Numerous natural supplements may be helpful in treating your asthma and cough. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, asthma is a chronic, or long-term, lung disease that inflames and narrows your airways. Common signs and symptoms associated with asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Before taking natural supplements to help treat your asthma and cough, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Elecampane
Elecampane is an herb and natural supplement that may be helpful in treating your asthma and cough. According to Botanical.com, elecampane, also known as Inula helenium, grows throughout England, thriving in damp pastures and shady ground. Elecampane, a member of the aster family, has a pungent and sweet taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including asthma and cough.
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that elecampane is an antiseptic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory that helps tonify your lungs. Tilgner notes that elecampane is specific for asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and emphysema. Before taking elecampane to help treat your asthma and cough, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage is an herb and natural supplement that may be beneficial in treating your asthma and cough. Botanical.com states that skunk cabbage, also known as Symplocarpus foetidus, grows abundantly in the northern and middle United States. Skunk cabbage, a member of the arum family, has a spicy taste and thrives in moist environments. The fresh or freshly dried root of the plant is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including asthma and cough.
According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," skunk cabbage has been used in treating asthma and bronchitis and is an effective natural supplement for other lung and upper respiratory problems. Before taking skunk cabbage to help treat your asthma and cough, talk with your doctor about possible sided effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ma Huang
Ma huang is an herb and natural supplement that may be effective in treating your asthma and cough. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ma huang, also known as Ephedra sinica, is an evergreen shrub-like plant that grows in Central Asia and Mongolia. Ma huang has a sweet, astringent taste. The stems of the plant's branches are used medicinally.
Tilgner states that ma huang is a diaphoretic, antispasmodic, decongestant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive, or a substance that relieves coughing. Ma huang, notes Tilgner, keeps your airways open, allowing the free flow of air into your lungs. Because ma huang has a drying tendency, it also decreases congestion in your respiratory tract. Before taking ma huang to help treat your asthma and cough, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
