The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that there are many health conditions associated with your lungs, including asbestosis, asthma, atelectasis, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. Lung diseases can affect your quality of life and impair your ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activities. Natural treatment options do exist for lung disease, however it is always recommended that you discuss your case with your doctor before using them.
Lung Diseases
MedlinePlus states that some lung diseases are more common than others. Among the most common lung diseases affecting Americans are asthma and bronchitis. According to Dr. Joseph Pizzorno Jr., a naturopath and author of "Textbook of Natural Medicine," asthma -- a condition in which your airways narrow and breathing difficulties occur -- affects about 3 percent of the American population. KidsHealth.org states that bronchitis also affects your airways, especially the mucus membranes that protect your respiratory system.
Lung Herbal Remedies
There are many herbal remedies that may effectively treat lung conditions. Herbs that possess anti-inflammatory properties and help clear debris from your lungs and airways are among the most commonly used for this purpose. According to nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, helpful herbs for decreasing lung and airways inflammation include boswellia, lobelia and elecampane. Mullein oil is a powerful remedy for decreasing bronchial congestion, stopping coughs and treating acute asthma attacks. Colt's foot, osha and ginger may also be helpful in treating lung diseases.
Highlighted Herb
Osha is an herb that is frequently used in the treatment of lung diseases. Osha, reports Dr. Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," is helpful in treating most respiratory diseases, especially respiratory diseases associated with excessive mucus secretions and lung congestion. Osha possesses antiviral and antibacterial action. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," the root of the osha plant is used in herbal preparations.
Additional Information
Lung diseases range in severity. In some cases, lung diseases can lead to life-threatening health problems. If you are having difficulty breezing, have a cough that refuses to go away or are experiencing other common lung symptoms, meet with your doctor for an examination of your condition and to discuss treatment options. Your doctor may recommend visiting a botanical medicine or clinical nutrition specialist for more information about these therapies.