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What Are the Different Types of Herbs for Asthma Treatment?

Brandon May
Brandon May

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that prevents proper breathing due to the narrowing of passages in the airways of the lungs, and is often treated with asthma medications. Natural herbs for asthma treatment, like ginkgo biloba, licorice and turmeric, are only used as a complementary approach to proper medical advice and prescriptions. Many herbs can help fight inflammation and help ease breathing in some people, yet should not be sought as a sole treatment source for any ailment. Herbs for asthma treatment may also interfere with prescription medications, so it is important to speak to a doctor before using any form of herbal medicine.

There are many different types of herbs for asthma treatment that can be used to fight inflammation, provide congestion relief and even promote relaxation to prevent stress-related asthma attacks. Most herbs for asthma treatment are seen as a complementary approach to well-rounded medical advice which help prevent asthma attacks and stop them as soon as they occur. One of the most popular herbs is ginkgo biloba, which has been shown to inhibit some of the reactants that promote asthma symptoms. Since there are no long-term trials on ginkgo biloba and asthma, it is prudent to not rely solely on this form of treatment .

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

Turmeric is a spice used as a natural supplement for those suffering from asthma, as turmeric contains a high amount of anti-inflammatory activity. This may help ease symptoms of pain associated with excessive coughing or wheezing, which is common in individuals suffering from asthma attacks. Licorice is one of the other common herbs for asthma treatment, as it is believed that it can help restore breathing and circulation to the body. This information can be misleading and dangerous if taken as medical advice, as studies have not conclusively shown a full benefit for asthma patients.

Turmeric is used as a natural supplement for treating asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is used as a natural supplement for treating asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant that is sometimes used as a natural cough suppressant, making it a popular choice to reduce asthma symptoms. Most doctors do agree that all herbal treatments can be used as a complementary approach to helping ease symptoms of asthma while using proper prescription medications. Although herbs may help ease pain and symptoms in some people, based on the evidence, it is not conclusive to say that herbal medicine can help successfully treat asthma in every individual. Natural techniques such as avoiding stress are also an important component in a well-formed asthma treatment plan.

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    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • Turmeric is used as a natural supplement for treating asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Turmeric is used as a natural supplement for treating asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Herbs should not replace medication and emergency inhalers as asthma treatments.
      By: perfectmatch
      Herbs should not replace medication and emergency inhalers as asthma treatments.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies, which may require separate treatment.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies, which may require separate treatment.