Asthma
Asthma is a condition which affects the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs, resulting in wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It can be triggered by sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants such as house mites, traffic fumes, cigarette smoke, particles of dust, pollen, air pollution, animal fur as well as by stress, poor diet, drugs and emotional exhaustion. Over-exercising can also sometimes trigger asthma attacks.
Asthma can start at any age and the severity of attacks varies. Severe attacks, characterised by racing pulse, sweating, and breathlessness, are very frightening and can be dangerous if untreated.
More than 200 million people around the world suffer from the Asthma and it is becoming more common.
Tip: the breathing techniques that form part of yoga therapy and breathing therapy have been shown to dramatically improve lung function in asthmatics.
Complementary Medicine
It is important to always deal with an asthma attack seriously and to seek professional advice immediately.
Diet and Nutrition
Eat plenty of the following:
- Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and honey – all rich in Magnesium which aids breathing
- Beans, lentils, garlic and onions
- Eat oily fish x 3 a week. This contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory
- Use olive and sunflower oils in cooking and salad dressings, and eat plenty of pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds
Avoid the following foods:
- Salt, dairy products, meat, eggs, dried fruits, salty and cured meats and snacks, fizzy drinks such as cola, convenience and packaged foods.
Supplements – take the following:
- Good quality multi-vitamin and mineral daily
- A strong anti-oxidant nutrient daily containing Vitamins A,C,E, Selenium and Zinc
- Additional Vitamin C – 500mg -2 grams daily
- A Vitamin B complex supplement (yeast-free)
Herbal Medicine
In between asthma attacks drink an infusion (tea) of the following regularly:
- Camomile, Lavender and Eyebright – this helps to relax the airways, tone up mucous membranes, and reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes
- The herb Ginko Biloba improves circulation and decreases Asthma symptoms. Take 3-4 ml of tincture daily.
- The bronchial dilating herbs Euphorbia and Grindelia help open up the bronchial tubes. Take 15 drops of each herb x 3 a day.
Homeopathy
Use the following only in the short-term:
- Aconite – at the earliest sign of breathing problems
- Arsenicum – when symptoms are worse after midnight, feeling restless and exhausted
- Ipecacuanha – for wheezing, with a persistent, “rattly” cough with a feeling of nausea
- Blatta Orientalis – can be taken during an attack when catarrh is present.
NB. You should always visit a qualified Homeopath for a thorough examination who will treat you professionally for Asthma.
Look in the CHC Practitioner Directory to find a qualified Homeopath in your area.
To buy any of the supplements mentioned go to the CHC Shop
Also See:
Any of the following treatments can be used in the treatment of Asthma:
Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Massage, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Osteopathy, Yoga.