Asthma And Natural Treatments

Natural asthma treatments have very few side effects, are usually inexpensive, and are easy to do. They can be used along with conventional treatments to make them more effective, and to reduce the number of side effects from medications.

Some alternative practitioners view this disease as being a protective reaction by your body to allergens and pollutants. They feel your focus should be on strengthening your entire body, as well as supporting your lungs and immune system.

Yoga includes deep breathing exercises that expand your lungs and help to reduce stress. Studies have shown that these exercises are very effective for people who suffer from this problem, especially when you do them every day.

You can use acupressure both to prevent attacks and to treat them. The Lung 1 points stimulate breathing. In asthmatics, these spots are sensitive and often knotted. They are found on the muscles that run horizontally about an inch below your collarbone, and about two inches from the center of your chest. (You may need to feel around on a child to find them, as these distances would be smaller on a little one.) Press on them with your thumbs in a circular motion while you or your patient hangs his head forward and takes slow deep breaths.

Essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile are used in aromatherapy to help with breathing.

In Japan, cold baths are a common treatment for this disease. This treatment has been shown to open constricted air passages.

Coffee and tea can also help with attacks. Caffeine is a bronchodilator, while tea also has small amounts of theophylline, an asthma drug. So having a cup of coffee or tea may help if you feel an attack coming on.

Many herbs are useful in treating this problem. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal preparations, as they can interact with asthma medications. You may also want to work with a qualified herbalist, too. Be sure to do your homework before using any herbal remedy! Don't use these herbs if you are pregnant or nursing.

Traditionally, herbs that have a soothing effect on the lungs are used:

• Marshmallow has a high mucilage content and soothes and heals inflamed mucous membranes. You can take it as a tincture or make the roots or leaves into a tea. (Don't confuse this herb with the marshmallows you find at the grocery store! These are candy, NOT an herbal preparation.)


• Mullein is used for coughs and bronchitis. You can use it as a tea or tincture.

Traditional Chinese medicine also uses herbs to treat this respiratory problem.

• Ma huang or ephedra has been used for over 5,000 years in Chinese medicine. It works as a bronchodilator. Use this under a doctor's supervision as it can cause an increased heart rate.


• Licorice root reduces inflammation and restores normal breathing. It's also good for side effects of cortisone. Don't use it if you have high blood pressure.


• Ginkgo biloba fights allergies, inflammation, and tension in the lungs.


• Cayenne pepper is an antispasmodic. It also helps to strengthen the heart and release muscle tension.


• Reishi mushroom is an anti-inflammatory and also helps to build up the immune system. You can cook them in food, or use them as a tincture.

There are many other herbal remedies for asthma. Chamomile is an anthistamine. Elderberry is well-known in Europe to prevent and treat colds and flu bugs. Sambucol is an elderberry extract that is available at health food stores and also some pharmacies.

Lobelia tincture is very good for coughs. It reduces inflammation and sooths lung tissue. Teas made from hyssop or nettles are good for your lungs. Green tea helps to open the bronchial tubes in your lungs, while ginger helps to reduce allergic reactions.

Natural treatments are can go a long way toward reducing your dependence on conventional medical treatment.