Numerous herbs may be helpful for your child's asthma. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, asthma is a chronic, or long-term, lung disease that inflames and narrows your child's airways. Asthma is characterized by recurrent bouts of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Although asthma can affect people of all ages, it usually begins in childhood. Before giving herbs to help treat your child's asthma, talk with her doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Spikenard
Spikenard is an herb that may help treat your child's asthma. According to Botanical.com, spikenard, also known as Aralia racemosa, grows in North America, New Zealand and Japan. Spikenard grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet and possesses very large leaves and red-brown berries. Small greenish flowers bloom from July to August. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Spikenard has a slightly pungent taste. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that spikenard is an expectorant, lung tonic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and adaptogen, or a substance that helps balance and regulate your body's processes. Spikenard helps your body adapt to stressful internal situations, including asthma attacks. Before giving your child spikenard for his asthma, talk with his doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage is an herb that may be beneficial for your child's asthma. Botanical.com states that skunk cabbage, also known as Symplocarpus foetidus, grows abundantly in moist places in the northern and middle United States. All parts of the plant have a strong, skunk-like odor. Skunk cabbage belongs to the arum family and has a spicy taste. The fresh or freshly-dried root of the plant is used medicinally. Tilgner states that skunk cabbage is a bronchodilator, or a substance that permits easier breathing. Skunk cabbage, notes Tilgner, is used for asthmatic bronchial spasms. It can be used for all spasms, but it is specific for severe bronchial asthmatic spasms associated with emotional distress and coughing to the point of vomiting. Before giving your child skunk cabbage for her asthma, talk with her doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Horehound
Horehound is an herb that may be effective for your treating your child's asthma. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica website, horehound, also known as Marrubium vulgaris, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. The leaves and flowering tops of the plant are used medicinally. Horehound is native to Europe, North America and Central Asia, although it now grows in North America. Horehound possesses a bitter taste. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that horehound is a soothing expectorant, antispasmodic and digestive tonic. Horehound has been used to treat numerous health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, chronic respiratory phlegm, hoarseness and laryngitis with loss of voice. Before giving your child horehound to help treat his asthma, talk with his doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
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