Asthma

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Asthma can stem from acombination of causes. There is often an allergic component that triggersasthmatic attacks. In some cases the cause is purely genetic while in others itmay be an acquired reaction to exposure to an irritant. The state of thenervous tone of the body can also lead to bronchial spasms. In predisposedpeople, tension, anxiety, hyperactivity or exhaustion can cause so much stressthat an asthma attack is triggered off.The rate of asthma in theWestern world is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often givento explain this phenomenal rise include: increased stress on the immune systemdue to greater chemical pollution in the air, water and food; earlier weaningand earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and geneticmanipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenictendencies. The latest findings link the chlorine in swimming pools withincreased asthma.It has been known for over60 years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in theirstomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that 80% of sufferers had below normal acidamounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid intake: glutanicacid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters and other digestive enzymesupplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequatesecretion of digestive enzymes.As a result, high proteinfood may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream,may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirin and non-steroidal,anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.Following an asthma attack,drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able in order to encouragethe coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthmaattacks, make it a habit regularly throughout the day to help liquefy mucus. Aperiodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins andmucus.A diet rich in raw fruitsand vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairyproducts tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produceleukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions.Vitamin C is an importantnutrient, as it helps to stabilise cell walls in all types of allergic responseand has an anti-histamine effect. Vitamin C further protects the body from theeffects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Taking 1g of timedrelease vitamin C each day can be a great help to a sufferer of asthma.Taking the herb Astragalusin tablet or tincture form will assist the immune system in such a way as tolessen the allergic reaction of the body. This herb is often used to treat hayfever, allergic sinusitis and asthma, as the basis of those diseases is thesame as a dysfunction of the immune system.A very useful combination ofherbal juices to treat asthma is Plantain, Coltsfoot and Thyme. Thiscombination will often help the asthma sufferer by reducing the congestion ofmucus in the lung as well as strengthening the lung tissue in order to ease thesymptoms of breathlessness and wheezing, Prevention of chest infections in asthmaticsis very important. To prevent infections, use Echinacea tincture at the firstsign of a cold or sore throat: taking 5-10ml every couple of hours will oftenhelp to clear a cold in 12-24 hours.
David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist