Asthma
Asthma is a lung condition that chronically inflames the air passages of the lungs, preventing sufficient air from entering and leaving the lungs. This disrupts breathing and makes those who suffer from it gasp for breath. People who suffer from the condition have sensitive airways that become obstructed or narrowed when they become irritated.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can vary from mild wheezing to chronic coughing and wheezing in a severe attack. There are some symptoms to watch for that seem to accompany the condition. These symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness across the chest, and running out of breath during exercise. You may also find that you have difficulty sleeping because of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms that are severe enough may require the use of bronchodilators to open the air passages by relaxing the muscles surrounding them.
Causes
Asthma may be genetic. Some doctors also believe that the diet may affect whether a person develops this disease, or even if a lack of exercise may play a part. People who work in jobs where they are exposed to respiratory irritants like chemicals, dust, fumes or gases may develop it. The other factor is the living environment, where a person can develop sensitivity to dust, smoke, dust mites, pollen or other environmental factors.
Cautions
Asthma attacks that are left untreated can require hospitalization. If severe enough, it can be fatal. Because this is a very serious condition, it should be properly managed by a health care professional.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Ginger – drinking ginger tea with added minced garlic twice a day can provide relief. Drink once in the morning and once at night.
- Turmeric – add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk 2 or 3 times per day. Take this on an empty stomach for the best results.
- Licorice root – add half a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of hot water. Let the root steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink.
- Honey – a traditional remedy for breathing problems, it is recommended to have a jar of honey available so it can be held beneath the nose of someone in the midst of an attack. Within a few minutes, it is said the patient should start breathing easier. Alternatively, 1 teaspoon of honey can be added to a glass of water and taken 3 times per day.
- Garlic – add boiled garlic cloves to 30 grams of milk. Drink this every day to control symptoms.
- Fennel – chew this herb regularly to expel mucous from the chest and prevent attacks.
- Nettle – drink nettle herbal tea for respiratory difficulties. This tea can be taken as needed.
- Elecampane – this herb helps tone the lungs. It is anti-inflammatory and an expectorant that will help relieve the symptoms.
- Skullcap – this is a calming herb that will help to ease stressful situations that have triggered an attack.
- Butterbur – this herb can actually help inhaler medications to work more effectively due to its anti-inflammatory actions. People allergic to ragweed, daisy or chrysanthemum should not take butterbur.
External Applications
- Roman chamomile – boil the flower heads in water and inhale the resulting steam to treat asthma. Chamomile acts as an antihistamine.
- Eucalyptus – inhale the fumes of the essential oil to help clear the respiratory passages.