Asthma affects approximately 17 million Americans every year. The conventional treatment options offered are limited to steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. While these medications can be effective in relieving the symptoms of asthma, the side effects of continuous long-term treatment can be severe. It is best to treat the underlying cause of the asthma, not just the symptom. There are numerous natural strategies to consider for chronic asthma that can offer effective treatment without any of unwanted the side effects.
In my Fort Lauderdale clinical practice, I have worked with many patients who were experiencing symptoms of asthma.
Below is a list of nutritional supplements, essential oils and herbal formulas to consider to treat asthma:
Supplements:
Quercetin: Recognized as one of the superior flavonoids because of its marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is known for its ability to stabilize mast cells and help control allergies. If the asthma is directly related to allergic reactions, then quercetin is an excellent supplement to try.
Grape Seed extract: A strong antioxidant that reduces inflammation and breaks the chronic pattern of allergy-induced asthma.
Cod liver oil: High in essential fatty acids, cod liver oil reduces inflammation, promotes healthy circulation, and is generally strengthening for immunity.
MSM: MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. Because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts immunity and is helpful for allergies.
Chinese Herbs:
Ding chuan tang: The most widely used herbal formula for asthma; ding chuan tang can be applied to all kinds of asthma. In particular, if the asthma is exacerbated by the onset of a cold, this formula works well.
Jade Windscreen: A Chinese herbal formula (yu ping feng san) that can be combined with one of the above formulas to add another support in strengthening immunity and boosting lung function.
Acupuncture:
Practiced for over 2,500 years in various cultures throughout Asia, acupuncture has enjoyed a long history of treating internal medical conditions. Acupuncture can be very effective in the treatment of asthma. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and balance the major organs that are contributing to one’s symptoms. In Chinese medicine, asthma can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, diet, allergies, Candida infection and constitutional weakness. All of these factors are related to different internal organs that are causing the lungs to constrict. Acupuncture theory involves combining the patient’s symptoms with pulse and tongue diagnosis to get a clear picture of the body’s inner workings. Acupoints are used on the corresponding meridians that will balance any energetic or functional disharmonies.
Read more about Acupuncture
Diet:
The main strategy for asthma sufferers is to avoid foods that provoke inflammation in the body. At the top of this list is the whole class of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Any food that converts into sugar very quickly in the body is going to cause inflammation. Many asthma patients report a marked improvement in their symptoms simply by taking this step.
In Chinese medicine, the lungs share a close relationship with the large intestine. Intestinal toxicity can cause a whole slew of internal problems, including asthma and allergies. If there is a history of constipation, then a cleansing approach is useful to detoxify the colon, which will indirectly benefit the lungs. A high fiber diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables is the key. Flax seed, prune, pear, ripe banana, and herbs such as rhubarb root are helpful colon cleansers.
Essential Oils for Asthma:
Conifers oils such as Balsam Fir, Grand fir, Black Spruce, Dwarf pine are strengthening and stimulating to the lungs. Frankincense and rosemary are also good choices as all these oils will help stimulate the immune system if they are therapeutic medicinal grade essential oils.
Oils can be used in a warm to hot bath, massage oil, steam inhalation or just diffusing for 10 minutes or so at a time.
Dr. Marji Lee Pearson is an Acupuncture Physician, Certified Chinese Herbalist and an Aroma therapist. She has a private practice located at 4800 N.E. 20th Terrace, Suite 201 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 . You can reach her at (954) 772-9393, email info@asianhealingarts-center.com
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