Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning "panting or shortdrawn breath". It is in allergic reaction due to one or more allergens. It is the most troublesome of respiratory diseases. The asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which, he is completely normal.
One of the most popular natural remedies is homeopathy. This can be given over many years without any fear of having any harmful reactions. There are also a number of herbs that can be used as an alternative asthma treatment. However, their ability will be proportionate to the capability of the herbalist who specializes in herbal medicines.
Figs (Anjeer) dry : Dry figs help clear mucus from bronchial tubes and are therefore a valuable food remedy for asthma. Phlegmatic cases of cough and asthma can be treated with success. It gives comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight. They should be taken during morning time in an empty stomach, along with the water in which they are soaked. This treatment may be continued for about two months.
In 1 cup of water soak 1 tspn of Fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain. Add 1 tspn of Ginger juice and 1 tspn of honey to this. This should be taken morning and evening.
In china a powerful mixture of herbs called Shuan Huang Lian is being used in hospitals to treat respiratory illness, very important to use this herb in asthma and acute bronchitis.
The bark and leaves of the ginkgo tree are effective in the treatment of allergic sneezing and snuffling, and is also used in treatments for asthma. Many asthma attacks are caused by the same allergic reactions that trigger hay fever.
Licorice root tea Make a tea by putting ? teaspoon in a cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes; strain. Drink one or two cups daily to relieve asthma symptoms. You can also find tea bags at many grocery or health food stores
Indian gooseberry has also proved valuable in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this disease.
Gur mixed with equal quantity of mustard oil taken for 21 days gives almost permanent relief.
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet and decreasing both high-fat and high-sugar items also may be part of a process of natural asthma remedies. Controlling highly processed and chemical-laden foods may eliminate any simultaneously occurring food allergies that may be increasing the severity of your asthma conditions. Avoid foods that are made with white flour and try to choose whole grain alternatives. Whole-wheat pastas, breads and even dinner rolls are a wonderful alternative to the highly processed white breads usually consumed in Western diets.
By Peter Rodrick
