Asthma Herbal Treatment

An Asthma attack usually happens when the airways are narrowed and restricted due to spasms in the bronchial tubes. The result is then inflammation and excessive mucus production, causing blockage of the airways, and the reduction of  the rate of airflow through the respiratory channels. 

There are a number of supplements and herbs that can be very useful to help you fight of an attack, reduce the immune inflammatory response and also help to repair damage to the airways. 

Asthma Herbal Remedies

Talk to your medical professional to decide which of the following would be best for your condition. 

  1. Boswellia Has anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory properties. Take 3g daily.
  2. Bromelain This is an enzyme that is extracted from pineapple and is a very potent substance against inflammation.
  3. Coleus will help to relax the airways. Take 50 milligrams two or three times a day for up to a year, he says. Warning: Coleus may enhance the effects of some asthma medications; you should discuss taking it with your health care professional.
  4. Eyebright Will help with mucus build-up. Take 300mg-900mg daily.
  5. Flax oil and Evening Primrose oil – It has been proven that deficiencies of these essential fatty acids or “good fats” as they are also known, are linked to asthma attacks. Take 3,000 mg of Evening Primrose oil daily and/or 1-2 tablespoons of Flax oil daily. It will also help if you increase your intake of oily fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines.  Warning: About 10 percent of people with asthma (those who are sensitive to aspirin) get worse after taking fish oil. If you’re aspirin-sensitive, take fish oil only with the supervision and approval of your physician. Also, if you have a high risk of stroke as well as asthma, talk to your doctor before taking fish oil as it may increase the risk of stroke in some people.
  6. Fenugreek relieves congestion and soothes the airways properties. Take 300mg-900mg daily. Alternatively add 1 tsp of slightly crushed Fenugreek Seeds to 1 cup of hot water. Cover for 15 minutes then drink the Fenugreek tea after discarding seeds.
  7. Ginkgo Biloba or Grape Seed extract take as directed
  8. Licorice is anti-inflammatory, providing a natural cortisol-like effect which will sooth the airways, and reduce mucous congestion and inflammation in the airways. Stress can trigger asthma, but licorice helps the body adapt better to stress and has a mild action against viral infection, such as colds and flu. Take Ig-5g of licorice Root daily. Warning: Always take as directed by a healthcare professional because licorice causes high blood pressure in certain doses or with long-term use. The deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice (labeled “DGL”), does not raise blood pressure the way some other forms of licorice do.
  9. Lobelia Remember high doses can cause nausea. Lobelia helps to reduce inflammation and acts as a respiratory stimulant that will relieve congested mucus. 50mg-200mg of dried Lobelia herb 3 times daily. Start at the lower dose and then build it up slowly.
  10. Marshmallow Root Will sooth the bronchi, reduce inflammation of the airways and help to expel the mucus from the lungs. Take 2g-5g daily
  11. Nettle The herb contains a form of histamine that helps control allergic reactions. Take two 400 mg capsules three times a day.
  12. Olive Leaf extract and Echinacea Take 270 mg of Olive Leaf extract 3 times daily and 1,200 mg-6,000 mg of Echinacea daily for 10-30 days for signs of microbial, viral, bacterial or fun­gal infection.
  13. Perilla Will reduce the allergy reaction. Take 900mg daily.
  14. Quercetin Has been scientifically well-documented for its anti-­allergic and antihistamine properties. Take 100 mg 3 times a day for up to 6 months, especially during allergy season.

Asthma Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Talk to your medical professional to decide which of the following would be best for your condition.

  1. Digestive Enzymes – Scientists believe that a lack of stomach acid may contribute to asthma and therefore recommend that you take 100mg-200mg of Betaine HCL 3 times daily with meals. Or alternatively, drink the tinc­ture of the bitter herb Gentian daily with meals to help to increase stomach acid.
  2. Magnesium will help the muscles that are in spasm and constricting the airways to relax Take 200mg-450mg twice daily.
  3. The amino acid n-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proven a very powerful fighter against which helps prevent mucus from accumu­lating in the lungs. Take 500 mg twice a day.
  4. Selenium – Take 200mcg-400mcg (mcg = micrograms) daily.
  5. Vitamin A  – Will help to repair any damage to the lining of your airways. Take 5,000 IU – 8,000 IU (IU = International Units) per day. Take note that Vitamin A can have side effects if taken for long periods. Discuss with your healthcare professional.  
  6. Vitamin B complex - Take as directed.
  7. Vitamin C – Take 1500mg daily.
  8. Vitamin E  – Just like Vitamin A it also has the ability to repair damage to the lining of your airways. Take 400 IU daily. 

Please take note that asthma is a serious condition and should always be treated under supervision of a medical professional.