The chronic respiratory disease asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways causing coughing and wheezing and making it difficult to breathe properly. Asthma is often triggered by environmental factors such as smoke, pollution and pet dander, but other factors such as stress and cold air may cause an attack. If you have asthma, your doctor will likely prescribe two types of medicines: one to dilate the airways in the event of an attack and the other to reduce inflammation. Some herbs may also help to alleviate asthma symptoms. However, scientific evidence to prove this is limited. Talk to a doctor before taking herbs, as they may interact with other medicines you are taking.
Boswellia
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the herb boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, may hold promise in the treatment of asthma. Results of a study published in the November 1998 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research" shows that 70 percent of patients with bronchial asthma who took boswellia experienced an improvement in symptoms, compared to only 27 percent of people who took a placebo treatment. Boswellia may cause side effects including abdominal pain and nausea. Get medical clearance from your doctor before taking boswellia for your asthma.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol, an extract of the bark of the French maritime pine tree, may improve the lung function of asthma patients, UMMC notes. A medical review article published in the April 2002 issue of the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" adds that pycnogenol may also reduce levels of inflammatory mediators. Talk to your doctor before using this herb, as it may interact with other drugs you may be taking, including immunosupressants and anticoagulants.
Coleus Forskohlii
Inhaling coleus forskohlii powder may relieve asthma symptoms, UMMC notes, although more research is needed to confirm this. Coleus forskohlii is an herb often employed in Ayurvedic medicine and may exert its therapeutic effects by relaxing the airways. Do not take this herb if you have an ulcer, as it may stimulate the production of gastric acid. Also avoid this herb if you are taking vasodilators, anticoagulants or anti-hypertensives, as it may heighten their effects. Discuss coleus forskohlii with your doctor before taking it to treat your asthma.
Expert View
Dr. John Harvey from the British Thoracic Society notes that although complementary therapies are popular with asthma patients, more research is needed to confirm their benefit. Researchers from the University of Exeter in England also say that there is not enough evidence to support the use of herbal medicines in the treatment in asthma. Writing in the November 2000 issue of "Thorax," the Exeter research team called for better-designed clinical trials to determine the true potential of herbs as asthma treatments.
References
- Netdoctor: Asthma
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- PubMed: Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients With Bronchial Asthma: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Six-Week Clinical Study
- RxList: Indian Frankincense
- PubMed: A Review of the French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol): An Herbal Medication With a Diverse Clinical Pharmacology
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pine Bark Extract
