Gasping for breath and a sensation of a heavy weight on the chest are the main symptoms of advanced cases of pulmonary emphysema. The deepest part of the lungs is affected: the alveolar sacs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. These normally elastic sacs overstretch, making it difficult to breathe out fully. The air that remains trapped hinders fresh air from entering and each new breath brings minimal oxygen to the blood. At first, breathing is difficult only during labored exercise such as walking up stairs. A dry or rattling cough often accompanies the breathlessness. The air-filled, barrel-like chest is a distinguishing characteristic of an advanced state of emphysema. Bronchitis can be life-threatening for those in the late stages of emphysema, when parts of the lungs can collapse. Emphysema is irreversible, though the symptoms can be improved. This condition is also very hard on the heart.
Age increases the chances of developing emphysema, since tissue elasticity reduces with age. Risks are very high for those with chronic respiratory problems, whether they suffer from asthma, bronchitis or a chronic cough. If these problems are dealt with early, the risk is substantially reduced. Bronchial irritants, especially smoking, create a strong predisposition for emphysema, largely because they reduce lung immunity to infection. A constant low-grade infection due to poor respiratory health contributes to emphysema. Increasing overall health and resistance with immune system support and increasing lung capacity with mild exercise and good nutrition are essential for preventing emphysema and deterring further complications.
Initiate treatment for emphysema with a mucus-cleansing juice diet for several days. A combination of raw potato, carrot and parsley juice is a good system cleanser and has been effective in relieving emphysema. Parsnip juice is an excellent remedy for those afflicted with emphysema because of its phosphorus and chlorine content. These elements benefit the lungs and bronchial system.
Weight loss is important if the person is overweight, to minimize the strain this condition puts on the heart. A light, nutrient-rich diet that emphasizes fresh, preferably raw, vegetables and fruits will provide important vitamins needed for tissue health, notably beta-carotene and vitamin C. Raw foods maintain vitamin C and enzymes, the immune-system boosters, which are destroyed by cooking.
Avoid mucus-forming foods, including red meat, eggs, dairy products, refined and processed foods, and coffee. Keep salt intake to a minimum, especially with edema, which can develop with advanced emphysema.
Chili peppers have a soothing effect on the lungs, due to the substance capsaicin which they contain. Capsaicin causes the mucus in the respiratory system to thin. Anise oil mixed with a tablespoon of honey half an hour before meals is another remedy to relieve the symptoms of emphysema.
Horseradish contains an antibiotic substance similar to penicillin. Add honey to grated horseradish, mix well and press through a cheesecloth. Cook the residue with half a cup of water and raw cane sugar. Press through cheesecloth again and add to the syrup. Take one teaspoon a day or as needed.
Eat one to three fresh garlic cloves every day. The active substances in garlic oil are excreted via the lungs, thereby disinfecting, promoting secretion and relieving cramps in the lungs.
Nutritional supplements can help support lung tissue. Vitamin E improves oxygen supply and tissue elasticity. Vitamins A and C with bioflavonoids are necessary for healthy connective tissue in the lungs as well as for a strong immune system to fend off infection. The chlorophyll in green food supplements, such as wheatgrass or barley grass, is also highly recommended, as it is most vital for cell renewal. Similar to vitamin E, chlorophyll is also mildly cleansing. Coenzyme Q10 increases oxygen supply to the tissues, which is important for cell renewal and to slow tissue aging.
A very effective remedy for reducing, and in some cases, eliminating phlegm from the respiratory tract are the amino acids reduced L-glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine. They actually dissolve the mucus by cutting up mucoprotein molecules into smaller, less viscous fragments. They are also excellent oral chelation agents. In other words, they can hook up with toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, copper, aluminum, arsenic and cadmium in the body and remove them through the kidneys.
Daily dosages:
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy) or beta-carotene, 50,000 IU
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 5,000 mg
Wheatgrass or barley grass, 1 tsp. one to three times daily
Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg twice daily
N-acetyl-cysteine 500-1,000 mg three times daily or reduced L-glutathione, 75 mg
Herbal remedies provide fast and effective relief of symptoms associated with emphysema.
An excellent herbal remedy is myrtol (myrtle oil), which can be obtained in gelatin capsules that dissolve in the small intestine, where the myrtle oil is absorbed and will be expelled through the bronchial mucous membranes and the pulmonary alveoli. A strong disinfectant, myrtle oil loosens and promotes excretion of mucus and freshens the breath.
Horsetail is excellent to help repair and maintain lung tissue. Take 10-20 drops of horsetail tincture diluted in water or in combination with herbal teas made of thyme, coltsfoot, fenugreek, lobelia, agrimony or mullein. Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp. of herbs, steep for ten minutes, strain and drink 1 cup undiluted, four times daily.
Add 1 drop of butterbur tincture to one glass of water and drink daily for eight days, then increase to 2 drops per glass of water. If there is a strong reaction, dilute more.
This condition may be slowed down by constitutional treatment from an experienced homeopath. For breathlessness, see asthma, bronchitis and cough for remedies.
For relief of specific symptoms, see these sections: asthma, bronchitis, cough and immune system.
Regular breathing exercises are important. Exhale through the mouth and hum at the same time, using the diaphragm, neck, throat and shoulder muscles.
Exercise in fresh air. Start with short walks and increase length daily. If breathing becomes difficult, decrease the exercise time or walking distance. Swimming is also an excellent way of strengthening the lungs.
Add 1/2 cup table salt to hot, evening foot bath.
Loosen the breathing apparatus with massage on the chest area.
Reflexology
Work the reflexes of the lungs, ileocecal valve, lymph system, diaphragm and solar plexus daily, as illustrated.
All these therapies are in vain if the person continues to smoke or spends a lot of time in stuffy, smoky areas.
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C
(Ester-C)
Cell Respirate (Klaire Laboratories)
C Extra (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
Horsetail Leaves (Flora)
Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Tincture (Natural Factors)
Silica Extract (Natural Factors)
Barley Grass (Nature's Herbs)
CL-7 Formula (Nature's Herbs)
Fenugreek Seed (Nature's Herbs)
Silica-Power (Nature's Herbs)