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Complementary Therapies for COPD

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Parris M. Kidd, PhD

Published March 10, 2025
Last Updated March 10, 2025

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious, progressive condition that makes breathing difficult. The two most common forms—emphysema and chronic bronchitis—interfere with airflow, affecting lung function. A persistent cough may develop, along with shortness of breath and frequent respiratory infections. Although there’s no cure, lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

What causes COPD?

Illustration and model of lungs on paper

In the United States, smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Even former smokers are at risk, as lung damage can continue long after quitting. But smoking isn’t the only culprit. Breathing in secondhand smoke, whether at home, work, or in public spaces, can also increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Environmental toxins, air pollution, and workplace hazards like dust, fumes, and chemicals add to the risk. Air pollution has emerged as a major causative factor.¹

Some people develop COPD despite never smoking, often due to prolonged exposure to irritants or genetic factors.

COPD has a broad range of risk factors, including six that cannot be changed²:

Age (over 65)
Sex (women are more at risk)
Race/origins (American Indian and Alaska Native populations)
People of more than one race
Those with a family history of COPD
People with asthma

COPD symptoms & complications

Difficulty breathing is the most common COPD symptom. It may be hard to breathe deeply, and coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing during everyday activities are common. Excess phlegm or mucus is also typical.

The impact of COPD on quality of life and finances can be profound, as the disease often affects work productivity, decision-making, memory, and concentration.³

People with COPD are also more likely to have multiple conditions, including depression, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.²^,⁴

The role of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a major driver of COPD. It occurs when damaging effects of “free radical” and other oxidative toxins overpower the body’s antioxidant defenses. Besides smoking, air pollution is a major source of oxidative stress, which can weaken immunity and increase risk for respiratory infection.⁵

COPD flare-ups and when to seek immediate care

Because lung infections often cause COPD flare-ups, it’s important to know the warning signs. Recognizing a flare-up is all about understanding what’s normal for your body. Excess coughing, mucus, and severe shortness of breath during regular activities are red flags.

Flare-ups typically come with the following symptoms:

Persistent low-grade fever
Change in mucus color, thickness, odor, or amount
Fatigue lasting more than one day
Swollen ankles
Increased wheezing

Sometimes, flare-ups are accompanied by rapid breathing, morning headaches, dizzy spells, an increased heart rate, and restlessness—all symptoms of low blood oxygen.

It’s time to call 911 if any of these dangerous warning signals occur:

Confusion, disorientation, or slurring of speech
Severe shortness of breath or chest pain that complicates talking or lying down
Blue lips or fingers

Herbal medicines & natural supplements

Man holds vitamin D capsule and glass of water

COPD is linked to poor diet, with processed meats and low fiber intake worsening disease progression.⁶ Diets rich in fruits and vegetables lower COPD risk, while key nutrients—vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, carotenoids, and magnesium—support lung function and slow damage.⁷ Many COPD patients consume lower than the recommended intakes for vitamins and minerals, and deficiencies of vitamin D and iron are common.

A meta-analysis of 43 COPD studies found that vitamin D supplementation can enhance lung strength, increasing the air a person can expel in one second (a key measure of lung function). Vitamin D not only improves lung capacity but also reduces flare-ups and overall symptom severity. Its role in boosting immune function is being explored.⁷

Vitamin D’s ability to improve COPD on its own is an exception. Because the disease is multifactorial, individual nutrients are unlikely to have breakthrough benefits. Clinical trials indicate multiple vitamin and mineral combinations can improve COPD.⁶ Incorporating these combinations into a regular regimen would produce the best results.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used for centuries to treat respiratory conditions. Studies suggest that when added onto conventional pharmacotherapy, CHM formulations can significantly improve COPD symptoms and reduce flare-ups compared with a placebo.⁸

Emerging research on the lung–gut axis reveals a direct link between gut microbiome health and lung function. Clinical trials and other human studies indicate Lactobacillus rhamnosus, other lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria can improve inflammation, lung function, mobility and quality of life in COPD.⁹

NAC (N–acetylcysteine) is a potent antioxidant, with clinical trial data showing its ability to reduce COPD flare-ups. Even patients with pre–COPD have reported symptom relief and improved quality of life with NAC supplementation.¹⁰

Lifestyle changes

Quitting smoking: the #1 way to reduce COPD risk

The single most effective way to lower COPD risk is to stop smoking. Although quitting can be incredibly challenging, the health benefits extend beyond COPD prevention.

Managing stress is crucial, not only for kicking a cigarette habit but also for controlling COPD symptoms. Chronic stress affects every system in the body, including the lungs.

Breathing exercises are one of the quickest ways to relax. Pursed-lip breathing allows for better oxygen intake (and clearing of carbon dioxide when exhaling).¹¹ It’s especially useful during or after exercise or whenever shortness of breath is an issue. Try this technique:

Inhale through your nose for two seconds.
Pucker your lips (as if blowing out birthday candles).
Exhale very slowly for four to six seconds.
Repeat as needed.

Other breathing exercises may also improve symptoms and quality of life in COPD.¹¹

Easy exercise

Many people with COPD avoid physical activity for fear of breathlessness. However, exercise is proven to relieve stress and improve COPD symptoms. While supervised exercise programs may not be accessible to everyone, research shows that regular activity at home can still provide significant benefits, with exercise frequency and duration having the biggest effects on lung function.¹²

Gentle, low-intensity movement can enhance lung function and improve exercise capacity. Daily walking has the most perks: It lessens fatigue, increases muscle strength, and reduces anxiety and depression.¹² Yoga, meditation, and tai chi offer additional benefits.¹³

Although COPD presents daily challenges, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Staying informed about treatment options and actively seeking support are powerful, proactive strategies in taking control of the disease.

Footnotes

1
Parums DV. Editorial: Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) 2023 guidelines for COPD, including COVID-19, climate change, and air pollution. Med Sci Monit. 2023;29:e942672. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37777859
2
Adeloye D, Song P, Zhu Y, Campbell H, Sheikh A, Rudan I. NIHR RESPIRE Global Respiratory Health Unit. Global, regional, and national prevalence of, and risk factors for, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2019: a systematic review and modelling analysis. Lancet Respir Med. 2022 May;10(5):447-458. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00511-7
3
Abdelwahab HW, Sehsah R, El-Gilany AH, Shehta M. Factors affecting work productivity and activity impairment among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Ind Health. 2024 Feb 9;62(1):20-31. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2022-0174
4
Chatila WM, Thomashow BM, Minai OA, Criner GJ, Make BJ. Comorbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2008 May 1;5(4):549-55. https://doi.org/10.1513/pats.200709-148ET
5
Mortaz E, Barnes PJ, Heidarnazhad H, Adcock IM, Masjedi MR. Immunological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by indoor pollution and cigarette smoke. Tanaffos. 2012;11(4):6-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25191432
6
Heefner A, Simovic T, Mize K, Rodriguez-Miguelez P. The role of nutrition in the development and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nutrients. 2024;16(8):1136. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38674827
7
Li M, Zhao L, Hu C, et al. Improvement of lung function by micronutrient supplementation in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2024;16(7):1028. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071028
8
Xiong C, Li Y, Zhuang G, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine versus placebo for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021;59:102691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102691
9
Patibandla S, Bhatt N, Lief S, Beauti SM, Ansari AZ. Gut microbiota modulation in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a literature review. Cureus. 2024;16(8):e66875. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39280360
10
Papi A, Alfano F, Bigoni T, et al. N-acetylcysteine treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis/pre-COPD: distinct meta-analyses. Arch Bronconeumol. 2024;60(5):269-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arbres.2024.03.010
11
Burge AT, Gadowski AM, Jones A, et al. Breathing techniques to reduce symptoms in people with respiratory illness: a systematic review. Eur Respir Rev. 2024;33(174):240012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39477355
12
Paixão C, Rocha V, Brooks D, Marques A. Unsupervised physical activity interventions for people with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pulmonology. 2024;30(1):53-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2022.01.007
13
Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Du Z, Zhai F. Mind-body exercise for patients with stable COPD on lung function and exercise capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):18300. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69394-4

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