posted 07-02-2006 11:11 PM         

Thanks for writing. Sorry for the delay, but we've been on vacation.

With a disease such as pulmonary fibrosis you are going to need to prevent fatigue, loss of appetite or rapid weight loss as well pain and discomfort on the chest area.

First, to prevent fatigue and not overwork the system we would suggest that you eliminate foods that can cause phlegm in the lungs in example: rice, pasta, all dairy and alcohol; avoic also heavy red meats, pork, white sugar, excessive caffeine and of course smoking.

Eat plenty of raw or steamed vegetables, fresh fish, brown Rice - increases qi, strengthens spleen, Navy Beans - sweet flavor, benefits the lungs and spleen.
Almonds - relieve stagnant qi of the lungs, transform phlegm, Mustard Greens - influence lungs, clear chest congestion, improve energy circulation, Fresh Garlic and Onions - resolves phlegm and inflammations of the upper respiratory system, Radish - transforms phlegm, Pear - affects the lungs, eliminates phlegm.

In TCM we consider this condition to be Lung Excess Heat, therefore we encourage you to drink cooling drinks. We suggest infusions of Slippery bark and Peppermint in equal parts adding 15 drops of extract of American ginseng root. sweeten with honey, drink while tepid 3xs day.

We also treat this condition with 2 formulas which have proven effective Chuan Ke Ling and Chuan Xin Lian Kang Yan Pian, we suggest you either contact us for further info at clinician@doctor.com or if near a Chinatown you may want to visit a licensed practitioner there.

Add to your humidifier 30 drops of essential oil of Eucalyptus. You may also massage the chest with 20 drops of essential oil of Cedarwood and 10 drops of Eucalyptus, diluted in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or hemp oil.