A dramatic increase of asthma in recent years, documented by the National Institutes of Health, has led to an increased interest in alternative therapies with homeopathy suggested as a promising complementary treatment. Homeopathy, rooted in the idea that like cures like, uses homeopathic medicines containing extremely small amounts of substances found in nature. An expert typically prescribes a remedy based on the unique needs of each person; however, several remedies have been commonly prescribed for asthma. For best results, consult a holistically trained physician, such as a naturopathic doctor, and be aware that asthma attacks can become life threatening, requiring emergency medical attention.
Homeopathic Arsenicum Album
Homeopathic Arsenicum album, derived from the metallic element arsenic, is commonly prescribed for acute asthma, respiratory infection or allergy. The person most likely to benefit from this remedy is usually thin, restless and anxious with a weakened respiratory system. The symptoms usually include tightness of chest with wheezing from allergies to cats, dust or smoke and an inability to take a deep breath. The person feels worse around midnight and must sit upright or bend forward to feel better. Warmth and warm drinks also make her feel better, while any cold or open air makes her feel worse.
Homeopathic Ipecacuanha
Homeopathic Ipecacuanha, derived from the plant bearing its name, may be most helpful in cases of asthma associated with acute bronchitis. Asthma attacks typically begin with constant cough, nausea, gagging and vomiting, or there are stomach cramps with the cough. Most attacks occur in children during warm, humid weather. There is rattling in the chest with thick, yellow expectoration. Usually the person is warm and averse to heat, but his hands and feet are cold and sweaty. He feels better sitting up in open air.
Homeopathic Kali Carbonicum
The person who may benefit from a homeopathic preparation of Kali carbonicum, a dilution of potassium carbonate, is very anxious about every cold she gets, worrying that it may lead to asthma. She experiences coughing with coldness in the chest and piercing pains. Her chest feels congested and she feels better if she's able to expectorate. Sitting upright or bending forward with the elbows on the knees also feels better. The symptoms are worse after midnight and during cold, damp weather. Asthma symptoms sometimes alternate with diarrhea, especially during the night.
Homeopathic Spongia Tosta
Homeopathic Spongia tosta is derived from roasted sea sponge. For those who may respond well to Spongia tosta, every cough or cold tends to lead to asthma attacks. There is a sense of obstruction in the mouth or throat and the cough is dry and tickling. It is often useful in childhood asthma, especially when the child feels better leaning forward or sitting up during the attack. The attacks tend to start during sleep. The symptoms worsen during exertion or talking, when the person is exposed to cold air and after drinking cold drinks.
Homeopathic Pulsatilla
Derived from pasque flowers, homeopathic Pulsatilla is used in the treatment of many children and adults with asthma. The type of asthma that would respond to Pulsatilla often develops from an acute infection, such as a cold or bronchitis, or from hay fever. The hay fever-triggered asthma comes with conjunctivitis and very itchy eyes with clear, watery discharge from both the nose and the eyes. It gets worse in the evening and outside, especially during hot days. The person feels better in cool, air-conditioned rooms and when sleeping propped up on pillows. The symptoms of asthma triggered by upper respiratory infections include coughing and juicy, green discharge from the nose and chest. It becomes worse at night, especially if the room is stuffy or hot, while walking in open air improves it.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Asthma: Symptoms
- "Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology"; Roger Morrison, M.D.; 1998
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Homeopathy: An Introduction
- National Institutes of Health: Data Fact Sheet: Asthma Statistics
