Effective Herbal Remedies for Asthma

Children in Australia lose around one million school days every year due to asthma. While traditional medicine has its own limitations, naturopathic and holistic treatment has been known to cure asthma effectively, across cultures, for centuries. Some herbal remedies for asthma include the use of healing herbs such as ginkgo, grape seed, dried ivy and butterbur, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs dilate the airways providing relief from asthma.

However, before using them, it is important to consult a herbalist or qualified alternative medical practitioner to get the best result. Besides, it is also important to consider the herb quality, drug interactions and side effects.

Effective Herbal Remedies for Asthma
Here are some effective herbal remedies for asthma:

• A mixture of garlic juice with honey or hot water every day or a mixture of turmeric powder with hot water every day can help alleviate asthma.
• A teaspoon of ginger juice with fenugreek decoction (one cup) and honey taken twice a day helps eliminate phlegm (as this acts as an expectorant) and asthma.

• To prepare one of the most effective herbal remedies for asthma, take equal quantities of powdered dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper. Take one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with honey. Have this everyday for relief from asthma.

• Boil two glasses of water with a cinnamon stick, three garlic heads, half purple onion, two tablespoons thyme and a halved lime. When it boils, add another cup of cold water and let it boil until half the amount is left. Strain and drink this as tea. Children can have a tablespoon of this decoction mixed with honey every three hours for relief from asthma.
• A brew of fennel seeds and anise seeds boiled in water for 10-15 minutes helps treat asthma and other respiratory problems. The tea is also anti-spasmodic, reduces bronchitis and cough and helps loosen bronchial secretions.
• Chamomile: Consumed as tea, antihistamine properties of chamomile help reduce inflammation.
• Ephedrine: Ephedra, a chemical extracted from Ephedra sinica, helps relieve respiratory congestion in people with asthma. It is also believed to contain other elements that assist in breathing.
• Elderberry: One of the best herbal remedies for asthma, it reduces nasal congestion and treats upper respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, influenza, asthma and sinusitis.
• Gingko biloba: It treats asthma by inhibiting the Platelet Activating Factor that induces anaphylactic reactions.
• Licorice root: It helps restore normal breathing by clearing the airways.
• Mullein: The leaves and flowers of mullein are used to reduce mucous and phlegm and dilate the bronchial passage. It also offers relief from bronchitis, dry cough and aids in breathing.
• Nettle and Lobelia: Their anti-inflammatory properties help maintain respiratory health in people with asthma. Nettle is also known to cure arthritis and lupus.
• Tea: Theophylline, present in green and black tea, helps relax the bronchial tubes and offers relief from asthma symptoms.
• Yerba Mate: One of the most effective herbal remedies for asthma, it prompts adrenal glands to release corticosteroids that reduce inflammation. Besides, it also relaxes hyperactive responses to allergens and relaxes the airways.

Other herbal remedies for asthma include Adhatoda vasical, coltsfoot, Grindelia and Chinese skullcap. They have been known to effectively treat asthma and prevent their recurrence in a safe and natural manner.