Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
N-Acetyl Cysteine | 200 mg three times daily |  [3 stars] N-acetyl cysteine helps break down mucus and supplies antioxidant protection to lung tissue. |
Creatine | 5 grams three times a day for two weeks, and then 5 grams once daily |  [2 stars] Creatine has been shown to increase muscle strength, muscle endurance, and overall health status. |
Ivy Leaf | 50 drops of a concentrated alcohol extract twice per day | [2 stars] One double-blind trial found an ivy leaf extract to be as effective as the mucus-dissolving drug ambroxol for treating chronic bronchitis, which is a component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
|
L-Carnitine | 2 grams taken twice per day | [2 stars] Studies have shown that when L-carnitine is given to people with chronic lung disease, breathing during exercise improves. |
South African Geranium | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind study of patients with COPD, supplementing with an herbal preparation from the roots of South African Geranium decreased the number of disease flare-ups, compared with a placebo. |
Anise | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Anise is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Coenzyme Q10 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] CoQ10 levels have been found to be low in people with COPD. Supplementing with CoQ10 improved blood oxygenation, exercise performance, and heart rate in one study. |
Elecampane | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Elecampane is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Eucalyptus | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Eucalyptus is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Evening Primrose Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has been linked to reduced risk of COPD. |
Fish Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been linked to reduced risk of COPD. |
Gumweed | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Gumweed is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Lobelia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Lobelia is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Magnesium is needed for normal function, supplementing with it can make up for the magnesium deficiency commonly caused by prescription drugs taken by people with COPD. |
Mullein | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Mullein is traditionally used for its ability to promote the discharge of mucus and to soothe mucous membranes. |
Vitamin C | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, people who got more vitamin C from their diet were less likely to be diagnosed with bronchitis, however, vitamin C has not been studied in relation to COPD. |
Wild Cherry | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Wild cherry bark is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
Yerba Santa | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Yerba santa is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.