The Collection and it's purpose:
I
got the idea from a Lady named Ann Fonfa who created the
Annie Apple Seed Project to collect folk
remedies for cancer patients.
If it was possible to collect that much information about natural remedies
helpful to cancer patients, I reasoned that it should be just as possible to
collect a wealth of information about natural support for COPD. We would like to
encourage you to submit any natural remedies you have heard off or tried
yourself that show some promise, they will be added here and off course you will
get the credit as well :-) .
This space will be devoted to listing contributions of
natural remedies that have some history of being helpful in COPD:
Astragalus:
Here is what one open minded Physician has to say about Astragalus: " Try
astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous): This is one of my favorite
immune-boosting tonics. It is the root of a plant in the pea family long used in
China to prevent illness and strengthen sick people. You can get slices of dried
astragalus root at Chinese groceries and some health-food stores. Simmer the
slices in tea or soups. (They'll add a pleasant sweet taste.) Or buy extracts of
astragalus in liquid, capsule or tablet form. Follow the dosing directions on
the package. This herb is non-toxic and can be used long-term to increase
resistance."
I heed his advice, come flue season I add that to my Vitamin C plus Garlic
regimen.
Exercise:
Yes, you red correct, the right kind of exercise is the most important natural remedy
we have at our disposal. It can be the difference between just surviving or
doing exceptionally well. The best way to illustrate this is to introduce you to
a very dear friend who is also my inspiration when it comes to staying fit. Have
a look at Roxlyn
Cole, she tells me that she increased her FEV1 by 20% , that is just
simply unheard of, and she credits her exercise regimen for most of that. So
join that Pulmonary Rehabilitation program or start your own at home. Here is a
good link to some very easy starter yoga for those who are to weak for a regular
workout, it's called Sitting
Yoga. Everyone can find some form of exercise to suit, even if they have to
start with three steps.
Glutathione:
This is one of the very first natural remedies I stumbled on. I red everything I could find on the subject. Glutathione is a tripeptide consisting of residues of glutamic acid, cystine and glycine. It appears that this insignificant tripeptide is a little miracle substance on many levels. It is an outstanding immune system booster, a very effective free radical scavenger and it also plays a role in protecting the lungs against damage from germs and pollutants But it soon became clear, that the only version that is really well absorbed, is the nebulized version. Well, that posed the first problem, in order to get your hands on the Glutathione for nebulizing you need a prescription which can only be filled by a compounding pharmacy. One day I ran across an easier version and I am adding the link to the site here for anyone who is interested to explore. Just a little hint: I now use the version advocated by Valerie Hudson it is described under under Nebulizer application in paragraph 8, paragraph 2.
Update to the information above:
Recently a new version of Glutathione has been introduced to the market which
pretty much makes nebulizing unnecessary. Preliminary studies seem to indicate
that this so called "Liposomal Glutathione" is actually absorbed
rather well in simple spray application. So far there is only one product of
that kind on the market under the name of ReadiSorb
(still a bit pricey but much more convenient than nebulizing)
Vitamin C plus Garlic:
I am sure most of us are adding some vitamins to our daily regimen, since we are always in search of more energy. I found one particular Vitamin mix of great value in keeping the number of colds and respiratory infections down. On the advice of a doctor who did show a preference for simple remedies, I started using a combination of 1000mg Vitamin C (the two stage version) plus 2 500mg Garlic oil capsules, once in the morning and once at night. Well, I have not had a serious bronchitis (used to have several each year) for a couple of years.
Vitamin D:
waiting for Laura's contribution ;-)