Causes and Natural Therapies of Asthma

Posted by sanjay on Wednesday 22 Apr 2009

382

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes the air passages to become inflamed. Because air passages carry vital oxygen to the lungs, asthma can be a deadly condition if left untreated. With the proper treatment, however, it can be manageable with very good results.

Causes of Asthma and Triggers
Various allergies to many different things, emotional stress and worry, weather conditions (particularly high humidity and wet, muggy, damp, or extremely cold environments), medications, perfume, cologne, or scented bath and body products

Outdoor and indoor irritants (burning leaves, air fresheners, incense, pest control sprays, etc.), food (nuts), dust and physical over-exertion (particularly certain demanding sports)

Symptoms of Asthma
• Breathlessness
• Gasping for air
• Uncontrollable coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness and pain in chest area

Medical Treatments for Asthma
Inhalers, prescription and non-prescription medications and breathing therapy

Natural Therapies
Relaxation techniques (including deep breathing techniques, biofeedback, and learning to relax certain muscles). It is a good idea to keep a thorough asthma journal that lists all of your known triggers, symptoms, medications, etc. If you familiarize yourself with all of your journal entries, you will learn what things and activities to avoid as well as what medications and home remedies work best for you.

Home Remedies Remedies for Asthma
• Vitamin B6 – improves the immune system
• Dry Figs – soak them overnight – they will help with phlegm (expectorant)
• Safflower Seed Powder – ½ teaspoon mixed with honey serves as an expectorant
• Honey – improves breathing
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (from various types of fish) will help reduce inflammation
• Lemon juice (mixed with water)
• Ginger juice – 1 teaspoon mixed with fenugreek and honey serves as an expectorant
• Garlic cloves (boiled and mixed with milk)
• Indian Gooseberry mixed with honey is a helpful tonic

Important note about asthma
Some supplements advertised as being asthma remedies and cures may, instead, cause asthma attacks. There is no cure for asthma. Before taking supplements or using remedies for asthma that you have never tried before, you should check with your doctor first to be safe.