Emphysema: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the irreversible destruction of lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

It is often caused by long-term exposure to pollutants, smoking, and genetics. If left untreated, emphysema can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infections, and reduced quality of life.

However, herbal remedies may offer relief. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, and licorice root, which helps to soothe the lungs, are two potential healing herbs. Additionally, medicinal preparations like ginseng tea and slippery elm may also help to ease symptoms.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of emphysema, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of emphysema?

The main causes of emphysema are the progressive damage to the lungs due to the destruction of alveoli, which are tiny air sacs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

This damage is primarily caused by inhaling noxious substances such as cigarette smoke, which contains over 70 known carcinogens and irritants that trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. Additionally, exposure to air pollution, occupational dust, and chemicals such as asbestos and silica can also cause emphysema. Chronic bronchitis and asthma are also risk factors for developing emphysema, as they can lead to inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

According to the American Lung Association, smoking is responsible for 80-90% of all emphysema-related deaths in the United States.

• Smoking: Smoking is the most common cause of emphysema because it damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to chronic inflammation and scarring, which ultimately destroys lung tissue and impairs oxygen exchange.
• Genetics: Genetics is a common cause of emphysema because individuals with a family history of the disease are more likely to inherit genetic mutations that affect the function of the lungs, making them more susceptible to the development of emphysema.
• Environmental Pollution: Environmental pollution is a common cause of emphysema because exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, leading to the development of emphysema.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a less common cause of emphysema because it is a genetic disorder that affects the production of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that protects the lungs from damage, and individuals with this deficiency are more likely to develop emphysema.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a less common cause of emphysema because it is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that causes inflammation and damage to the airways, which can lead to the development of emphysema.
• Occupational Exposure: Occupational exposure is a less common cause of emphysema because workers in industries that involve exposure to chemicals, dust, and other substances can develop lung damage and inflammation, leading to the development of emphysema.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for emphysema?

The main medicinal herbs used for emphysema are Ginkgo biloba, Astragalus membranaceus, Ephedra sinica, Panax ginseng, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus globulus, Panax quinquefolius, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Ginkgo biloba is used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and improve lung function. Astragalus membranaceus, on the other hand, has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms and reducing oxidative stress. Ephedra sinica contains ephedrine, which helps to relieve bronchospasm and improve respiratory function, while Panax ginseng and Zingiber officinale have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, respectively.

Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus globulus, Panax quinquefolius, and Glycyrrhiza glabra have been used traditionally to alleviate respiratory issues, with curcumin in Curcuma longa and eucalyptol in Eucalyptus globulus exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate symptoms of emphysema by improving blood flow to the lungs and enhancing the delivery of oxygen to the body due to its flavonoid and terpenoid compounds.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus may aid in the treatment of emphysema by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and damage in the lungs.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica may help relieve symptoms of emphysema by acting as a bronchodilator, increasing airflow to the lungs and making it easier to breathe.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help alleviate fatigue and improve exercise tolerance in individuals with emphysema due to its adaptogenic properties and ability to increase oxygen delivery to the body.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, may help alleviate symptoms of emphysema by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate cough and congestion.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms of emphysema by exhibiting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, may help alleviate symptoms of emphysema by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus may help relieve symptoms of emphysema by acting as a bronchodilator and expectorant, increasing airflow to the lungs and making it easier to cough up mucus.
• Panax quinquefolius: Panax quinquefolius may help alleviate fatigue and improve exercise tolerance in individuals with emphysema due to its adaptogenic properties and ability to increase oxygen delivery to the body.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help alleviate symptoms of emphysema by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.

What are the main herbal preparations used for emphysema?

The main herbal preparations used for emphysema are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Cream, Extract, Elixir.

Decoction involves boiling herbs like marshmallow root and licorice root to create a liquid that soothes and protects the bronchial passages. Tinctures, such as those made from thyme and eucalyptus, are concentrated extracts used to relieve respiratory spasms and congestion. Capsules containing herbs like ginkgo biloba and turmeric are taken orally to reduce inflammation and improve lung function.

Creams and salves like those containing eucalyptus and menthol, as well as ointments and poultices, are applied topically to the chest to ease bronchial congestion and promote expectoration, while suppositories and elixirs may also be used to deliver herbs directly to the lungs and bloodstream for enhanced absorption.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with emphysema by potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with emphysema by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect the lungs from further damage and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Boswellia serrata extract helps with emphysema by potentially reducing inflammation and improving lung function, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Thymus vulgaris helps with emphysema by providing antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which can exacerbate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Camellia sinensis helps with emphysema by potentially reducing inflammation and improving lung function, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Commiphora molmol helps with emphysema by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect the lungs from further damage and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Plantago lanceolata helps with emphysema by potentially reducing inflammation and improving lung function, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe barbadensis helps with emphysema by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect the lungs from further damage and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
• Extract: An extract of the herb Ginkgo biloba helps with emphysema by potentially improving lung function and reducing inflammation, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Elixir: An elixir of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with emphysema by potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, which may help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.