Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by breathlessness and wheezing. Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed due to exposure to an irritant such as pollen, cigarette smoke or cold air. As a result, the airways narrow and the lungs produce sticky phlegm, which makes breathing difficult. There is no cure for asthma, but it can usually be managed successfully with medicine. Complementary medicines, including herbal supplements, are sometimes used to manage asthma symptoms, although NHS Choices, the website of the U.K. National Health Service notes that there is little evidence to show they work. Talk to a doctor before using herbs to treat asthma or any other condition.
Boswellia
Boswellia is an herb that may hold promise in the treatment of asthma, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Results of a study published in the July 2010 issue of "Clinical Biochemistry" show that boswellia, when combined with licorice root and tumeric root reduced levels of inflammatory mediators in patients with bronchial asthma. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that you should not use boswellia if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or cholesterol-lowering drugs. It's best to talk to a doctor before using boswellia.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a bioflavonoid mixture extracted from the tree Pinus maritima. It may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Research published in the Winter 2001 issue of "Journal of Medicinal Food" notes that Pycnogenol may help to alleviate asthma symptoms. Lead author S. Hosseini notes that of the 22 patients who completed the study, almost all responded favorably to pycnogenol. Dr. Hosseini also notes that there were no adverse effects associated with pycnogenol. However, like all herbs, pycnogenol may cause side effects and interact with other medicines. Speak to your doctor before using pycnogenol to manage your asthma.
Tylophora
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tylophora has a long history of use in the treatment of asthma. An analysis of clinical trials assessing the efficacy of herbal remedies in asthma treatment published in the July 2010 issue of "Primary Care Respiratory Journal" notes that tylophora may improve lung function. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that tylophora causes serious side effects. Do not take tylophora if you have high blood pressure, heart failure or diabetes. Pregnant women should also avoid this herb.
References
- NHS Choices: Asthma
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- "Clinical Biochemistry"; Natural Anti-inflammatory Products and Leukotriene Inhibitors as Complementary Therapy for Bronchial Asthma; M.E, Houssen et al; July 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Pycnogenol((R)) in the Management of Asthma; S. Hosseini et al; Winter 2001
- "Primary Care Respiratory Journal"; Herbal Interventions for Chronic Asthma in Adults and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; C.E Clark et al; July 2010
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