Herbal Medicines for COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema)
Turmeric is one of the most popular spices used in Indian cuisine. It has been used for centuries as a spice or condiment in many cuisines.
Turmeric’s aromatic properties have made it a favorite ingredient in curry dishes.
The leaves of the plant Curcuma longa contain curcuminoids which are responsible for its characteristic yellow color. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
They inhibit cell proliferation, stimulate apoptosis, reduce inflammation and tumor growth, increase oxygen delivery to cells and improve blood flow.
Curcumin is also found in the seeds of the plant, Curcuma longa. These seeds are commonly known as turmeric powder.
Turmeric contains a variety of other phytochemicals including: piperine, kaempferol, allicin, indole-3-carbinol and quercetin. All these compounds have shown beneficial effects against various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.
Allicin is a compound found in garlic and has been used to treat stomach, colon, ovarian, prostate, liver and pancreatic cancer.
Indole-3-carbinol has been proven to reduce the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. It also helps prevent the formation of stomach lesions that can lead to cancer.
Quercetin is a flavonol that has been proven to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, leukemia and other cardiovascular diseases. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it very effective in treating COPD.
Quercetin also relieves the effects of asthma by preventing muscle spasms in the airway.
Piperine is a compound that is found in black pepper (Piper nigrum). It has been shown to significantly increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2,000%.
It is also an antioxidant that protects the liver from oxidative stress caused by toxicants.
Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits and herbs. It has been proven to improve lung function in people with COPD as well as decrease inflammation.
Many of the health benefits of these natural remedies can be attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lung regeneration herbs to cure the root cause of COPD
The cause of emphysema and chronic bronchitis is a combination of many factors. The key is to tackle each one specifically.
This requires a multidisciplinary approach that will regenerate your lungs from the inside out. You can use both western medicine and natural medicines to regenerate your lungs and reverse your disease process. Here is an outline of the approach that you need to follow.
1. Use western medicine to control your infection
If you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, then you probably have an underlying bacterial infection in your lungs. This infection can be treated with a round of antibiotics which will reduce your symptoms and allow your lungs to start healing.
2. Use a S.
pneumoniae vaccine
Your COPD is most likely caused by a chronic infection in the lungs with the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae. One very effective treatment for COPD is a vaccine known as Prevnar 13.
This vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with this type of bacteria. It is also well tolerated and has few side effects. You may want to ask your doctor about getting this vaccine.
3. Stop smoking now!
Smoking is the main cause of COPD. Quitting now will greatly reduce the severity of your disease and could save your life.
Many people find it extremely difficult to quit, but you can get support by calling the United States national smoking hotline on 1-800-QUITNOW.
4. Use natural medicines to address the oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in your lungs
Taking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements will help your lungs get better faster by reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation that is causing damage in the first place. These supplements include Vitamin C, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Spirulina, Omega 3 fish oils and Resveratrol.
5. Use natural medicines to improve your lung function and reduce dyspnea
These herbs will help you breathe easier, and get rid of that troublesome feeling of not getting enough air. Angelica, Artichoke, Horseradish and Marsh Mallow can all be used alone, or in combination with each other to give you some relief.
6. Use natural herbs to regenerate the epithelial cells in your lungs
Your lungs are lined with tiny little cells known as epithelial cells. These are always falling off, and being replaced.
The process in which new cells are made is known as epithelial cell proliferation. Epithelial cell growth can be stimulated with natural medicines such as Beta glucans, Alpha lipoic acid, Grape seed extract and Resveratrol.
7. Use herbs to detoxify your lungs
Many of the environmental toxins we breathe in are removed by the lymphatic system and processed by the liver. These toxins include Carbon monoxide, Airborne chemicals and heavy metals.
Using herbs like Milk thistle, Ruscus aculeatus and Dandelion root will enhance the function of these organs and speed up the removal of toxins from your body.
8. Use natural anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation in the lungs
Inflammation in the lung can be caused by infections, environmental irritants and even autoimmune diseases. Inflammation in the lung can cause significant pain, and make it difficult to breathe.
Medicines such as Harpagophytum procumbens, White peony and Lomatium can reduce the pain of inflammation, and speed up the healing process.
9. Use an expectorant to loosen mucus in the lungs and get rid of bad coughs
Some herbs like Mu Gua, Liquorice and Mastich increase the volume of mucus in the airways, and make it easier to cough up that mucus. These herbs are especially effective when used with other expectorants like Yellow dock and Olive leaf.
10. Use antispasmodics to reduce spasms in the lungs and bronchioles
Herbs like Black haw, Wild cherry bark and passion flower work by blocking the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. They reduce the sensation of pain, and help you cough up phlegm trapped in your lungs.
11. Use antibiotics to fight off lung infection
There are many different types of bacteria that can infect the lungs. From the flu, to tuberculosis, to pneumonia, to lung cancer, all of these can be treated with antibiotics.
There are many different herbs that fight infection and promote immune function, so it’s important to seek the advice of a medical professional before self-medicating.
12. Improve lung function and treat respiratory problems naturally with Yoga
The practice of yoga is great for the lungs, since it increases lung capacity, reduces inflammation in the airways, improves respiration and relaxes you during practices like Pranayama and Meditation.
13. Use herbs to prevent respiratory infections
There are many herbs you can use that have natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. Cinnamon, Echinacea, Goldenseal and Olive leaf are all great for preventing infection, and should be a part of any good first aid kit.
14. Get plenty of sleep to recover from lung infection
Rest is very important when you’re sick. Getting a full nights rest will help your body fight off the infection, and speed up the healing process.
15. Use herbs to increase circulation in the lungs and respiratory system
Nettle, Cayenne pepper, Hawthorn berry, Ginko Biloba and garlic all promote blood flow to the lungs and respiratory system. They increase delivery of oxygen to the blood, and removal of carbon dioxide from it.
This increases your stamina, and relieves respiratory problems like asthma and shortness of breath.
16. Other ways to prevent lung infection
Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C (avocado, rosehips, oranges.) Add garlic and onions to your diet, which are natural antibiotic and antiviral plants.
Get plenty of exercise to keep your immune system healthy.
17. Treat respiratory problems with natural remedies
If you’re suffering from shortness of breath, it could be caused by heart disease, lung disease or emphysema. It can also be caused by anxiety and stress.
18. Treating respiratory diseases naturally with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a great way to treat many different types of respiratory problems. It will help relieve the pain of respiratory infection, and help you to breathe again.
Sources & references used in this article:
COPD: balancing oxidants and antioxidants by BM Fischer, JA Voynow, AJ Ghio – … obstructive pulmonary disease, 2015 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Natural therapies for emphysema and COPD: relief and healing for chronic pulmonary disorders by RJ Green – 2007 – books.google.com
Targeted treatment in COPD: a multi-system approach for a multi-system disease by D Anderson, W MacNee – … of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2009 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Long-term oxygen treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: recommendations for future research: an NHLBI workshop report by TL Croxton, WC Bailey – American journal of respiratory and critical …, 2006 – atsjournals.org
Comparison between an alternative and the classic definition of chronic bronchitis in COPDGene by V Kim, J Crapo, H Zhao, PW Jones… – Annals of the …, 2015 – atsjournals.org
Future therapeutic treatment of COPD: struggle between oxidants and cytokines by WI de Boer, H Yao, I Rahman – … obstructive pulmonary disease, 2007 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Characterisation of phenotypes based on severity of emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by H Makita, Y Nasuhara, K Nagai, Y Ito, M Hasegawa… – Thorax, 2007 – thorax.bmj.com
Oxygen therapy for patients with COPD: current evidence and the long-term oxygen treatment trial by …, Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial Research Group – Chest, 2010 – Elsevier
Proportional classifications of COPD phenotypes by SE Marsh, J Travers, M Weatherall, MV Williams… – Thorax, 2008 – thorax.bmj.com
