Emphysema is part of the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) family of respiratory problems. In emphysema, the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs) are damaged and lose their elasticity. This means that a person absorbs less oxygen.
Symptoms of emphysema include not being able to breath on a regular basis, coughing up mucus or difficulty clearing the lungs (not expectorating mucus), and wheezing. It feels difficult to breathe out.
Causes of emphysema start with smoking, but may also be seen in those who breathe second-hand smoke, or those who live in polluted or industrial environments.
Modern medicine treats emphysema with steroids or other inhalers which have long-term serious side effects. It is seen as a life-long treatment. Oxygen also may be used to help those with emphysema.
From the natural perspective those with emphysema have damaged lungs with loss of breathing capacity. The good news is there can be some good results by using a combination of the following supplements to help to strengthen the body. Remember it is important to eliminate tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and sodas, as well as fast foods.
If you are on medications for emphysema, you should be able to use these natural supplements along with your medications. DO NOT alter your prescriptions without talking with your healthcare professional.
Nutrition for Emphysema
Over a 6 month period, there can be good results with emphysema. Use 25,000 IU of Vitamin A for its anti-inflammatory properties. L-Carnitine protects the heart muscle. Use Ascorbal Palmitate (a superior form of Vitamin C) for immune support. Magnesium will help relax muscle tissue. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) will help support the liver. If there is much mucus, eliminate dairy.
Herbs for Emphysema
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
The goal is to find herbs that fit the person’s symptoms as they are different for everyone.
Echinacea – when the immune system is weak, or if there is cold or flu which aggravates emphysema symptoms.
Elecampane – essential for decongestion of lungs and sinuses, improves digestion.
Fennel – expectorant, removes mucus.
Licorice – anti-inflammatory and acts like a steroid (in a good way). Use this in small amounts as it goes a long way.
Thyme – to get rid of mucus, drying.
Cell Salts to Help with Emphysema
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#1 Calc fluor 6X – to soften tissues of the alveoli
#4 Ferr phos 6X – to reduce inflammation
#7 Kali sulph 6X – to thin mucus and support the liver
#8 Mag phos 6X – to relax bronchioles and strengthen muscle
Emphysema Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Ammonium carb – oppressed breathing; feels worse in coming into warm rooms; bubbling sounds, labored snoring-like breathing; coughs up blood; rattling in chest.
Antimonium arsenicosum – emphysema with hard breathing and severe coughing and lots of mucus; hard to breathe on eating and lying down.
Antimonium tart – coarse, loose rattling cough; rattling in the chest; lung s feel full of mucus but can’t get it out; coughing and gasping.
Hepar sulph – cough from exposure to cold, dry air; croupy choking cough; uncovered body parts get cold when uncovered; sensitive and irritable.
Lachesis – sensation of suffocation and strangulation on lying down; feels worse when anything tight around throat; feels must take a deep breath; breathing almost stops on falling asleep; talkative person.
Lobelia – coughing with vomiting; asthma preceded by prickling all over; hyperventilation; panting, threatened with suffocation; fear of death; chest feels constricted; worse from any movement.
Silicea – thin cold fragile people (lacking grit); violent cough when lying down and thick yellow lumpy expectoration.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
