Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease commonly seen among children and adults. This medical condition arises from an allergic attack that constricts the hollow tubes of our respiratory system. Constriction comes in the form of phlegm and mucus overproduction, which eventually makes breathing hard for the asthma patient. An asthma attack can range from a manageable episode to a more serious one. For non-serious episodes, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. However, these drugs typically bear side effects which can be detrimental to one’s health especially if the drugs are taken on a regular basis.

Childhood asthma

There are many types of asthma medications available in the drugstore. Inhalers are devices that drive medications in gas form. Once inhaled, the medicines act as a reliever of asthmatic symptoms or as a preventer of these symptoms from acting. Corticosteroids are usually the inhaled forms of these devices. The nebulizer is another type of treatment for asthma. It is similar to inhalers; however, the mist delivers more of the drug when inhaled.

Unknown to some asthmatics, there are herbal remedies available that also give relief from the wheezing and coughing brought by asthma. Some of the herbs used for ordinary coughs can be used to alleviate asthma symptoms as well.

Herb    Description    Treatment Procedures
Licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra)    Licorice has been traditionally used for the relief of asthma. Its action includes relieving and calming the airways.    The licorice extract or root form can be used for teas or in combination with other remedies.
Roman chamomile (Matricaria recutita)    Roman chamomile is a generally safe herb used to treat various ailments including asthma. Chamomile has two types: Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Generally, they both contain antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.    The chamomile essential oil is applied on the chest as a rub, or chamomile flowers can be added in boiling water for steam inhalation.
Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)    This medicinal tree has male and female tree variants found growing in China. This is popularly known to treat many ailments, including asthma. However, patients taking blood-thinning agents must not take ginkgo concurrently.     In order to get effective results from gingko biloba, use processed supplements of the herb between 120 mg and 240 mg. Or, you can use regular ginkgo tincture at 3-4 ml three times a day for asthmatic relief.
Talumpunay
(Datura metel)    A medicinal plant found in the Philippines and is primarily for asthmatics.    Talumpunay leaves and seeds are prepared dried and smoked like cigarettes.
Kalachuchi
(Plumiera rubra)    This plant is also known as temple flower or frangipani in English and is considered for the treatment of many illnesses including asthma.    Just like talumpunay preparation, kalachuchi leaves are dried and smoked like a cigarette twice a day.

Links for Further Asthma Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1.    Living in the Philippines <http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/herbalmedicine/cough_burns_chickenpox_and_asthma.html>
2.    Herbal Page < http://www.geocities.com/herbalpage/Subpage/talampunay.htm>
3.    Stuart Exchange http://www.stuartxchange.org/TalongPunay.html

International Herbs
1.    Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/remedies/asthma.asp
2.    Herbal Supplement Resource http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-asthma.html
3.    E-zine Articles http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Ginkgo-Biloba-A-Natural-Asthma-Treatment?&id=509101

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