Herbs for COPD | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Chinese Herb for COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The group of diseases referred to as Chronic Obstructive

Pulmonary Disease generally refer to a number of respiratory

degenerative diseases with inflammation of the lungs

including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic

bronchial asthma. Chinese medicine and Chinese herbs

work effectively to address COPD, possibly reversing it

depending on how early the disease is caught.

Worldwide there is a rise of deaths caused by COPD, with no effective treatment available to Western medicine. It is alarming to think how many people are suffering prolonged and progressive respiratory failure because practitioners fail to understand how to utilize herbs that address lung diseases and restore a healthy function to the lungs.

Progression of COPD According to Chinese Medicine

While no two patients will develop a disease or imbalance in exactly the same way, this is a general progression of COPD.

Stage 1

The lungs are sensitive to smoke and pollution and easily become dry when exposed to fine particles in the air; this is referred to as Lung Yin Deficiency. The concept of Yin Deficiency in the body is detailed in the first part of this book, and includes symptoms of false heat such as afternoon and evening sweats, heat sensations, and hot flashes. With Lung Yin Deficiency, a dry cough develops and symptoms such as hoarseness and a dry scratchy throat appear from time to time. During this early period, demulcent herbs such as marshmallow root can nourish the Yin qualities of the lungs. Lung tonic formulas containing lily bulbs can also nourish dry lungs and stop coughing.

Stage 2

Left untreated, the Yin of the Lungs becomes more depleted and the Lung Yin Vacuity signs intensify; the dry cough begins to produce a sticky sputum that becomes tinged with blood and insomnia likely develops. Yin correlates with substance and tissue in the body, so as Lung Yin Deficiency worsens the air sacs begin to lose their elastic quality and the walls between the air sacks are destroyed as lung spasms and inflammation develop. During this stage, breathing becomes noticeably more labored. Grindelia herb, used in a formula can help to reduce spasms of the bronchi, but grindelia can only be used in small quantities.

Stage 3

As Lung Yin Deficiency progresses and heat builds in the lungs, the lungs begin to compensate by producing Phlegm-Fluids. The phlegm is often sticky with color and begins to obstruct the free flow of Qi in the Lungs. Because the phlegm is condensing due to the Heat in the Lungs, medicines and herbs that are extremely drying will cause further complications and should be avoided. An herb such as mullein that is cool in nature and is both astringent and demulcent will help to lessen the phlegm in this stage.

Stage 4

With the phlegm obstructing the lungs, Lung Qi Deficiency develops, breathing becomes labored, and there is extreme fatigue. The Lungs control the opening and closing of pores, so spontaneous perspiration is common with Lung Qi Deficiency. A Lung Qi tonic such as elecampane, along with other lung supporting herbs is vital at this time.

Chinese Medical Patterns Associated with COPD

While a lung imbalance is indicated with all lung diseases, other organ system imbalances can contribute to the way a lung disease manifests. Examining the associations between organ systems can help better identify disease patterns and develop effective treatments.

Lung Qi Deficiency

An insufficiency of the Lung function can be constitutional or genetic in nature and begin to present symptoms in childhood such as catching colds frequently or childhood asthma. Generalized Qi Deficiency of the whole body over a long period of time can also lead to Lung Qi Deficiency resulting in tiredness, a weak voice, and generalized Lung health deterioration. A Lung Qi herb tonic would be indicated with Lung Qi Deficiency.

Lung - Kidney

The Lungs and Kidneys are closely related in Chinese medicine and many chronic Lung diseases are rooted in Kidney Deficiency. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys ‘grasp the breath’ and conditions marked with difficulty inhaling indicate Kidney Deficiencies (whereas, an inability to exhale indicates more Lung Qi Deficiency). Kidney Yin Deficiency is common with COPD, and a Kidney Yin herb tonic would be indicated along with a Lung herb tonic when indicated.

Lung - Spleen

Spleen Deficiency leads to dampness in the body, so Lung imbalances with profuse phlegm would suggest an underlying Spleen Qi Deficiency marked by loose stools, fatigue, and a tongue with scalloped sides. Spleen Qi can be well supported with tonic herb formulas and proper eating habits.

Herbs That Can Address COPD

Elecampane root

Inula helenium

Elecampane is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia that has naturalized itself in North America. It grows easily from seed to about 4 feet and has a yellow flower. The roots are the part generally used as a Lung tonic. Elecampane can be simmered in to a decoction for use as a single herb.

Elecamampane fortifies the Spleen, Lungs and Heart. It has been used therapeutically for any deficiency of the respiratory system. Elecampane is able to clear damp conditions of the lung and digestive tract but is not overly drying; this renders elecampane useful for varied lung conditions. It also strengthens the overall immune function that is so closely related to the Lungs.

Codonopsis

Codonopsis pilosula-dang shen

Codonopsis is a climbing vine of about 8 feet that is native to Asia. Codonopsis is considered a flowering perennial and prefers shade. The root is the part used in Chinese medicine, and closely mimics ginseng’s qualities while expressing a gentler affect that is does not over stimulate like ginseng can. Codonopsis is mild and doesn't have any side effects, especially when used in a combination.

Codonopsis is a sweet and nourishing Qi tonic that supports the Spleen and promotes Lung functions, while replenishing spent Qi. Codonopsis is also an exceptional blood tonic and a key immune system tonic, as it helps to build both red blood cell counts and white blood cell counts. Codonopsis is able to strengthen the body as a whole and acts as an adaptogen, increasing our ability to adapt to stressors.

Mullein

Verbascum thapsis

Mullein is typically a biennial plant with silver-green wide hairy leaves, which are the part most commonly used for Lung disorders. The plant grows to 6 feet or so and bears small yellow flowers on a torch-like central stem. The plant is native to Europe and Asia with many verbascum species that are used medicinally. Mullein is naturalized in North America, and commonly grows wild along roadsides.

Mullein leaf is both emollient and astringent, thus it is able to moisten dry Lungs, or conversely clear dampness and phlegm from lungs. Mullein is able to strengthen and repairs the lungs, regardless of the nature of the condition and normalizes Lung function. Mullein is an excellent herb for restoring lung health in the cases of COPD, asthma, and bronchitis.

Lifestyle Habits for COPD

Diet for COPD

When phlegm is presenting with COPD, foods that produce phlegm are avoided in this condition including fried foods, dairy, juices, raw foods, iced drinks and cold foods. If dryness is presenting, foods that moisten the lungs such as soy products, barley, peanuts, rice milk, spinach, and pear can be consumed. Moderate amounts of spicy foods will benefit the lungs. If there is a huge constant craving for hot foods, this reflects an imbalance in the Lung Organ System. Because the lungs can be damaged by excessively pungent foods, it is best to curb the over consumption of hot spices, especially when dryness is presenting.

Exercise for COPD

Regular light aerobic exorcize such as brisk walking for 30-60 minutes per day is beneficial with COPD. Because aerobic exercise requires good lung function, it may take time to build up to a full workout.

Smoking and COPD

COPD is often linked to a history of smoking or exposure to pollution. Obviously, it is imperative to stop smoking in order to reverse this condition. Chinese medicine offers very effective strategies in smoking cessation through auricular (ear) acupuncture and smelling salts. Herb formulas that calm the mind through nervine herbs can be very helpful also.

The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Herbal formulas, natural remedies, and aromatherapy products related to alternative health products on this site have not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on this website are based principally on traditional knowledge accumulated over thousands of years of Chinese medical practices. The content provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information on this site to diagnose or treat any health issues. As always, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, beginning an exercise program, using herbs or other supplementation programs, before taking any pharmaceutical medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Unless specifically mentioned in the product label or recommended by your professional health care provider, our herbal supplements, natural remedies, and alternative health products are not intended for children under the age of 18, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Ingredients and dosage recommendations may change - see product label for current information. Please refer to our policy/FAQ’s page before making a purchase.