Herb Therapy for Asthma

Asthma can cause a lot of restrictions on activities and daily life if it is not kept under control. There are plenty of medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, availble to help control asthma. These may have adverse side effects, so you may want to try some natural herbs to control asthma symptoms.

Lobelia

Lobelia is an anti-spasmodic herb that is helpful in relaxing bronchial passages during an asthma attack. This herb offers relief very quickly. Lobelia extract works best when given during an attack, as it is used as an expectorant and it clears up blocked passageways in the lungs. It helps flush out mucus and phlegm that have amassed in the lungs. Lobelia leaves should be steeped in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then strained if drinking is preferred. Otherwise, leaves and flowers of the lobelia plant can be smoked to stimulate breathing and relax bronchial tubes.

Mullein Oil & Boswellia

Mullein oil is a great remedy to ease asthma symptoms. They help open up the bronchial tubes and airways to promote better breathing. Both flowers and leaves of mullein get rid of phlegm and mucus, and help to ease coughing.

The herb boswellia is another popular herb that inhibits the development of leukotrienes. This is what causes the lungs to tighten and constrict.

Yerba Santa

This shrub grows in the west coast of the US and northern parts of Mexico. This herb is useful for not only asthma, but tracheitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory anomalies. It dilates bronchial tubes to alleviate asthma and allergy attacks. Yerba santa may be ingested internally as a tonic or a tea. It may also be used externally on the skin, used in bath water or useful as smoke from the leaves.

Thyme

Thyme is an herb that is found in many kitchens. It can be used as a topical antiseptic for cuts, bruises and burns, or it can be ingested. It fights against bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in the respiratory system. Thyme relaxes the bronchial tubes and provides expectorant action to release phlegm.