tissue in their lungs. When this happens, the lungs gradually lose their capacity to function, and the brain and other organs are deprived of oxygen. Medical researchers are not yet sure what causes PF. Smoking, environmental toxins and genetics, though, may play a part, according to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or PFF. Pharmaceutical medications can relieve symptoms for some patients, but PF is considered incurable.
Tripterygium
Tripterygium, or Tripterygium wilfordii, is an herb used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses by traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. According to the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the herb itself is toxic and not available in the West. As reported in a 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Pathology," scientists at Stanford University isolated a component of tripterygium called triptolide. They studied the effects of an extract of triptolide on animals with induced PF. The triptolide extract stemmed the growth of fibrotic tissue in the mice. If you have PF, do not forego conventional treatment without discussing this with your doctor.
Ashwagandha
The standard drug treatment for PF is corticosteroids, designed to reduce lung inflammation. Herbs with anti-inflammatory qualities might help alleviate some of your PF symptoms. When lung tissue is irritated and inflamed, a dry cough can result. Ashwagandha root is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb from Ayurveda, India's traditional healing system, according to clinical herbalist David Winston in his 2005 book, "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief." Please discuss using ashwagandha and all medical questions with your health-care provider.
Schisandra
A staple in the TCM herbal pharmacy, the fruit of the schisandra plant is employed for asthma and other lung conditions. Schisandra berries help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, breathlessness and coughs, writes Winston. If you have PF, this herb is also an effective anti-inflammatory that might reduce chronic lung inflammation. It offers the added benefit of relieving insomnia and anxiety. In addition, It is a herbal adaptogen, a plant that increases your immune system's functioning in the face of stressor, explains Winston. It is important to fully inform your doctor about any herbal supplements that you are taking.
References
- "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief"; David Winston, et al.; 2007
- "American Journal of Pathology"; PG490-88, a Derivative of Triptolide, Blocks Bleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis; G. Krishna, et al.; March 2001
- Institute for Traditional Medicine; Tripterygium; Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: Treatments
- Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: What is IPF?
