Asthma

Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning 'panting' or 'short-drawn breath'. It is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or more allergens, and is the most troublesome of respiratory diseases.

An asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he may even be completely normal.

Patients suffering from asthma appear to be gasping for breath, Actually, they have more difficulty in breathing out than breathing m, and this is caused by spasms or sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the smaller air passages in the lungs. The effect is to blow the lungs up because the patient cannot drive the air properly out of the lungs before he has to take another breath. Most asthmatics have more difficulty at night or early morning.

Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the must common. Foods which generally cause allergic reactions are wheat, eggs, milk, chocolates, beans, fish, and sea foods. The disease may also result from psychological factors. According to some studies, about twenty-five percent of young asthmatics have a deep-seated emotional insecurity and an intense need for parental love and protection. Heredity also plays an important role.

Modem medical system has not been able to find a cure for this crippling disease. Drugs and vaccines have only limited value in alleviating the symptoms. Most of these are habit forming and the dose has to be increased from time to time to give the same amount of relief. The frequent introduction of drugs in the system, while giving only temporary relief, tends to make asthma chronic and incurable. Allergy, which is the immediate cause of asthma, itself is an indication of lowered resistance and internal disharmony caused by faulty eating and bad habits. This is the root cause and the real cure lies in a return to nature.

Asthma Treatment with Aloe Vera:

If you suffer from asthma, boil some of the aloe Vera leaves in a pan of water and inhale the vapors. Put a towel over the head and pan to get the full effects of the vapors.

Asthma Treatment with Coltsfoot:

Add 1 tablespoon each of coltsfoot, mullein, thyme, and lobelia to 2 cups of water. Simmer at least half hour, covered. Strain and add 2 cups of honey. Take by the tablespoon until relief is obtained. Flavoring, such as oil of peppermint, may be added if desired.

Asthma Treatment with Cranberry Juice:

Cranberry juice is very good for treating asthma attacks, as it contains an ingredient that dilates the bronchial tubes. Cook and mash cranberries. Place in a tightly closed glass container and refrigerate. When needed during an attack, add 3 teaspoons of the mashed cranberries to a cup of hot water. Sip while the water is hot.

Asthma Treatment with Honeysuckle Tea:

Many people drink honeysuckle tea to help with chronic asthma. Put 1 tablespoon of the grated root of honeysuckle in 1 cup of water. Boil gently for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Drink daily.

Asthma Treatment with Horseradish:

Add several tablespoons of freshly grated horseradish to 1 cup of milk. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain. Drink as necessary to obtain relief.

Asthma Treatment with Irish Moss:

Mix 1 tablespoon each of boneset, Irish moss, coltsfoot, mullein, thyme, rosemary, valerian, and lobelia. Add 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Peppermint or cherry oil may be added for flavoring if desired. Drink 4 cups daily to obtain relief.

Asthma Treatment with Mullein Root:

Clean the root of mullein very carefully. Add 1 cup of the chopped root to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half Strain well and add 1 cup of honey. Give 2 tablespoons as needed. This is also good to use during colds, as it helps to remove phlegm.

Asthma Treatment with Honey:

Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of ail asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper. The effect lasts for an hour or so. One to two teaspoon fills of honey provide relief. Honey can also be taken in a cup of milk or water. Honey thins out accumulated mucus and helps its elimination from the respiratory passages. It also tones up the pulmonary lining and thereby prevents the production of mucus in future Some authorities recommend one-year old honey for asthma and respiratory diseases.

Asthma Treatment with Turmeric:

Turmeric is also regarded as an effective remedy for bronchial asthma. The patient should be given a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.

Asthma Treatment with Figs:

Among fruits, figs have, proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should he cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight They should be taken first thing in the morning, along with the water in which they were soaked. This treatment may be continued for about two months.

Asthma Treatment with Lemon:

Lemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, dilated in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results.

Asthma Treatment with Ginger:

A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant m cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma Treatment with Garlic:

Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should be taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.  

Asthma Treatment with Copper:

One of the preventive measures to stop attacks of asthma is to drink water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel. This water, with traces of copper in it, is believed to change one's constitutional tendency to get respiratory problems.

Aids Breathing for Asthmatics at Bedtime:

Take 1 tablespoon of sunflower or corn oil before retiring for the night. Helps you to breathe easier during the night.

Special Asthma Treatment with Onions:

Make fresh daily. Cut an onion into very thin slices and place in a bowl. Cover the onion slices with honey and let sit overnight. The next day; scrape the honey from the onion slices and take 1 teaspoon 3-4 times daily.

Potato Treatment for Asthma:

Boil several potatoes. Place in a basin and cover the head and basin with a towel to get the most from the steam.

Other effective Remedies for Asthma

1. • During the attack, mustard oil mixed with little camphor should be massaged over the back of the chest. This will loosen up phelgm and ease breathing.

1. • The patient should also inhale steam from the boiling water mixed with caraway seeds. It will dilate the bronchial passage.

1. • The patient should also follow the other laws of Nature. Air, sun and water are great healing agents. Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema, breathing exercises, fresh air, dry climate, light exercises and correct posture go a long way in treating the disease.

1. • Asthmatics should always eat less than their capacity. They should eat slowly, chewing their food properly. They should drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day, but should avoid taking water or any liquid with meals. Spices, chillies and pickles, too much tea and coffee should also be avoided.