COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung condition that affects the inner and outer airflow of the lungs. People with this condition may experience shortness of breath and other symptoms that could impact their daily lives. Though there is no cure for COPD, some natural treatments, herbal remedies, and other options may help open the airways and improve the quality of life. Here is a list of a few COPD natural treatment options.

Herbal remedies
It has been found that some people suffering from COPD could find relief by using herbal remedies. Ginger can be extremely useful for lung health, as it is believed to contain natural antibiotics and powerful antioxidants. These can boost our bodies’ ability to fight off infections. Ginger can also help in easing sore throat and eliminate congestion. Curcumin is another substance that helps manage COPD, reducing airway inflammation.
Another herb known as Ginseng could also be good for those with COPD due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can enhance lung function. However, it is to be noted that herbal remedies should not be considered replacements for treatments and should be used as a supplement. Also, before trying any herbal remedy or COPD natural treatment, it might be better to consult your healthcare provider.

Essential oils
Many people have found essential oils critical when dealing with COPD. Using specific essential oils such as orange oil and eucalyptus oil could reduce airway inflammation and clear lung mucus. Eucalyptus oil contains a natural compound called eucalyptol, which has myriad benefits. These include reducing mucus production and opening up airways in the lungs. This oil also helps prevent flare-ups in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any essential oil, and read and research its side effects and methods.

Breathing exercises
It has been found that some breathing exercises could help decrease breathlessness and fatigue and boost the quality of life as a form of COPD natural treatment. These breathing exercises include pursed-lip breathing and diaphragm breathing. In pursed-lip breathing, you must inhale through the nose and exhale through the pursed lips. You need to contract the diaphragm to breathe more deeply in diaphragm breathing. Breathing exercises help people with COPD deal with the difficulties in exercising and carrying out other daily activities. However, it is suggested to perform these exercises under the supervision of experts.

Managing stress levels
Managing stress levels and engaging in stress management strategies help improve general health. Anxiety and depression may cause sudden flare-ups of COPD symptoms. The functioning of the immune system could be affected due to emotional stress, which leads to a higher risk of respiratory infections. So, you might want to consider practicing mindfulness meditation as a COPD natural treatment to reduce and deal with emotional stress.

Keeping inactivity away
Since shortness of breath is the main symptom of COPD, people with this condition usually find it difficult to stay active. However, to cope with COPD, you need to develop muscle strength. There are two forms of exercise that could help boost muscle strength, such as interval and strength training. It is suggested to start the exercise regime early and perform with guidance from an expert.

Water-based exercises
Various exercises such as jogging, walking, and biking may be challenging for people with COPD. It has been found that water-based exercises may be easy for people with COPD as there is less stress on the body, which makes them convenient for people with this condition. Water-based activities should also be performed under expert supervision.

Yoga
Yoga includes exercise and meditation and is beneficial for people of all ages. It can also be considered to be a COPD natural treatment as it helps manage shortness of breath. Yoga can also help to effectively manage stress levels, which can trigger respiratory issues such as COPD.

Massage
Though massages might not directly help with managing and coping with COPD, they can still help relax tight chest muscles. Also, as we all know, a massage helps with relaxation and stress and is an integral part of self-care. However, there is a need for enough studies on this topic and its use as a natural treatment option for COPD.

Conclusion
COPD is considered a chronic condition, which may be challenging to deal with and manage. However, the symptoms can be reduced through the use of COPD natural treatment options such as those mentioned above. But still, it is to be noted that natural remedies should not be considered an alternative for the treatment, and they must be used only after consulting a healthcare provider and under the supervision of experts.