Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways and lungs. It affects 20 million Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A person with asthma may experience coughing, wheezing and panting when exposed to trigger which may include pollen, stress, cold air, exercise or pet dander. Although there is no cure for asthma, anti-inflammatory medicines and drugs that help the airways relax, both help to keep asthma symptoms under control. Traditional Ayurvedic herbs, such as boswellia and coleus forskohlii may also help to reduce airway inflammation and improve symptoms, although they should not be used in place of medicines prescribed by your doctor. Get medical advice before incorporating them into your asthma treatment plan.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Boswellia is a tree resin, which according to the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website, has a long history of use in traditional Indian herbal medicine. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and as such, is sometimes used as a complementary medicine for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. The UMMC website notes that it improve lung function in asthma patients. Coleus forskohlii, also known as forskolin, is another Ayurvedic medicine, that when inhaled, helps the airways to relax. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Administration
Boswellia is usually supplied in capsules or tablets although you may also be able to take this herb as a liquid tincture. The UMMC website suggests taking 3 mg three times daily to help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and improve lung function. Coleus forskohlii is supplied as a powder and is inhaled using a special device known as Spinhaler inhalator. Use this herb under medical supervision only. Your doctor will advise on how much to use and show you how to use the inhalator.
Efficacy
The results of a clinical study published in the March 2006 issue of the "Journal of International Medical Research" show that coleus forskohlii is more effective than the prescription drug, sodium cromoglycate, in preventing asthma attacks in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Few studies have examined the role of boswellia in the treatment of asthma, but the results of an early six-week clinical trial published in November 1998 in the "European Journal of Medical Research" found that boswellia improved asthma symptoms in 70 percent of patients.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that coleus forskohlii is likely safe for most adults but adds that it may cause restlessness, cough and throat irritation. Don't use this herb if you have a heart condition or blood pressure problems. It may increase the risk of bleeding so don't use it alongside anticoagulants. The Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website states that boswellia is likely safe. However, people with liver or kidney disease should avoid it. Don't take either of these herbs in your pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Boswellia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Forskolin
- RxList: Forskolin
- the "Journal of International Medical Research"; Forskolin Versus Sodium Cromoglycate for Prevention of Asthma Attacks: A Single-Blinded Clinical Trial; R. González-Sánchez; March 2006
- "European Journal of Medical Research"; Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients with Bronchial Asthma: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 6-Week Clinical Study; I. Gupta et al.; November 1998
