Asthma - Natural Treatments & Remedies
What is Asthma? It is an inflammatory condition in the airways that leads to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. What happens during an asthma attack is that the muscles surrounding the airways get tight and the lining of the air passages become swollen. As a result, there is a reduction in the amount of air that is able to move through the airways, which in turn leads to the wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. This can be fatal if the airflow in the lungs becomes severely restricted.
Some of the common allergens that can cause asthma attacks include:
- Dust
- Animal hair or pet dander
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Stress
- Mold
- Pollution
- Respiratory infections
The symptoms of asthma can be significantly reduced by avoiding the triggers and substances that tend to irritate the airways. For instance, bedding can be covered with certain types of casings to reduce your exposure to dust mites. Regular vacuuming of carpets, and possibly the removal of carpet altogether can be helpful in reducing dust and other allergens.
To reduce the growth of organisms, including mold, take steps to insure that humidity levels in your environment are kept to a minimum. And fix any leaks that may cause moisture buildup. Regular house cleaning can aid in dust reduction and also reduce the possibilty of cockroaches, which have been known to cause asthma attacks in some people. Also, be sure to have a good dust filter over your heating and cooling air intakes. Many of these filters can trap microparticals such as dust and pet dander.
If there are any smokers in the home of a person suffering with asthma, it is important for that person to quit... for the sake of the smoker and the asthma sufferer. It is not only the smoke tha is the problem, but also the residue that smoking leaves behind that can trigger asthma symptoms.
The person with asthma could also benefit from the regular use of a neti pot to keep the nasal and sinus passageways free and clear of allergen buildup. For asthma sufferers, prevention is a good step toward leading a better life.
Here are a few of the most popular herbs used in herbal therapies:
Echinacea: This has been claimed to boost the body's immune system to help fight off infections. It has been widely used to treat the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Goldenseal: This is typically used as an antibiotic. It is often used in conjunction with Echinacea to ward off the common cold or the flu.
Rose Hips: This is a good source of vitamin C.
Chamomile: This is often used for calming overly stressed nerves, relieving stomach pain, preventing ulcers, and fighting infection.
Garlic: This is known to be a potent natural antibiotic, with natural anti-viral properties. It aids in the reduction of cholesterol and prevents the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Slippery Elm Bark: This is helpful for soothing sore throats, coughs, and stomach disorders.
Ginseng: This is used to help stimulate the immune system. It aids protecting of the liver from toxic things. And it has widely been used to increase stamina.
Dandelion: This is helpful in relieving premenstrual bloating.
Feverfew: This has been used to aid in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Raspberry Leaf: This is popular in the treatment of morning sickness and uterine infection. It has also been known to aid in the prevention of miscarriage.
Spearmint & Peppermint: These are typically used in the treatment of indigestion.
Comfrey: This is often used in the treatment of cuts or bruises.
Senna: This is a very powerful natural laxative.
Uva Ursi: This is used as a natural diuretic. It is also known for its urinary antiseptic effects.
Ginger: This has been used to help prevent motion sickness. Also used in the prevention of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Licorice: A digestive aid. Also good for soothing sore throats and treating ulcers.
Remember, before starting any kind of herbal therapy, learn as much as possible about any contraindications, or any allergies that you may have. And you may want to consult with a reputable herbalist to help with your individual needs.
Please continue browsing this site to discover a new world of simple, natural remedies and cures.