Herbal Treatments for Asthma

Asthma is a very serious and chronic respiratory disorder that causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion. Asthma causes a sudden inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, which results in less available oxygen to your brain and body. The cause of asthma is poorly understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors are generally believed to be at fault. Allergies, infections, exercise, stress, cold air, and reactions to medications are the most common triggers of an acute asthma attack.

Despite improved understanding of the disorder and an increasing number of available prescription medications, the number of people that die each year from an asthma attack is on the rise. People of any age can develop or suffer from asthma, and it is not exclusively a disease of childhood, as many people believe. Because of the seriousness of this disorder, it is always best to follow your physician's treatment plan and to discuss with him any herbs you are taking in addition to your prescription medications. Listed below are a number of herbs that are useful both in the prevention of asthma attacks and in the treatment of acute symptoms:

Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate:

It is the caffeine contained in these popular foods that is the most useful in the treatment of asthma, but all three also contain theobromine and theophylline. These two compounds, along with caffeine, belong to a family of chemicals called xanthines. Xanthines treat asthma by opening up constricted airways and reducing bronchospasms. Generally, coffee has the highest level of these compounds, and studies have shown that three to four cups of coffee can be just as effective in treating asthma as many commonly prescribed medications.

Ephedra:

Unfortunately, ephedra often causes many unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. However, when used carefully and in moderation, ephedra can be very effective in the treatment of asthma. It is better to make a tea using the herb instead of relying on over-the-counter medications that contain ephedra. Be very careful not to take high doses of ephedra, and always consult your pediatrician before using this herb to treat your child's asthma symptoms.

Licorice:

Licorice has a soothing effect on the throat and lungs, and helps in the treatment of asthma by reducing irritation and coughing. Up to three cups of licorice tea can be safely ingested each day, but in excessive amounts this herb can cause headache, water retention, and high blood pressure. Dried licorice root can also be placed into a cup of tea.

Ginkgo:

Ginkgo is one of the herbs most commonly used around the world in the treatment of asthma. Ginkgo is believed to work by interfering with a protein in the blood that triggers bronchospasms in some people. Ginkgo extract is very easy to locate, and should be taken in standardized doses of 60 to 240 milligrams per day.

Stinging Nettle:

Stinging nettle is a powerful antihistamine that is useful in treating both asthma and hayfever. Drinking a tea made from the roots of nettle mixed with honey is a good way to open up the airways in the lungs.

Anise and Fennel:

These two herbs contain chemicals called creosol and alpha-pinene, both of which help to loosen secretions in the lungs. These herbs can be mixed together into a tea for the treatment of asthma, or combined with other herbs that contain creosol and alpha-pinene, such as parsley, coriander, juniper, cardamom, horsebalm, and ginger.