Welcome back, dear friend. Today I’m sharing something a little different. This post is about using natural products for COPD wellness to help my stepmother, B. She sadly suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and cancer, and is receiving end of life care.
Advert: this post contains references to PR gifted products. My views are honest and my own. May contain affiliate links.
I wanted to put together a care package of wellness and skincare products to boost her health and energy levels, relieve her symptoms, and bring comfort without disrupting her medical treatment or skin care preferences.
Note that I am not a medical professional, and you should always consult a doctor before introducing new supplements.
About my step mother
B is 72 and she and my Dad have been married for 22 years. My dad is her full time carer and receives occasional support with her care. They live in Devon, by the sea, where B can get sea air daily through the open window.
Her long-term health
COPD is a respiratory disorder that’s thought to be a mix of bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. She also suffers with the following health problems:
- Lack of energy
- Dry and chafing skin due to 24/7 bedrest
- Lack of vitamin D due to lack of sunlight
Her basic routine
I consulted with my dad about B’s current routine. For skin care, she uses face moisturiser, body moisturiser, and lip balm. She uses medicated cream on her body where being bed bound has taken its toll (we don’t want to replace products prescribed by a doctor). B doesn’t wear makeup. She can swallow tablets no problem and is willing to try new supplements.
She’s been using her current skincare products for some years and is quite attached to them, for instance she loves Dove Shower Gel. I wouldn’t like to suggest replacing the products she finds comforting, but rather add some ideas for natural alternatives she can use alongside her favourites. Not because I think they are better, but because they contain some ingredients I think might help – especially the supplements. And, I want to show I care through this gift of natural wellness and beauty.
With a budget of £50, I went slightly over. So without further ado, let’s look at the products!
A COPD wellness & care package
Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm
A balm that eases breathing difficulties is an obvious choice. Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm is recommended for clearing the airways.
It contains eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, and lemon tea tree essential oils. Soothing marshmallow root extract brings a wholesome, 100% organic chest rub that offers natural relief.
My dad helps Brenda to rub this balm onto her chest, and it’s bringing gentle relief from her breathing difficulties.
Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm
KIKI Health MSM Flakes
In making this choice, I researched supplements for COPD sufferers. MSM is a great choice for anybody who wants to improve their skin, hair, and nails. But it also may have specific benefits for COPD sufferers. “In a study of 7 subjects with respiratory deficiency, all were given MSM to take orally. After one month, all emphysema sufferers had at least doubled their walking distance.”
Needless to say, I didn’t hesitate in adding this supplement to my basket. It has to be worth a try for even a small improvement in her health. I also hope it will improve the general condition of B’s skin.
Because B’s only had 2 weeks to try the supplement, it’s too early to note any difference yet. But I will update this post as soon as I can (under LoveLula rules, we need to post in the same month we receive the products).
KIKI Health MSM Flakes
Buy Now – £11.50 at Kiki Health
Living Better Health Organic Superfoods Energy Blend
I hope this energy blend will help to boost B’s energy levels. It’s packed with magnesium, which interests me since magnesium deficiency may contribute to pulmonary complications. Also, magnesium may bring about benefits for patients who wheeze, according to Digital Naturopath.
The magnesium and plant protein in this chocolate energy supplement promises to keep the drinker going throughout the day, “making the pace of life a little more manageable”. It contains baobab, maca, chia, and hemp protein powder along with lucuma and guarana. Note that magnesium can interfere with some medication, so check with your doctor first.
B hasn’t had chance to try this yet, but I will update you when she does.
Living Better Health Organic Superfoods Energy Blend
Buy Now – £14.99 at Living Better Health
Martina Gebhardt Ginseng Face Lotion
This light facial daily moisturiser stood out as a good choice for B right away – it’s ideal for demanding, tired, or sluggish skin. This gorgeous range from organic skincare line Martina Gebhardt is full of vitamins and plant extracts to improve tone and circulation.
I was also attracted by the promise of enhancing the skin’s regenerative powers because of an illness.
Both my dad and B love this cream! They both enjoy soft skin and “a bit of a glow”. So I’m really happy about that.
Martina Gebhardt Ginseng Face Lotion
Crazy Rumors Au Naturale 100% Natural Lip Balm
I’m a big fan of Crazy Rumours lip balm. I wanted to treat B to a plain lip balm to help smooth and soothe her lips. She currently uses a Vaseline lip balm and I think this would be extra nourishing for her.
It’s 100% natural, vegan, certified cruelty free and will certainly nourish her lips with moisturising shea butter and jojoba oil.
B loves this lip balm and keeps it by her bed. Definitely a winner!
Crazy Rumors Au Naturale 100% Natural Lip Balm
Herbfarmacy TLC Balm
A good all-purpose balm is a wise choice and should help with any skin maladies. It’s an organic and vegan balm with homegrown herbs to calm, soften, and protect even the most sensitive of skin.
B can use this on any part of her body that needs some TLC. She has been using it after her moisturiser to help with her dry skin and she’s impressed with the soothing qualities of the balm.
Herbfarmacy TLC Balm
Final thoughts on COPD wellness & care
I’m so pleased that my MIL is enjoying her care package. I hope that if you know anybody with COPD, you can share this information with them.
For more information on COPD see COPD Support from The British Lung Institute and Natural Treatments for COPD from The Lung Institute (US).
Let me know what you think in the comments, especially if you want to hear about the long term benefits of these products.
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Until next time!
6 Comments
Sending so much love to your step mom and you were so kind to this care package for her. I bet she’ll love it
That is a great idea and very thoughtful to put together a wellness basket for your step mom. You just gave me some great ideas for my mom!
I’m so sorry to hear about your stepmother. She’s lucky to have you x
This is such a thoughtful and well put together git basket. I’m praying for your whole famliy and sending y’all lots of love and extra strength!
I love the thought and research you put into this care package for your mother-in-law. I’m sure she will love it.
This is such a great care package. My step mother passed away from COPD few years ago… Sending love to you and yours