You may be used to hearing about rhodiola when it comes to energy or mood concerns, but this hearty herb has more potential up its leaves. Find out how your lungs may benefit from rhodiola in this recent study.

Rhodiola improves lung function in COPD

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gradually reduces lung capacity as airway sacs lose elasticity and inflammation thickens the surrounding walls. In other studies, rhodiola had anti-inflammatory effects and improved exercise endurance, which encouraged doctors to test against COPD.

In the study, 57 people with stable moderate to severe COPD, average age 70, took 250 mg of rhodiola crenulata twice per day, or a placebo, while continuing on standard treatment. Over the course of 12 weeks, the rhodiola group saw a 17.3 percent increase in the volume of air that enters the lungs during normal inhalation at rest, while the placebo group saw a 2.8 percent decrease.

The rhodiola group also increased the amount of exhaled carbon dioxide during an exercise test, an important improvement in the condition. Overall, those who took rhodiola had fewer acute episodes of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and doctors said rhodiola was safe as a complementary treatment in COPD.

Reference: PLoS One; 2015, Vol. 10, No. 6, Published Online

Betsy’s Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement, especially if you take medication or have a medical condition. For example, rhodiola thins blood.

Article copyright 2016 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.