Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

I would like to know if there are any herbal treatments for the lungs, in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? My wife's doctor says she possibly has this. She says she can breathe in air fine but has difficulty breathing out. The doctor says there is no treatment but exercise would help. I would like to know if there are any herbal treatments you could recommend to help my wife with her breathing and any herbs that may have restorative properties or healing properties for the lungs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases are characterized by obstruction of airflow through the lungs, and are usually caused by cigarette smoking or air pollution.
Important factors in easing breathing difficulties are weight loss if overweight and clearing mucous build-up from the lungs. Mucous forming foods such as dairy products, fatty meats, eggs and processed foods must be avoided. Infection of the lungs should be prevented to avoid further mucous formation and damage.
Herbs that can help are garlic as an anti-infective, Echinacea to boost immunity, Thyme to help clear the mucous, soothe the cough and boost anti-bacterial activity in the respiratory system , Fenugreek to soothe the mucous membranes, coltsfoot to help expel mucous and clear inflammation and Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) to repair lung tissue.
I advise you to find an experienced herbalist or naturopath to work out a herbal formula for your wife's specific condition.