Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children and adolescence. It is caused by bronchial spasm, restricting the flow of air in and out of the lungs. The bronchi are persistently hypersensitive and inflamed. Many factors can trigger asthmatic attacks. The most common allergens known are food, pet hair, chemicals, tobacco smoke, viral infection, stress, inhaling cold air and physical exhaustion. With the presence of allergens, a chemical called histamine is released in the body resulting to coughing and further bronchial muscle constriction.
Treatments include managing acute attacks, as well as, long term prevention and control. The herbs ephedra and lobelia are used in acute attacks. Taking up to 3 cups of caffeine can also prevent asthmatic attacks. Caffeine are considered bronchodilator, meaning it relaxes the bronchial muscles. Identifying and eliminating allergens is necessary. Other possible allergens are colas, MSG, chocolate, nuts, eggs and food additives. Also, meat and dairy product are a fat rich substance, which has an inflammatory effect to the human body. Drinking adequate water keeps the respiratory tract clear from secretions.
The good news for asthmatic person is that you can live your life normally. Modern treatments for asthma, if followed religiously, permit most people with asthma to limit the number of attacks they have. With the help of your doctor, you can absolutely take control of your health and your life.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Vitamin C—10 to 30 mg per 2-lb body weight, taken in divided doses, an antihistamine.
- Quercetin—400 to 1000 mg three times daily, an antihistamine.
- Magnesium—200 to 400 mg, prevents spasms of the bronchial passages.
- Selenium—45 to 200 mcg, if deficient.
- Bromelain—an anti-inflammatory.
- Vitamin B6—50 to 200 mg, decreases frequency of attacks.
- Vitamin B12—1 g, especially effective for sulfite sensitive asthmatics.
Herbal Supplements:
- Anise, fennel—have compounds that loosen bronchial secretions.
- Ginkgo biloba—120 to 140 mg extract or 3 to 4 ml tincture three times daily, contains compounds that block the action of a platelet activating factor that can cause asthmatic symptoms.
- Lobelia—mix three parts tincture to one part tincture of capsicum and take 20 drops in water at start of attack and repeat every 30 minutes three or four times.
- Marshmallow, mullein, licorice—have soothing actions on the respiratory tract.
- Stinging nettle—an antihistamine.
Aromatherapy:
- Chamomile, lavender or eucalyptus—can be used as steam inhalation during and after attack, opens airways and relieves panic.
- Eucalyptus, juniper, wintergreen—dilute mixture with carrier oil and apply to chest nightly.
- Frankincense—an antiasthmatic; strengthens immune system.
- Khella—relieves spasms of the bronchial muscles; can be combined with creeping hyssop to prevent attacks; do not apply to skin.
- Moroccan chamomile—an anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic; relieves allergic symptoms.
Chinese Medicine:
- Acupuncture—relieves symptoms; controls bronchial spasms.
- Almond
Homeopathy:
- Arsenicum album
- Carbo vegetabilis
- Chamomilla
- Ipecacuanha
- Lachesis
- Lobelia
- Natrum sulphuricum
- Nux vomica
- Pulsatilla
- Spongia tosta
Ayurvedic Medicine:
- Ashwagandha
- Ginger
- Licorice—1 to 2 g powdered root or 2 to 4 ml extract three times daily, has anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic properties, an expectorant, glycyrrhetinic acid component has cortisol-like activity, can be taken with ephedra or tylophora.
- Sida cordifolia
- Triphala
- Tylophora asthmatica—200 mg dried or 40 mg extract twice daily has antihistamine and antispasmodic activity.
