Treating asthma naturally means controlling the symptoms without the side effects.of traditional medicine. A medical doctor likely prescribes two drugs--a fast-acting, quick-relief medication and a maintenance medication. The doctor can also devise a personal asthma management plan to explain how to recognize and manage the symptoms before they escalate into something more serious. A natural treatment plan is secondary to your asthma management plan and may help prevent symptoms before they occur. As with any medical condition, a licensed medical practitioner should monitor any additional natural treatment plans.
Herbal Remedies
For thousands of years, herbal medicines have treated a wide range of ailments. These remedies traditionally involve plants and may include extracts from flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems and roots. According to the American Herbalist Guild, "In 1987 about 85 percent of modern drugs were originally derived from plants, but currently, only about 15 percent of drugs are derived from plants." One such drug used in the treatment of asthma is Cromolyn sodium, an anti-asthma drug derived from the Middle Eastern herb, toothpickweed. Unlike drugs--which tend to contain a single, isolated, active ingredient--herbal medicines supply a blend of natural ingredients that produce a synergistic effect with fewer side effects.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy covers a range of complementary approaches to asthma management. A naturopath advises about a healthy diet, whole foods, nutritional supplements, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. He often suggests aromatherapy, homeopathy, reflexology or acupuncture. Naturopathic treatments for asthma may include a high-fiber, organic whole foods diet low in salt, fat and additives, and high in antioxidants that provide ample amounts of vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. He may suggest avoiding foods that cause excess mucus production, such as dairy products and processed foods, and encourage foods that reduce mucus production, such as onions and garlic.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses small amounts of certain plants, animals or minerals to stimulate the body's healing response. According to the American Institute of Homeopathy, homeopathic treatment is based on the principle that "like cures like"--which dictates that very small amounts of homeopathic substances are taken to produce a change. Treating asthma may include giving a person a tiny amount of pollen for several weeks or months, gradually building up her immune response.
