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Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder affecting the air passages or the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Typical symptoms of asthma are wheezing, difficulty in breathing and coughing. The air passages become inflamed and narrow, sometimes filled with mucus.
An asthma attack is triggered by allergens,viral infections,cold air or stress. There are many herbal remedies that offer long term relief from asthma without any side effects.
Best Herbal Remedies For Asthma
Coltsfoot Tea
Coltsfoot is well known for its anti-spasmodic and sedative properties. This herb is a soothing expectorant with high levels of zinc, which is anti-inflammatory. It soothes the inflamed mucous tissues of the bronchial passages and provides relief from cough and wheezing, during an asthma attack. Prepare coltsfoot tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water on 2 tsp. of dried coltsfoot leaves. Let this tea stay for 5 minutes. Drink a cup of this tea 2-3 times a day.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice has anti-viral and expectorant properties. It soothes the inflamed airways and throat during asthma.It is good for chronic dry cough and cold that accompany asthma. Drink a cup of licorice root tea every day for long term relief from asthma.
Lobelia Extract
This herb has anti-spasmodic and expectorant properties. Lobelia has active compounds that thin mucus or phlegm. This makes it easier for asthmatics to cough up mucous, clearing congestion. Lobelia is available in the form of capsules and liquid extracts. You can prepare tea from lobelia extract and drink it on a regular basis.
Gingko Biloba Tea
Leaves of Gingko Biloba contain natural antihistamines that help in the treatment of allergic asthma.They have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the bronchial passages during asthma attacks. You can buy Gingko Biloba herbal tea or supplements from local health food stores.
Holy Basil Tea
This herb clears congestion and inflammation in the airways of the lungs. It provides immediate relief from wheezing and cough. Prepare holy basil tea by boiling a cup of fresh leaves or 2 tsp. dried leaves in 2 cups of water.Boil till the quantity reduces to one cup. Add black pepper powder. Sweeten with honey. Drink 4-5 cups of this tea to get relief from chronic asthma.
Mullein Oil
Mullein is a powerful expectorant that eliminates bronchial congestion in asthma sufferers. Add a few drops of mullein oil to fruit juice or tea and consume. Mullein is also available as dried leaves for preparing tea.
Sundew Tea
Sundew relaxes bronchial spasms that occur with an asthma attack. It reduces inflammation of the lungs and controls wheezing. Prepare a herbal tea made by dipping sundew green tea bags in boiling water.Add honey to sweeten this concoction. Drink a cup of this tea twice a day. Sundew green tea bags are available at health food stores.
Coleus Extract
This herb contains an active compound – forskolin, which is an excellent bronchodilator. Coleus forskohlii stabilizes cells releasing histamines, thereby controlling an allergy induced asthma attack. Natural medicine experts recommend 50mg of coleus extract standardized to 18% forskolin, 2 -3 times daily. Do note that this natural herb is to be avoided in case an asthma sufferer is also on medication for high blood pressure or on anticoagulant medication.
If your asthma symptoms persist or worsen, consult a medical practitioner immediately.
