Home Remedies for Asthma

Henry loved playing sports. Finally, he was about to try for the high school basketball try outs this year. He came to the try outs with full enthusiasm. He had played basketball before, but never for over half an hour at a stretch. 40 minutes into the game, Henry started feeling very tired. He started perspiring profusely and his breath shortened. He still carried on playing in the spirit of sportsmanship. 10 minutes later he passed out. The school doctors soon diagnosed him for non-allergic asthma.

One fourth of the urban population suffers from allergic or non-allergic asthma today. It is a growing cause of concern because the mortality rate of the disease has increased by 23% in a year (2008 - 2009), in spite of the fact that it is a reversible condition. Our lifestyle and diet are not very conducive either. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the United States of America describes asthma as a "common chronic disorder of the airways that is complex and characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (bronchospasm), and an underlying inflammation". The nature and intensity of the symptoms would determine the clinical manifestations of the treatment.

There are several natural remedies or home remedies that one can use to keep the attacks at bay. One can keep the following remedies in mind:

• A healthy and adequate intake of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. They are instrumental in treating inflammation of the lungs.
• Vitamin C is well armed to fight infection. It also increases the amount of oxygen and facilitates in reducing inflammation. Make sure your diet has enough of it.
• Ginkgo biloba (it is a herb that contains ginkgolide B) has been observed to be effective in reducing the frequency of attacks.
• Try a variation in your tea. Mullein oil is good for fighting respiratory congestion.
• Keep Pau d'arco (retrieved from the bark of taheebo tree) well within reach. It is a natural antibiotic and great for reducing inflammation.
• Shuan Huang Lian (it's a mixture of certain Chinese herbs) is being used in several Chinese hospitals to fight respiratory disorders. Get hold of some of it.
• You love exercising, but your work out triggers an attack? Cut down on the salt content in your food and take 200mg vitamin C an hour before your work out.
• Salmon can do wonders to avoid attacks. Have it thrice a week. Salmon oil capsules are also available and effective.
• Regular but controlled intake of caffeine (through coffee or colas) would help keep your bronchial airways dilated.

One can also try the following two recipes. You may need to acquire a taste for them, but your asthma will surely feel better.

Make a Tea Using:

• 2 tsp powdered Indian root.
• 2 tsp granulated echinacea root.
• 2 tsp elecampane root.
• 2 cups of water.

The ingredients will need to set for two hours after they have been mixed.

To Improve Breathing Make a Tea With:

• 1 quart boiling water.
• 1 tsp chamomile flowers.
• 1 tsp echinacea root.
• 1 tsp mullein leaves.
• 1 tsp passion flower leaves.

The effects and symptoms of asthma can be minimized to quite an extent with the right lifestyle and precautions. It is the best thing you can do for your health to keep the attacks few and far between. Take care of your diet and surroundings. Asthma doesn't make you weak (in general), but you have to take care of yourself to make sure that you don't have frequent attacks and when you do, you are prepared!