Natural Remedies For Asthma

More and more people in today’s society are turning to natural medications and herbal remedies to treat their various ailments, and asthma is no different.

Although nothing can really replace prescription drugs there are a number of natural remedies that can help to alleviate symptoms and control your condition so that the daily dosages of your prescription medications can be reduced.  

Here are a number of natural and herbal remedies that can be used to help treat the symptoms of asthma:

* Chamomile has over 120 active ingredients and is known for its soothing effect on smooth muscles, making it a good bronchodilator. It also has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a top herb for the treatment of asthma symptoms. Chamomile is available in capsule form, however many people enjoy the taste of chamomile tea, especially when taken before bedtime. It can also be combined with thyme and elecampane and drank every hour to relieve mild symptoms that could potentially develop into an asthmatic episode.   It should be pointed out however that it is possible to have an allergic reaction to this herb, so you should consult a doctor or herbal practitioner before using it as a complementary treatment.
* Garlic has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Raw garlic, or alternatively garlic capsules, help to clear mucus from the chest and help with coughing and wheezing. It also helps to ward off a cold which is a big plus with regards to asthma.  It is simple to incorporate garlic into everyday cooking and over time this will have a beneficial effect on your breathing and many other aspects of your health.
* Parsley can be easily made into a tea and used as an expectorant. This helps to release phlegm in the throat and bronchial tubes so that the passage of air becomes easier. For this reason it has long been used to treat mild asthma symptoms.
* A lesser known herb called Yerba Santa has been chewed by Native Indians for centuries as a treatment for bronchial congestion, asthma and hay fever. The dried herb is added to water and drank daily. Because of its relative rarity, you will only be able to purchase it from a proper herbal store.

There are many more herbs and plants that can be used to treat asthma, including elderberry, nettle, liquorice, green tea and horseradish. Some may have side effects so anyone wishing to use them as complimentary medicines should consult an herbal practitioner first, especially as you will be taking a number of prescribed medications as well.

Some of the herbs mentioned are best used as an inhalant, where a few drops of the essential oil are mixed into a bowl of hot water and the fragranced steam is breathed deeply into the lungs. Liquorice, tea tree, marshmallow, parsley and eucalyptus are all good oils for loosening phlegm and relieving congestion.

In addition, a number of herbs are also helpful when drank as a tea or as a tincture. A tea is produced by soaking the herb or plant in hot water for 10-20 minutes and then straining the solid matter out, whereas a tincture uses a mixture of alcohol (normally vodka) and water to draw the beneficial ingredients out of the herbs. Tinctures can take up to three weeks to make, but once they are ready they are much stronger and have a much greater effect than the herbal tea.

However you decide to take the herbs, it should be noted that although uncommon, allergic reactions have been reported. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you book a consultation with a qualified herbal practitioner before trying any of the herbs mentioned above to treat the symptoms of your asthma.