Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your child's asthma. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, asthma, a chronic lung disease causing narrowing of your airways, affects about 6 million children in the United States. Common signs and symptoms associated with asthma include recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Before giving your child herbs to help treat her asthma, talk with her doctor about the possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Cayenne
Cayenne, also known as Curcuma longa, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your child's asthma. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, cayenne is a shrub native to Central and South America that has been used orally and topically to help treat many health problems. Cayenne, a member of the nightshade family, has a sweet, pungent taste and heating and drying tendencies. The fresh or dry pods of the shrub are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that cayenne is an antiseptic that has a protective effect on your respiratory system, can decrease brochospasm and helps stabilize your lung membrane lipids.
Lobelia
Lobelia, also known as Lobelia inflata, is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your child's asthma. The UMMC states that lobelia is an annual plant that has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including asthma, bronchitis and cough. Lobelia is a member of the bluebell family and possesses an acrid taste. The aerial portions of the ripe seed are used for medicinal purposes. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," lobelia is a systemic relaxant and antispasmodic that has been used historically for asthma. Tilgner notes that lobelia is a stimulant and expectorant that is used to help treat sporadic coughs associated with asthma, croup, bronchitis and pleurisy.
Elecampane
Elecampane is an herb that may be effective in treating your child's asthma. According to the website Botanical, elecampane, also known as Inula helenium, is a plant that grows wild in certain parts of Europe and in the temperate regions of Asia. Elecampane, a member of the aster family, thrives in moist soil and shady conditions. This herb possesses a sweet, pungent taste and slightly warming, drying and stimulating tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that elecampane is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant that is helpful for bronchial and lung irritation associated with asthma. Tilgner notes that elecampane is used to help treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, silicosis and tuberculosis.
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