Herbs are used across many cultures to help people overcome disease and illness. Although historically, the medicinal mechanisms of herbs were not known, modern science is revealing that certain plants contain potent chemicals that work on a cellular level in the body to help restore health. However, the advice of a medical professional should be sought before trying to treat a condition with herbs.
Astragulus
Astragulus is the name of a class of herbs and small shrubs native to the Northern Hemisphere. A common name for most species is milk-vetch. Chemotherapy is an important treatment for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the survival rates and overall survival time is not satisfactory within the scientific community according to an article published in 2010 in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology." So, herbal remedies have been the subject of investigation. A collective analysis of the current research findings on Astragulus, published in January 2006, found that Astragulus supported chemotherapy treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Although the researchers are not certain, the mechanism is suspected to be through the stimulation of natural killer cell activity in the lungs, as the researchers explain.
Asthisahari
One particular plant called Vitis quandranfularis nyctanthes, commonly called Asthisahari is an ayurvedic medicine herb originating from India used to support lung health. Its leaves are frequently eaten with curry. The root juice is given to treat asthma as well as coughing conditions, according to an article published on a study in 2009 "Pharmacognosy Review." Asthma is a condition that results in the reversible restriction of airflow and chronic inflammation of airways. The herb synthesizes phytochemicals that have anti-asthmatic properties, according to an article published in 2009 in "Phytopharmacology and Therapeutic Values."
Moringa Oleifera
Moringa oleifera, commonly known as drumstick tree, is a drought-resistant tree native to Northwest India whose leaves are incorporated into a number of dishes like curry. Researchers found that moringa oleifera had a positive effect on patients with bronchial asthma in the 2009 study in "Pharmacognosy Review." Specifically, the patients had less severe asthma attacks. They could also take in more air into the lungs and were better able to breathe out forcefully. Moringa oleifera was found to reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is a marker of less inflammation in the body. Erythrocytes are oxygen carrying cells that are clumped together when inflammation occurs in the body. Inflamed cells, then, settle at the bottom of the test tube during an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test. Therefore, moringa oleifera helped reduced inflammation, which is characteristic of bronchial asthma.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non--Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials; Michael McCulloch et al.; Jan. 20, 2006
- "Phytopharmacology and Therapeutic Values"; Classification of Herbal Antiasthmatics Based on Mechanism of Action and Chemical Constituents; A.A. Mehta et al.; 2009
- "Pharmacognosy Review"; Role of Herbs in the Management of Asthma; Ranjeeta Prasad et al.; 2009
