With COPD, you're probably very aware of what a flare-up feels like -- the increased shortness of breath and possibly extra mucus and other symptoms. But it's also important to be aware of how your breathing feels when you're not having a flare-up. Because COPD is a chronic condition that develops slowly over time, you want to be sure to notice if your day-to-day symptoms are getting worse and do something about them before things reach a crisis. So it's time to think about how your breathing feels right now compared with days, weeks, or even months ago. Because the good news is that although COPD can't be cured, you do have lots of treatment and self-care options for slowing down the disease and improving your overall lung function.

Tracking Flare-ups
One sign your condition may be getting worse is that you're experiencing more frequent exacerbations or flare-ups. An exacerbation could be fairly mild and hard to detect, especially if your symptoms tend to wax and wane, or it could be severe enough to send you to the emergency room. To get a better read on how many exacerbations you're experiencing and how frequently they happen, start a symptoms journal and keep track of day-to-day symptoms as well as flare-ups and what might be causing them.

Mullein Herbal Remedies
Mullein leaf is a highly-regarded, safe lung tonic of particular use for respiratory ailments, such as asthma, laryngitis, chronic bronchitis, and dry coughs. The leaves have an expectorant and soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Mullein is one herb recommended for children and adults to add to nearly all respiratory formulas. It can be considered to have a general tonic effect on the lungs. It is pleasant-tasting and not harsh, so the herb can be used as desired. The oil, made by infusing mullein flowers in olive oil, is beneficial for earache and inflammation. Two to five drops are placed in the ear several times daily. Mullein is also cleansing to the lymphatic system and is helpful for relieving skin problems, such as psoriasis. Mullein has a taste of ASTRINGENT, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.

Sundew Herbal Remedies
Sundew has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is an important herb for the respiratory tract. It is a soothing remedy for whooping cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and dry, irritating coughs and is reported to have a relaxing effect on the bronchial tree. Some herbalists ascribe rejuvenative and longevity properties to this herb. Fresh juice of sundew is also used externally against warts and corns. Sundew has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of COOL.

Yerba Santa Herbal Remedies
Yerba santa is an expectorant herb useful for asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, and moist coughs. It is also used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion (chewing on tender young yerba santa leaves is good for digestion). The herb has an agreeable, bitter, and resinous taste. The tincture is useful to mask the objectionable taste of very bitter herbs, such as cascara sagrada. Grindelia, another well-known spicy warm respiratory plant, is often blended with yerba santa. Yerba Santa has a taste of SPICY, AROMATIC and a temperature of VERY WARM.