Herbal Treatments for Emphysema

Emphysema is a condition of the lungs that cause the tiny air sacs to become damaged. Once the air sacs become damaged they can no longer transfer oxygen to the blood or remove carbon dioxide from the body efficiently.
Emphysema is difficult to treat and is almost always fatal. It results from long term exposure to chronic respiratory irritants such as smoke, dust, air pollutants and chemical vapors.

There is a difference between emphysema and bronchitis. Emphysema affects the air sacs whereas bronchitis affects the tiny hairs that line the respiratory tract. When these hairs become damaged they can't move mucous out of the lungs and it accumulates. Prolonged accumulation and the inability to expel this mucous can and usually causes emphysema. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is the combination of emphysema and bronchitis.

The best way to avoid these conditions is to quit smoking and stay away from the other irritants as much as possible. Emphysema cannot be reversed or cured once it sets in but it can be treated if caught early enough.

Herbal treatments that thin mucous secretions are very useful in the treatment and prevention of emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

Mullein, a soothing mucilage, has been used to treat colds and flu. It can be used along with other herbs such as red pepper and licorice.

Red pepper is a spicy herb that many ancient cultures used to treat respiratory ailments. Hot and spicy foods help thin mucous secretions so they are easily expelled from the lungs. Red pepper is a good spice to use in cooking along with onions, garlic, ginger, mustard and horseradish. All these spices have some heat to them and work very well for thinning and expelling mucous.

Vitamin C is also good at thinning mucous secretions and can be taken in supplement form or found in many fruits and vegetables like bell peppers and citrus fruits.

Cardamom contains cineole, a compound that works as an expectorant. Other herbs that contain cineole are spearmint, rosemary, nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon, basil, tarragon and fennel. Many spices we consider as Italian herbs are very useful for lung health and treatment of lung disorders.

Eucalyptus also contains cineole and can be found in throat lozenges, chest rubs and as an inhalant. Eucalyptus oil may be best used in a tea instead of a rub.

Licorice powder can be used in teas. It contains nine compounds that work as expectorants and ten compounds that are antioxidants. Long term use or large amounts can cause headaches, water retention, and high blood pressure. It should only be used on occasion when you want something a little different.

Other herbs that contain expectorant properties or antioxidant properties are peppermint, basil, oregano and green or black tea.

The herbs listed above are not only good for emphysema but also work well in cold and flu season.