Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that's generally divided into two types: allergic (or extrinsic) or nonallergic (intrinsic). Of the two, allergic asthma is the most common, affecting about 60 percent of all asthmatics.
Various Triggers
Nonallergic asthma, as the name implies, is not associated with an allergic response. It shares the same symptoms — coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, all caused by inflammation and airway obstruction — but is triggered by things like stress, exercise, and cold or dry air. Thus, it doesn't involve the immune system.
Allergic asthma, on the other hand, is caused by the same kind of overblown immune response that's behind allergies. It's triggered by inhaled allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen.
Conventional Treatments for Asthma
There's no cure for asthma (either the allergic or nonallergic kind), and treatments focus on managing symptoms and making attacks less frequent and intense. Western medicine prescribes two types of asthma drugs: long-acting control (or preventive) and short-acting (or emergency).
Long-term control medicines make the airways less sensitive and less reactive, and reduce coughing and wheezing. These drugs include:
Inhaled anti-inflammatories, including nonsteroidals (or mast cell stabilizers) and corticosteroids
Beta-agonist bronchodilators (inhaled or taken orally), relax the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchial tubes
Leukotriene modifiers, which act on chemicals that trigger inflammation and mucus production to reduce swelling and keep the airways open
Injectable anti-IgE therapy, which prevents the IgE antibodies from binding to mast cells and producing an allergic reaction; this is used in people with moderate to severe allergic asthma
Herbs can also prevent allergies and asthma. A recent study found that children who eat lots of tomatoes, eggplants, green beans, and zucchini have much lower rates of asthma. Other studies show that babies born to women who regularly eat vegetables (along with fish and legumes) have fewer allergic conditions.
Short-acting, or emergency, medications reduce symptoms during an asthma attack. They include:
Inhaled beta-agonist bronchodilators, which relax the muscles in and around the airways
Oral corticosteroids, which are generally reserved for severe cases that don't respond to the other short-term drugs
The list of potential side effects for these drugs is a long one. For example, corticosteroid inhalers can cause hoarseness and thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth). Beta-agonist bronchodilators can cause nervousness, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
Herbal Asthma Alternatives
Herbs that have been used successfully to treat asthma include:
• Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) |
This Ayurvedic herb, also known as Indian frankincense, is taken internally to combat inflammation and has shown antiasthma potential. In one study, people who took oral extracts saw a significant improvement in their symptoms. |
• Coffee (Coffea arabica) |
The caffeine in coffee, which is also found in many other herbs-including guarana (Paullinia cupana), mate (Ilex paraguariensis), and tea (Camellia sinensis)-can improve airway function for up to four hours in people with asthma. Chemically speaking, caffeine is related to the asthma drug theophylline; it's a bronchodilator that also reduces fatigue in the respiratory muscles. |
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) |
Eucalyptus has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic properties (meaning it destroys mucus). In one study, people with severe asthma who were given oral doses of eucalyptus extract were able to cut back on their use of oral steroids. |
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) |
Ginkgo contains phytochemicals that block the exaggerated immune response that characterizes asthma. Research shows it's effective at dilating the bronchial tubes to keep breathing normal; it's also useful for longterm management of asthma and its associated inflammation. |
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) |
Grapefruit and other citrus fruits are high in antioxidants (including vitamin C), and research shows that consuming lots of them can improve lung function and reduce wheezing in asthmatic people. |
• Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) |
Pine bark is a powerful antioxidant and a traditional remedy for coughs and bronchitis. Research has shown that it reduces the severity of symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. |
