Using herbs for asthma treatment is a natural way of treating a serious affliction which can often leave patients dependant on modern medicine and suffering the side effects that go with it.
Asthma is the condition caused when the air tubes of the lungs contract in spasms making breathing very difficult. There are two types of asthma.
The first is known as intrinsic asthma, which tends to affect people later in life and has no definite cause. Extrinsic asthma is the second type and is usually brought on by inhaling something that triggers the reaction.
Symptoms include a tight feeling around the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
There are many excellent herbal asthma remedies from herbs that have expectorant properties. Some of these herbs can help to expel the fluids that clog up the respiratory system. Others work by relaxing the windpipe.
Some useful herbal remedies for asthma include:
- Ginkgo biloba, which works to reduce the platelet activating factor and reduce the sensitivity of the airways in asthma sufferers. It is useful for reducing allergic reactions and is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be administered in the form of a tincture or as a tea.
- Coltsfoot is an herb which has been used for many years to treat coughs and similar disorders and is best taken as a tea.
- Echinacea and goldenseal are natural antibiotics and are often used together to fight respiratory infection.
- Nettles can be taken as a tincture to fight respiratory problems such as asthma and coughs. Nettle tea is very popular and can be made from fresh or dried leaves. It can also be taken as a tincture or the leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
- Liquorice is useful for soothing inflamed areas in the throat and has expectorant qualities. It can be administered as a tincture or a syrup, but should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Garlic is a natural antibiotic and a useful anti-inflammatory for soothing the airways. It can also assist with expelling mucus from the airways.
- Anise is an expectorant that has been used as a remedy for many years to treat respiratory conditions. Its use was documented by the ancient Greeks and it has antibiotic properties.
- Fennel seeds have similar properties and can be used to aid with the reduction of spasms. Also popular with the Greeks, it can be taken as a tea.
- Parsley leaf is another one of the useful expectorant herbs for asthma and can be taken in a number of ways including eating it raw and making it into a tea.
- Lobelia is a powerful herb for asthma and can be used to stimulate the respiratory system while reducing spasms. Excessive amounts can induce vomiting, so care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose.
As with any remedy, one should always consult a medical professional prior to beginning treatment. Herbal asthma remedies can have a strong effect, and it is important to ensure that they will not interfere with any conventional medication that has been prescribed.
HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF REMEDIES