Overview
Asthma affects approximately 20 million Americans every year. Conventional treatment options are limited to steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. While these medications are effective in relieving the symptoms of asthma, the side effects of continuous long-term treatment can be severe. There are numerous natural strategies to consider for chronic asthma that can offer effective treatment without the side effects.
Natural Remedies
Supplements
The following is a list of nutritional supplements and herbal formulas to consider for asthma:
Quercetin
Recognized as one of the superior flavonoids because of its marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is known for its ability to stabilize mast cells and help control allergies. If the asthma is directly related to allergic reactions, then quercetin is an excellent supplement to try.
Grape Seed extract
tA strong antioxidant that is also very good at reducing inflammation and breaking the chronic pattern of allergy-induced asthma.
Cod liver oil
High in essential fatty acids, cod liver oil reduces inflammation, promotes healthy circulation, and is generally strengthening for immunity.
MSM
MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. Because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts immunity and is helpful for allergies.
Chinese herbs
Ginseng and gecko
A Chinese herbal formula (ren shen ge jie san) that clears heat and phlegm from the lungs and strengthens both lung and spleen Qi
Ding chuan tang
The most widely used herbal formula for asthma, ding chuan tang can be applied to all kinds of asthma. In particular, if the asthma is exacerbated by the onset of a cold, this formula works well.
Jade Windscreen
A Chinese herbal formula (yu ping feng san) that can be combined with one of the above formulas to add another support in strengthening immunity and boosting lung function.
Diet
The main strategy for asthma sufferers is to avoid foods that provoke inflammation in the body. At the top of this list is the whole class of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Any food that converts into sugar very quickly in the body is going to cause inflammation. Many asthma patients report a marked improvement in their symptoms simply by taking this step.
In Chinese medicine, the lungs share a close relationship with the large intestine. Intestinal toxicity can cause a whole slew of internal problems, including asthma and allergies. If there is a history of constipation, then a cleansing approach is useful to detoxify the colon, which will indirectly benefit the lungs. A high fiber diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables is the key. Flax seed, prune, pear, ripe banana, and herbs such as rhubarb root are helpful colon cleansers.
Deep breathing
Anytime the asthma is in remission, undertake deep breathing exercises as much as possible. Ujayi breathing in yoga is a very helpful practice for building lung capacity and strength. This is a long, exaggerated breath that is coordinated with each asana (yoga posture). Many of the chest opening asanas are healing for the lungs as well. Pranayama exercises such as the one minute breath and alternate nasal breathing are beneficial, especially is done on a daily basis. The one minute breath involves inhaling as slowly as possible for as long as possible, holding for as long as possible, then exhaling for as long as possible. Try to build up to a full minute of doing this. Alternate nasal breathing involves plugging one nostril, then inhaling deeply through the other, switching sides, then exhaling slowly and fully, inhaling deeply, then switching sides. This can be repeated several times. If your stress level is high, then learning how to meditate for 15-30 minutes per day is recommended.
Chronic asthma can respond very well to any one of the therapies mentioned above. Combining these therapies offers the most comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the lungs.
Source: Kevin S. Doherty, LAc., Dipl.Ac., MSOM
HERBAL MEDICINE AND TREATMENTS FROM MAMAHERB™
Asthma Home Remedy Using Green tea
Ingredients: Green tea
Conditions: Respiratory,Asthma
[URL(T) asthma]Asthma[/URL] is a disease related to [URL(T) respiratory]respiratory[/URL] system. When the lungs get filled with [URL(T) cough]cough[/URL] or any foreign body enters into the windpipe it causes partial blocking or irritation. This condition is termed as asthma. This is a common disease which affects nearly 10-20% of the total world population. It affects people of all the ages; however it is very common amongst the children. In most of the cases the disease being mild is often not recognized and is left untreated.In asthma, airways get narrowed. These narrowed airways may lead to [URL(T) coughing]coughing[/URL], wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms get worst at night time. [URL(T) green-[URL(T) tea]tea[/URL]]Green Tea[/URL] is very effective in resolving the symptoms of Asthma. Green tea is also termed as ryokucha, ocha, nihoncha, Chinese tea, Japanese tea( in Japan) and Camellia sinensis.
Learn more
Asthma Home Remedy Using Milkweed
Ingredients: Milkweed
Conditions: Respiratory,Asthma
[URL(T) asthma]Asthma[/URL] happens when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. Asthma is a chronic but treatable situation. It is a very common long-term condition that affects your airways and breathing. It affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. It may be very mild, or it can be very severe. Asthma can be deadly if it's not controlled. More than 20 million Americans are expected to have asthma, an [URL(T) immune]immune[/URL] disorder that affects the muscles around the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. [URL(T) milkweed]Milkweed[/URL] extract is very effective in resolving the symptoms of Asthma. Milkweed is also termed as Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, asclépiade de Syrie, cotonniern and petit-cochon.
Learn more
Asthma Home Remedy Using Water And Copper
Ingredients: Water, Copper
Conditions: Chronic Illness,Asthma
[URL(T) asthma]Asthma[/URL] is an ancient Greek word meaning 'panting' or 'short-drawn breath'. It is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or more allergens, and is the most troublesome of [URL(T) respiratory]respiratory[/URL] diseases.
An asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he may even be completely normal.
Patients suffering from asthma appear to be gasping for breath, Actually, they have more difficulty in breathing out than breathing m, and this is caused by spasms or sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the smaller air passages in the lungs. The effect is to blow the lungs up because the patient cannot drive the air properly out of the lungs before he has to take another breath. Most asthmatics have more difficulty at night or early morning.
Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. [URL(T) allergies]Allergies[/URL] to dust are the must common. Foods which generally cause allergic reactions are wheat, eggs, [URL(T) milk]milk[/URL], chocolates, beans, fish, and sea foods. The disease may also result from psychological factors. According to some studies, about twenty-five percent of young asthmatics have a deep-seated emotional insecurity and an intense need for parental love and protection. Heredity also plays an important role.
Modem medical system has not been able to find a cure for this crippling disease. Drugs and vaccines have only limited value in alleviating the symptoms. Most of these are habit forming and the dose has to be increased from time to time to give the same amount of relief. The frequent introduction of drugs in the system, while giving only temporary relief, tends to make asthma chronic and incurable. Allergy, which is the immediate cause of asthma, itself is an indication of lowered resistance and internal disharmony caused by faulty eating and bad habi
Learn more
Asthma Home Remedy Using Passion flower
Ingredients: Passion flower
Conditions: Chronic Illness,Asthma
[URL(T) asthma]Asthma[/URL] is a condition that affects the airways the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. These effects are usually temporary, but they cause shortness of breath, breathing trouble, and other symptoms. If an asthma episode is severe, a person may need emergency treatment to restore normal breathing. Asthma is commonly divided into two types: allergic (extrinsic) asthma and non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma. The flavanoids and the alkaloids present in [URL(T) passion-flower]Passion flower[/URL] makes it an effective substance in treating Asthma. Passion flower is also known as Passion Vines and Passiflora.
Learn more
Asthma Home Remedy Using Coca leaf
Ingredients: Coca leaf
Conditions: Respiratory,Asthma
i drank a cup of [URL(T) coca-leaf]coca leaf[/URL] [URL(T) tea]tea[/URL] when i was in peru and i could breath better than i have ever breathed before its the best herb i know of for the lungs.
Learn more