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Asthma causes symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Due to the fact that asthma is incurable, treatment will be needed throughout life. Modern treatment includes long-term control medication as well as rescue treatments such as inhalers. However, for thousands of years herbs have been used in Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and by the Native Americans to reduce inflammation, open the airways, decrease congestion and relieve the symptoms of asthma. Since
stress can be a trigger for an asthma attack, many of the herbs that treat stress will also help to treat asthma and vice versa. These herbs relax the body, which reduces airway constriction and also decreases the incidence of asthma attacks. In addition to the herbs listed below lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, passionflower, oats, ginseng, gotu kola, angelica, cocoa, coffee, ginger, licorice root, parsley, elderberry, and eucalyptus have had beneficial effects on the respiratory system for treating asthma.
Anise-
Anise can
treat asthma by opening up the airways and relieving coughing and wheezing.
Anise is an expectorant, which helps to loosen phlegm and secretions from
inside the respiratory tract. It clears out congestion, which can cause airway
blockages and tightness.
Elecampane-
Elecampane can be used to treat shortness of breath, chest affections, diseases
of the lungs, asthma and bronchitis. It is used to calm irritating bronchial
coughs and assists in expectoration. Elecampane is best when used in
combination with other herbs such as mullein, white horehound, coltsfoot,
pleurisy root, lungwort and yarrow. Elecampane can be used in a decoction or
infusion, where 1 teaspoon is added to hot water and drank 3 times a day.
Grindelia-
Grindelia
is an expectorant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory which treats bronchial
problems, respiratory impediments from phlegm and asthma. It has a relaxing
effect on the muscle lining of the smaller bronchial passages. This helps to
clear mucus congestion. Grindelia slows the heart rate and desensitizes the
bronchial nerve endings, which makes breathing easier. The dried leaves and
flowering tops are used in herbal infusions and tinctures. Steep in hot water
for 10-15 minutes and drink 3 times a day. Some experience side effects such as
renal irritation.
Hyssop-
Hyssop is
considered to be a sacred cleansing herb. It has expectorant, antispasmodic,
antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Hyssop is helpful to sedate coughing
caused by asthma. Hyssop has been prescribed for lung disorders, pleurisy,
asthma, phlegm, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Hyssop is calming and
helps to expel phlegm from the lungs. Hyssop should only be used for a short
period of time due to possible toxicity. The leaves and flowers are distilled for
their essential oils. Hyssop blends well with other herbs such as sandalwood,
lavender, ylang ylang, rosemary, clary sage, cypress, geranium, and lemon.
Wild Cherry Bark-
Wild Cherry Bark is a mild sedative with expectorant, astringent, tonic, and anti-tussive
properties. It treats irritable, persistent coughs, bronchitis, pertussis, and
irritated respiratory mucosa. While sedating the sensory nerves in the lungs it
reduces the cough reflex, which allows increased respiration. Wild Cherry bark
is not for long-term use due to the risk of toxicity and may cause drowsiness.
It should be combined with other herbs to effectively treat asthma. Wild cherry
bark should be made into an infusion and drank 3 times a day.
Motherwort-
Motherwort is an antispasmodic, mild sedative and mild relaxing agent. It
improves blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels and calms the nerve.
Motherwort relieves asthma, bronchitis, and lung problems by decreasing lung
spasms. It is normally mixed with mullein in an infusion. It is recommended to
drink 3 times a day.
Mullein-
Mullein is
a respiratory tonic, antispasmodic, antibiotic, and expectorant. It can be used
to eliminate coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma.
Mullein soothes the mucous membranes, reduces inflammation and spasms within
the bronchial airways. Mullein can treat emphysema, colds, flu, bronchitis,
whooping cough and asthma. It encourages mucus production, which allows for
proper expectoration. Mullein used in tea works quicker and more effectively to
relieve asthma attack.
Gingko Biloba-
Gingko Biloba acts as a bronchodilator and reduces inflammation within the
lungs. It dilates and tones the blood vessels, which reduces damage and
improves blood supply. Some
studies suggest gingko can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Gingko
Biloba is also an antioxidant. Gingko can be found in supplement form as a pill
or liquid.
Turmeric-
Turmeric
is an antiseptic, astringent, stimulant, alterative, antibacterial and
carminative. It has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat
inflammation. Turmeric has bronchodilating effects as an anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant. Turmeric can be made into tea, steeped in hot water or hot milk,
or even added to food.
