Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by narrowing and inflammation of the airways, and it affects 20 million Americans. Asthma sufferers often have difficulty breathing properly and they also experience coughing and wheezing. If you have asthma, your doctor will likely give you bronchodilator drugs to use during an attack and also anti-inflammatory medicines for daily use. Some herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve asthma symptoms. However, scientific evidence proving their effectiveness is limited. Do not use herbs in place of treatments prescribed by your doctor.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian Frankincense, may help alleviate asthma symptoms and reduce the number of attacks, according to a study published in the November 1998 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research." In addition, data published in July 2010 in "Clinical Biochemistry" shows that combining this herb with curcumin and glycyrrhiza aids the management of bronchial asthma. Boswellia is safe for most people, says RxList; side effects may include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Coleus forskohlii
Coleus forskohlii is an Ayurvedic medicine that when inhaled may relieve asthma symptoms by relaxing contracted airways. However, UMMC says that more studies are needed to confirm this. Drugs.com notes that this herb has multiple sites of action in the body and therefore should be used with caution. Do not use this herb if you suffer from ulcers as it may stimulate the production of gastric acids. Also avoid Coleus forskohlii if you have diabetes as it may affect glucose metabolism. This herb interacts with a number of drugs including anticoagulants, vasodilators and antihypertensives. Ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to include it in your asthma management program.
Pycnogenol
Pycogenol, an extract of the bark of the French maritime pine, may improve lung function in people with asthma and reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals, according to an article published in the April 2004 edition of the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics." Pycogenol may cause a hypersensitivity reaction in some people and may make you feel tired and irritable. Do not use this herb if you are undergoing chemotherapy or if you are taking immunosuppressants or anticoagulants.
References
- 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, 6-Week Clinical Study
- PubMed: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Products and Leukotriene Inhibitors as Complementary Therapy for Bronchial Asthma
- RxList: Indian Frankincense
- Drugs.com: Forskolin
- PubMed: A Review of the French maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol), a Herbal Medication with a Diverse Clinical Pharmacology
