Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflamed airways, spastic cough and excessive mucus secretion. Environmental triggers include smoke, pollen and mold, and attacks can be mild or severe. Long-term control of asthma symptoms usually involves corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers or long-acting beta agonists, according to the Mayo Clinic. These drugs can have dangerous side effects like hallucinations, depression and an increased risk of having a severe asthma attack. Herbs may offer an alternative for asthma symptoms. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Milkwood Pine
Milkwood pine, or Alstonia scholaris, is a small evergreen found throughout Africa and Asia. Ayurvedic medicine uses the bark to treat chronic diarrhea and digestive problems, and in parts of China the leaves are a folk medicine for chronic respiratory diseases like asthma. The leaves contain the potent alkaloids picrinine, vallesamine and scholaricine, which are anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic. A study published in the June 2010 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested six solutions, or fractions, of the leaf extract on groups of asthmatic animals. The study found that the alkaloid fraction was the most effective in relieving cough, asthma and phlegm. More studies are needed to test these alkaloids on humans and to see if the folk medical use of this plant can be proven through clinical trials.
Boswellia, Turmeric, Licorice
Boswellia, or Boswellia serrata; turmeric, or Curcuma longa; and licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, are herbs with a long history of traditional use. Boswellia’s gum resins, turmeric’s polyphenols and licorice’s triterpenoids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. In his textbook, Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, herbalist David Hoffmann recommends formulas including licorice for asthma. A study published in the July 2010 issue of “Clinical Biochemistry” tested a combination of these three herbs on 63 patients with asthma. After four weeks, the study found a significant reduction in asthma symptoms and frequency of attacks in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. The researchers state that further studies are needed to evaluate precisely how these herbs work together to produce these effects.
Manchurian Violet
Manchurian violet, or Viola mandshurica, is a small perennial violet with deep purple flowers found throughout Japan and Korea. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat tuberculosis, skin disorders and inflammatory conditions. A study published in the January 2008 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested an alcohol extract of Manchurian violet on asthmatic animals. The study found that the extract suppressed Immunoglobulin E and inflammatory cytokines, which trigger the inflammatory response in asthma attacks, and it also suppressed excessive mucus production. Further studies and clinical trials may show that Manchurian violet can be an effective herb against asthma.
References
- Mayo Clinic
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Pharmacological evaluation of Alstonia scholaris: anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic and expectorant activities; Shang JH, Cai XH, Zhao YL, Feng T, Luo XD; June 2010
- “Clinical Biochemistry”; Natural anti-inflammatory products and leukotriene inhibitors as complementary therapy for bronchial asthma; Houssen ME, Ragab A, Mesbah A, El-Samanoudy AZ, Othman G, Moustafa AF, Badria FA; July 2010
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM) ethanolic (EtOH) extract on airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma; Lee MY, Yuk JE, Kwon OK, Kim HS, Oh SR, Lee HK, Ahn KS; January 2008
