Asthma is a disease of the of the respiratory tract, which involves periodic constriction of the throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Asthma attacks make breathing difficult and can, in some cases, progress to become life-threatening. Asthma may also present with tightness and congestion of mucous in the lungs. Asthma attacks often occur at night, and are accompanied by wheezing and fear on the part of the person having an attack, due to not being able to breath. MotherNature.com explains how numerous herbs are helpful for both relieving asthma and for strengthening the lungs to reduce and prevent future attacks.
Elecampane Root
One of the main herbal asthma remedies is elecampane root, which is a clearing tonic for the lungs. It is found in many asthma preparations, according to MotherNature.com. This herb helps to ward off asthma attacks and reduce the frequency of repetitive attacks, notes PeacefulMind.com.
Mullein
Another important herb for the treatment of asthma, according to MotherNature.com, is mullein, which is also found in many asthma preparations in combination with elecampane root as well as other herbs. Mullein has the ability to reduce or eradicate symptoms of wheezing and breathlessness by relaxing constrictions in the bronchial tubes. It has a strong tonic action that is soothing to the lungs.
Anise
PeacefulMind.com mentions anise as a helpful herb for asthma. Anise has been found to loosen tightness in the bronchial tubes and help mucous break up, making it easier to cough up. Anise is delicious in teas, and tastes like licorice.
Mouse Ear
A remedy used to reduce bronchial spasms and loosen congestion and phlegm in airways, mouse ear is a traditional English herb mentioned by HolisticOnline.com for the treatment of asthma. The website goes on to mention its efficacy in cases where there is great soreness in the chest and possible bleeding from excess coughing.
Cocoa
The compounds found in natural cocoa help open bronchial tubes, helping air pass through airways more easily. These are the same compounds found in medical inhalers used for asthma. An excellent remedy for children, cocoa should be dissolved in hot water and consumed as a drink, recommends PeacefulMind.com, but not with milk, which promotes phlegm and congestion. You can also use chocolate that is 60 to 70 percent cocoa. If it is too strong, add some non-dairy almond or rice milk.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko helps protect against inflammation and anaphylaxis, preventing the throat from swelling closed. It assists in bringing additional blood supply to the lungs, as well as reducing any blood clotting and toning the blood vessels, according to PeacefulMind.com. Its antioxidant properties help protect delicate bronchial membranes.
Parsley Leaf
PeacefulMind.com explains that this common medicinal herb helps soothe coughs and acts as an expectorant to loosen thick mucous in the chest, helping to bring it up.
Tumeric
Tumeric, with its active ingredient curcumin, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and has been found to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It acts to dilate blood vessels during spasms in the bronchial tubes, and can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Other Considerations
Always seek medical advice when treating asthma with herbs. Self-treatment of asthma is not advised. Speak to your herbalist or health care practitioner for recommendations on how to take these herbs and in what doses.
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