Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which people suffer from both chronic bronchitis, emphysema and both. COPD is caused by smoking and the symptoms include cough and breathlessness.
COPD leads to obstruction in the airways of the lungs. The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and damaged by smoking thus reducing the body’s ability to take in oxygen and exhale carbondioxide. The other factors responsible for COPD are pollution, bad working conditions, heredity (due to rare protein deficiency that can lead to lung, liver and blood disorder.
The symptoms include cough, breathlessness, fatigue, wheezing, sputum, chest infection. Certain home remedies when used regularly can reduce the symptoms of COPD cough.
6 Home Remedies For COPD Cough
Diet IntakeÂ
Prefer diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Include more of fat, protein and less carbohydrate diet. All the carbohydrate, protein and fat get converted into carbondioxide and water in the presence of oxygen. Eating carbohydrates yields more carbondioxide than intake of fats. Omega 3 Fatty acids helps to reduce inflammation.
All non starchy vegetables and low sugar fruits are high in fiber and nutrients and low in carbohydrates the list includes flax seeds, wheat bran, unsweetened coconut and coconut flour, collard greens, avocado, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, raspberries, blackberries, kale, sprouted legumes etc.
Have diet that is rich in vitamin D and calcium, as they are necessary for maintaining bone health. Fruit fiber and flavanoids may prevent chronic productive cough. Smokers are found to be deficient in Vitamin C. Increased dietary intake of Vitamin C increases the pulmonary function.
AlmondsÂ
Almonds are rich in flavanoids, fiber and Vitamin E which proves beneficial in preventing chronic productive cough. Have almonds with their skin as the falvanoids are concentrated in the skin. Anti oxidant properties boosts the immune system and makes healing faster.
Almond is a rich source of monosaturated fat and is less in carbohydrate thus proves beneficial in treating COPD cough. Many of the vitamins are fat soluble i.e., they are absorbed best when eaten with fat.These vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Having almonds in every meal raises the antioxidant levels and lowers the Glycemic Index (GI) level i.e., the blood sugar rises.
Lemon With Organic Honey And Ginger
Mix fresh lemon juice and organic honey in hot water and have it. Both lemon and honey are rich in anti inflammatory properties which alleviates inflammation. Anti oxidant properties boost the immune system thus making heal faster. Antiseptic properties prove beneficial in either treating or preventing chest infection.
The analgesic properties of honey will give relief from pain. It also soothes the irritated tissues. Further lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C which increases the pulmonary function thus beneficial for COPD cough. Though we typically think that citrus fruits are acidic, they are highly alkalizing in the body, because of their very low sugar content and high alkaline mineral content, citrus fruits actually have an alkalizing effect on the body. Alkalizing the body reduces chronic fatigue. Added ginger has got antihistamine properties which blocks the action of the histamine.
Histamine is a natural chemical produced by the immune (disease-fighting) system of the body. When it is released, it increases blood flow to the affected area. Liquid leaks out of the blood vessels, making the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat to swell, and stimulating nearby glands to produce mucus.
Salt Water TherapyÂ
Please don’t go in for table salt as it is refined and the trace minerals and electrolytes are removed whereas unrefined salt is just like the sodium that occurs in our body. Our body requires sodium for neutralizing the acids. Gargling with unrefined salt helps in taking out the mucus. Also you can intake unrefined salt to remove congestion. If you are into Yoga then you will very well know the uses of neti pot for cleansing your nasal passages.
Use this unrefined salt for the same as it will give relief from sinus dryness and congestion, headaches, cold and stress. It is also beneficial in removing your cravings for smoking or any other addiction that you are used to.
Prepare a sole i.e., take one cup of unrefined salt and add distilled water to it. Keep it overnight. Next day if all the salt is dissolved again add some unrefined salt, if some salt is leftover in the jar without dissolving means your sole is ready.
Take one teaspoon of sole solution and mix it to a glass of water taste it to see that it tastes like salt water, if it is too salty you can add water as per your taste, have it first thing in the morning in an empty stomach. Using this regularly will remove your addictive cravings and has also got other health benefits.
Chamomile TeaÂ
Chamomile tea when taken regularly can prove beneficial for treating COPD cough .The antioxidant properties boosts the immune system thus making healing faster. The anti-inflammatory properties make healing faster. Analgesic properties give relief from pain. Chamomile has got sedative and nervine properties.
Sedative properties give a soothing effect thus reducing anxiety, stress. Nervine properties have a soothing and calming effect in the nerves. Anti histamine properties blocks the action of the histamine responsible for producing mucus. Antiseptic properties prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents. It also acts as a decongestant.
Lavender Oil/eucalyptus Oil/lemon Balm OilÂ
Having hot water bath with a few drops of lavender oil/eucalyptus oil/lemon balm oil will loosen the mucus and you will start feeling better. Steam inhalation with these oils added, also proves beneficial in releasing mucus. The antioxidant properties boost the immune system thus making heal faster. Anti histamine properties of lemon balm/lavender oil blocks the action of the histamine that produces mucus. Analgesic properties gives relief from pain.
Antiseptic properties prevents infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents. Sedative properties give a soothing effect thus reducing anxiety, stress. Overall these oils prove beneficial in COPD cough. Lemon balm has also got nervine properties which give a soothing and calming effect in the nerves.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
