I have a client who has been diagnosed with atelectasis which refers to having a partially collapsed lung. This was found on a scan when the client went to a doctor for a different matter. A doctor has not spoken to her about it (she found it in her medical records) and she keeps telling me she will go to the doctor to find out more about this condition but never actually does. She has been experiencing discomfort in her lungs for years, at least 2 or 3. She often has a dry cough, especially when doing something that requires more exertion from her lungs such as laughing or hiking. This has significantly impacted her quality of life, she was an avid backpacker and now does minimal trail walking. There are days where she lays in bed wheezing. Client states “ It definitely feels like my lungs only have half of the capacity that I used to have. I can’t really put a finger on whether that’s due to collapse or scarring.” She also has discomfort in her chest and a history of recurring kidney stones. I started working with this client in September of 2024. 

We have tried 2 different formulas: 

The plants of formula 1 were: Lobelia, Calendula, New England Aster, Lady’s Mantle, Burdock Root.  I chose the plants with the intention to clear up any infection if there was one (calendula), provide immediate relief of cough and open the airways (lobelia, new england aster). Burdock was chosen for the energetic qualities of the plant. This formula was taken 2x per day. I now wonder if I put too many plants in this formula and if this is a case where less is more.  

The plants of formula 2 were comfrey, calendula and wild mint. The idea behind this one was to enhance cell proliferation and improve lung tissue. This was taken in a cycle of 2 weeks on 2 weeks of 3x per day. 

The client reported a significant increase in lung capacity and ability to breath without struggle while using formula 2. I had her cycling 2 weeks on 2 weeks off because I’m not exactly sure how to handle internal use of comfrey for long periods of time as this is not something I have recommended to past clients . She is currently not taking the formula because she became afraid of comfrey after learning more herself. 

The client is interested in the Lung Defense formula by Golden Flower Chinese Herbs but although she energetically matches up with it very well according to their detailed PDF on it, it’s out of my range as I know nothing about most Chinese herbs and I’m not licensed to buy TCM products. 

She has used marshmallow root as needed to balance the drying effect that New England aster has. I suggested we try marshmallow root more frequently as a demulcent for the lungs since she has stopped taking comfrey and comfrey is also high in mucilage. I thought this might give us a better idea of it it is the mucilage that is helping her but the client is not in compliance with marshmallow root because I told her not to take it right before eating and that doesn’t work with her routine.

 I am concerned that atelectasis is something that is beyond my abilities to treat. Here’s a few questions I have: How long is it safe to take comfrey internally? Is comfrey the correct plant for this client? Do you have any recommendations for how to approach this case? Would you as a practitioner continue to work with someone who refuses to follow up with their doctor?

• This topic was modified 4 days, 14 hours ago by Brooke Sarazyn.
• This topic was modified 4 days, 13 hours ago by Brooke Sarazyn. Reason: Additional information