Natural Treatments to Manage COPD

COPD is the short and more common way of saying Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder is a broad term which covers a lot of lung-related diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. As the name itself implies, it refers to a long-term (or chronic) version of these pulmonary diseases. Though often thought of as one of the consequences of smoking, as many as 10% of cases are from non-smokers.

While I am by no means a doctor or recommending that anyone who has this disease skips consulting a doctor, there is a limit on what they can do for this. Traditional treatments run along the line of inhalers, steroids, oxygen, and medicines to loosen the mucus in the airways, and all of these options should be considered with your physician. However, none of these cure the disease and often symptoms persist, or the medications themselves can cause significant side effects, as well as significant costs. With limited resources from the medical community, it is not a surprise that the search for effective natural remedies is coming up. In conjunction with your doctor's recommendations, the following natural remedies may enhance the quality of life for those of you living with this long-term ailment.

o Omega 3 Fattty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and walnuts and have been found to improve the symptoms for people with high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression. For more on the benefits and risks of omega-3, I would suggest visiting http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil

A recent study performed at Kagoshima University Hospital in Japan ran a trial giving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement daily for two years to COPD patients. To measure their results, they checked inflammatory markers, exercise capacity and difficulty of breath scores both before and after the study. The measured inflammation marker was significantly lowered in those who took the pills. Along with this, they saw improved exercise and difficulty of breath scores. No study has been done with high doses of these omega-3 fatty acids. You can read this study here: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/519351.

oDiet/Herbs

--Vitamin C/Magnesium: Nottingham University ran an over 9-year study on the relationship between diet and COPD. Higher vitamin C consumption correlated with improved lung function. In combination with higher magnesium intake, higher vitamin C intake showed significant improvement in lung function for those with COPD.

--Black tea can help to relieve tightening in the chest. The chemicals in this tea are related to the stimulant theophylline, which is the basis for many modern medicines. NIH has a website with great information on the medical benefits and risks of black tea at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-black_tea.html

For information on a study on the relationship of cigarette smoke damage and black tea you can visit http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1802835

--Comfrey leaves have been shown to stimulate the growth of new cells and to support quick healing. Further, it inhibits coughing, softens and soothes damaged and inflamed bronchial mucus membranes. Again, check with your doctor before using this herb, but you can go to your doctor prepared by visiting the University of Maryland Medical Center website http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/comfrey-000234.htm

--Ginkgo biloba is another herb that relaxes the lungs and keeps the breathing passage clear. In some cases this can help cut down on prescribed medication, but be sure to discuss this herb with your doctor before use. Information on the benefits, risks and other uses for Ginkgo biloba can be found at the Mayo clinic site http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginkgo-biloba/NS_patient-ginkgo.

oRelaxation Techniques

--Accupressure/Shiatsu are methods that are based upon traditional Chinese medicine. The idea is that there are points on the body which can be relieved by putting pressure on them and unblocking the energy of the body. In particular, acupressure has been shown to relieve hacking coughs, a common repeating problem for sufferers of COPD. You can do this yourself by finding the bump in the spine where the neck and shoulders meet and applying pressure on either side. For a study on acupressure visit http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=15528108.

--Guided Imagery Techniques can treat the anxiety and nervousness that often go with the ongoing trials of having COPD.

--Massage has long been said to be a great natural remedy to complement conventional medicine. The relaxation provided can decrease stress hormones (in particular cortisol), and provides COPD patients the added benefits of strengthening the respiratory muscles, lowering the heart rate, increasing blood oxygen saturation, decreasing shortness of breath and overall improvement in pulmonary function.

--Yoga is a growing phenomenon which most people think of as exercise, but is also a great relaxation and natural healing tool. The motions of yoga and the breathwork eases anxiety, can open blocked airways, and ultimately gets more oxygen into the blood. Simple yoga movements can even aid those with advanced COPD.

COPD is a disease it is important to know about. Some estimates say that more time is lost working because of COPD than because of cold and flu. It is said that it is the seventh highest cause of death in the world. Please discuss all treatments with your doctor, but do keep in mind that along with the conventional medications and treatment, there are several natural treatments that can help you manage the symptoms