Use of Herbs in Asthma Treatment
Using herbs in treating asthma is found to be one of the most effective asthma treatments. Herbs used for asthma treatment are safe and cost-effective. Herbs for asthma can bring a great relief for the asthma sufferers without causing any side-effects which the conventional medicines can cause. The herbs for asthma, work by attacking the very cause of the asthma and relieving the symptoms of asthma. Some of the herbs for asthma treatment include:
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most effective and inexpensive herbs for asthma. Garlic gloves contain chemicals that improve blood circulation and prevent inflammation in air passages. The strong odor of garlic cloves helps the asthmatic person to take deeper breaths. Garlic is a natural antibiotic that works by suppressing the enzyme responsible for inflammation.
Mullein
Mullein is an effective herb that is used to prevent the inflammation of upper respiratory tract. Mullein relaxes the muscles and decreases the irritation caused by coughing. It can be used alone or in combination with other herbs. Mullein oil can eliminate chest congestion. Mullein roots can either be chewed or boiled to extract tea.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is also considered to be one of best and effective herbs for asthma. Licorice root works by defeating the inflammation that narrows the air ducts in asthmatic patients.it also helps in soothing swollen breathing pathways. You can boil licorice roots to extract tea or take it in form of capsules.
Jimson weed
Jimson weed is another herb that is found effective in treatment of asthma. It works by relaxing the spasm of the bronchi during an asthma attack. Jimson weed helps in treating asthma by drying up the hyper secretions of the airways membranes.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is considered to be an excellent herb for asthma. The roots and seeds of Evening primrose help in relieving bronchial spasm by acting like an antispasmodic. Oil of evening primrose helps in reducing inflammation. Roots of Evening primrose are boiled to make tea. By boiling chopped fresh roots of Evening primrose in honey a soothing cough syrup can be made.
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot is another herb for asthma that helps in soothing and calming the asthmatic patient. Coltsfoot works by acting like an antispasmodic. Coltsfoot can either be chewed in small pieces or tea is made out of dried Coltsfoot. This tea eases the cough and relieves chest pain in asthmatic patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is considered to be an effective herb that is used in natural asthma treatment. Ginkgo Biloba works by blocking the action of one of compound that is responsible for causing asthma symptoms. It is believed that the powerful ginkgolides within ginkgo biloba help in the reduction of asthma symptoms.
Apart from the above-mentioned herbs, other herbs for asthma include:
- Marshmallow root
- Ephedra sinica
- Saw Palmetto
- St. John's Wort
- Onions
- Boswellia
- Butterbur
- Lobelia
- Ginkgo bibola
- Coleus
- Hyssop
- Elecampe
Herbs for asthma are often useful in relieving the symptoms of chronic asthma. Therefore they should not be used in life-threatening circumstances or in case of severe asthma attacks. Also, in some cases herbs for asthma don't work. So you should not rely totally on them. Herbs for asthma can be used in combination with the prescribed medicine, but they should not be replaced by the medicines. You can consult your doctor regarding the combinations to be used.
