Numerous herbs may be helpful for treating your bronchial asthma. According to MayoClinic.com, bronchial asthma, or asthma, is characterized by the swelling and narrowing of your airways. Common signs and symptoms associated with asthma including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Before taking herbs to help treat your asthma, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ma Huang
Ma huang is an herb that may be helpful for treating your bronchial asthma. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, ma huang, also known as Ephedra sinica, is an evergreen, shrublike plant native to Central Asia and Mongolia. The NCCAM states that the principal active ingredient, ephedrine, is a powerful stimulant of your nervous system and heart. The dried stems and leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Natural Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ma huang has diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, decongestant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties. Ma huang keeps your airways open, allowing the free flow of air into and out of your lungs. Before taking ma huang to help treat your bronchial asthma, talk to your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is an herb that may be beneficial for treating your bronchial asthma. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that licorice root, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a flavorful herb that has been used in both food and medicine for centuries. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat numerous health problems, including peptic ulcers, canker sores, eczema, dyspepsia, upper respiratory tract infections and asthma. Tilgner states that licorice root is a demulcent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulator. Licorice root is used for coughs and all throat and bronchial irritations. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or certain liver disorders, you should avoid using licorice root. Before taking licorice root to treat your bronchial asthma, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Yerba Santa
Yerba santa is an herb that may be effective for treating your bronchial asthma. According to Botanical.com, yerba santa, also known as Eriodictyon californicum, is a low, shrubby, evergreen plant that grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet. Yerba santa grows abundantly in clumps on dry hills in California and Northern Mexico. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Botanical.com recommends yerba santa for bronchial and laryngeal problems and chronic, or long-term, pulmonary infections. According to Tilgner, yerba santa is a stimulating expectorant, bronchial dilator and antimicrobial. Yerba santa thins and stimulates the free flow of mucus from your lungs, and it is used to treat asthma, colds, laryngitis, bronchitis and hay fever. Before taking yerba santa to help treat your bronchial asthma, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
