Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which your airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing bouts of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Although asthma can affect anyone, the condition usually manifests during childhood. Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in treating childhood asthma. Before giving your child herbal remedies, talk with a doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Khella
Khella may be helpful in treating your child's asthma. Khella, also known as Ammi visnaga, is a flowering plant native to Europe, Asia and Africa, although it now grows throughout the world. A member of the carrot family, khella has an extremely bitter and flowery taste. The seeds of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including asthma. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that khella is a powerful antispasmodic for the bronchioles. However, Tilgner notes that khella is slow to take effect, which makes this herbal remedy more specific for the long-term treatment of your child's asthma. Consult your doctor before treating your child with any herb.
Ma Huang
Ma huang, also known as Ephedra sinica, is an evergreen, shrublike plant native to Central Asia and Mongolia. A member of the ephedra family, ma huang, has been used for centuries in India and China to help treat asthma, colds, flu, headaches, wheezing and nasal congestion. The branch stems of the shrub are used medicinally. According to Tilgner, ma huang is a diaphoretic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator that keeps the airways open, allowing the free flow of air into your lungs. Ma huang also has drying tendencies, which helps decrease congestion in your respiratory tract. Consult your doctor before treating your child with any herb.
Yerba Santa
Yerba santa, also known as Eriodictyon californicum, is a low, shrubby, evergreen plant that thrives on dry hills in California and northern Mexico. A member of the waterleaf family, yerba santa has a sweet, sticky and aromatic taste and warming tendencies. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including asthma. Tilgner states that yerba santa is a stimulating expectorant, bronchodilator and antimicrobial. It thins and stimulates the free flow of mucus from your lungs, reducing the congestion associated with certain lung conditions. Tilgner notes that yerba santa is used to help treat asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, hay fever and colds. Consult your doctor before treating your child with any herb.
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