| |  | | Herbs for Emphysema
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Dorothy
Posted on: June 7, 1998
Is there a herb that can help with breathing? I have emphysema and the doctors don’t seem to know of anything to help me.
In emphysema, there is a loss of elasticity in the lungs so that the lungs are permanently expanded and the breathing rate accelerates to try to take in sufficient oxygen.
Important factors in easing breathing difficulties are weight loss if overweight and clearing mucous build-up from the lungs. Mucous forming foods such as dairy products, fatty meats, eggs and processed foods must be avoided. Infection of the lungs should be prevented to avoid further mucous formation and damage.
Herbs that can help are garlic as an anti-infective, echinacea to boost immunity, thyme to help clear the mucous, soothe the cough and boost anti-bacterial activity in the respiratory system , fenugreek to soothe the mucous membranes, coltsfoot to help expel mucous and clear inflammation and horsetail (Equisetum arvense) to repair lung tissue.
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