Asthma is a common disease characterized by episodes of breathlessness. It usually begins with a dry cough and tightness in the chest which rapidly worsens, until labored breathing and wheezing result. The attacks last only a few minutes, but if they are severe they are terrifying, as the sufferer gasps and struggles to catch enough air. In extreme cases, such an attack can be life-threatening. Asthma attacks are not always severe, however, and between incidents the asthmatic will appear perfectly healthy.
During an asthma attack, the sphincter muscles in the smallest bronchial tubes spasm and tighten, allowing too little air to pass out of the lungs. Since the lungs are already filled with air, breathing in becomes difficult and causes the panicky feeling of suffocation. The problem is intensified through increased mucus production and swelling of the mucous membranes, creating the wheezing noise so typical in asthma. Emphysema, the overstretching of the lung's alveolar sacs, is a common complication after many years of asthmatic breathing.
An asthma attack often occurs as an allergic response to a substance in the environment, but it can also be triggered by internal reactions to too much exercise or cold air, or even to emotional stress. Many impurities in the environment provoke attacks, such as chemicals, smoke, animal hair, dust and pollen. Allergies to food are often at fault. Common problem foods are homogenized cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, citrus fruits and all kinds of food additives, but the list is endless and depends on individual sensitivities. Food reactions do not always cause an immediate attack, and if the reaction is delayed, problem foods may not be apparent. Medications, especially Aspirinâ„¢, can be a problem. A cold or other respiratory tract infection is another common trigger for asthma and often brings on the very first attack.
As in other allergy-related illnesses, the underlying causes are obscure. A link has been suggested between asthma and the suppression of allergic eczema with medications. These drugs fail to increase body resistance to disease or treat underlying causes. Studies suggest that asthma may be candida related. A sluggish digestive system due to too few pancreatic enzymes or too little stomach acid is another underlying cause. Many children who develop asthma at a young age lose it before reaching adulthood, though the tendency for recurrences remains lifelong.
It has been known for over sixty years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that eighty percent of sufferers had below normal acid amounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid: glutamic acid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters, other digestive enzyme supplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes. As a result, high protein food may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream, may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirinâ„¢ and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Since salicylates in Aspirinâ„¢ are also found naturally in many foods, they should be reduced or eliminated from the diet if the asthmatic proves sensitive to them.
Following an asthma attack, drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able, to encourage the coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthma attacks, make it a habit to drink fluids regularly throughout the day to help liquify mucus. A periodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins and mucus.
A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairy products tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produce leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions. Avoiding animal meat eliminates many possible food allergens. Raw fruit and vegetables, conversely, provide enzymes to stimulate digestion and eliminate toxins.
Other foods which have been known to provoke an immediate allergic asthmatic reaction include eggs, shellfish, fish and nuts. A delayed allergic reaction is provoked by homogenized and pasteurized milk, chocolate, wholewheat products (especially yeast baked goods), citrus fruits and food coloring (especially the yellow dye tartrazine). Sulphites, used extensively in restaurants to preserve salads, frozen French fries and avocado dips, are particularly linked to asthma attacks.
Raw sauerkraut prepared with onions, garlic and flax seed oil reduces inflammation and provides a helpful and tasty remedy in the treatment of asthma. Raw sauerkraut is a fermented vegetable which provides beneficial bacteria to fight infection. Onions and garlic are well-known antibiotics, while flax seed oil contains essential fatty acids needed for many metabolic functions. Fish oils high in EPAs (eicosapentanoic acid) from cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, rainbow trout and sardines also contain anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids.
Vitamin C is an important nutrient, as it helps to stabilize cell walls in all types of allergic responses and has an antihistamine effect. Vitamin C further protects the body from the effects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Even low doses of vitamin C are helpful as a prevention, and higher doses have been used for relief during periods of attacks. If diarrhea results from high dosages of vitamin C, reduce the dosage accordingly (for more information, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements). Bioflavonoids act similarly to vitamin C and help with its assimilation. Many vitamin C supplements include bioflavonoids.
The mineral magnesium is important, as it relaxes muscle spasms in the bronchial tubes. It is useful in both the prevention and treatment of asthma attacks. Since absorption through the intestinal tract is relatively slow, only injections by a physician can alleviate severe asthma attacks.
Vitamin B12 is often useful in treating children and those sensitive to sulphites, with a noticeable difference within six weeks. Since some people absorb vitamin B12 poorly, choose the sublingual form which dissolves under the tongue for easier assimilation. Vitamin B6 is another nutrient found to be lacking in a number of persons with asthma and will reduce the severity and number of attacks when taken as a preventive. The B vitamin pantothenic acid (B5) also plays a vital role in asthma and allergy treatment. In fact, all the B vitamins are needed during stressful situations and the B complex vitamins should be taken together to avoid causing imbalances among them.
Vitamins A and E are also recommended as they protect against pollutants and are particularly important for the proper functioning of the mucous membranes and elasticity of the tissues.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria (dairy free) are friendly bacteria that help prevent the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by unfriendly/pathogenic microbes like candida and parasites.
N-acetyl-cysteine is a mucolytic, natural antibiotic which stimulates the production of glutathione in the body, a very powerful antioxidant.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily, and at least 4,000 mg daily during asthmatic periods
Quercetin, 500 mg three times daily
Magnesium, 500-750 mg
Vitamin B12, sublingual tablet, 1 mg
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily
Helpful
Vitamin A, 15,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 600 IU
Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1-2 capsules or 1 tsp.
N-acetyl-cysteine, 100 mg
Ephedra (ma huang) has been used for over five thousand years in Chinese medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic ephedrine component; effect diminishes unless used in combination with other herbs for adrenal support (licorice root, ginseng, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid).
Licorice provides anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action due to its ability to increase the half-life of cortisone.
Curcumin, the yellow pigment of tumeric, is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent comparable to cortisone, ibuprofen and phenylbutazone; it has also been reported to be effective as a cancer preventive agent as well as an antioxidant comparable in activity to vitamins C and E.
Forskolin is a natural derivative of the herb Coleus Forskohlii and has been found to be a good natural bronchodilator. It does this by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory compounds and inhibiting the smooth muscle contraction in the airways. Forskolin reduces inflammatory reactions thought to contribute to asthma without systemic side-effects. Aside from asthma, forskolin has also been shown to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart disease and glaucoma. It helps improve circulation due to its vasodilating effects.
Garlic and onion are high in vitamin C and quercetin (a bioflavonoid), and inhibit the production of leukotrienes.
Lobelia is an expectorant which releases adrenal hormones, helping the bronchial muscles relax.
Mullein is an antispasmodic and decongestant.
Thyme is also an anti-spasmodic, as well as an immunity booster.
Thymus gland extract regulates and enhances the immune system.
Echinacea is a natural antibiotic and immune system modulator.
Astragalus boosts immunity and lung strength; along with vitamin C and other antioxidants, astragalus boosts interferon production thereby helping to reduce the number of infectious episodes that could trigger asthma.
Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, the major active component which desensitizes airways, improves circulation and kills unfriendly microbes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Green tea helps open airways due to its theophylline content and antioxidants.
Put a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil on a tissue and inhale to help ease breathing.
To relieve the heavy, congested feeling in the chest, take 3 cups of hyssop tea a day.
Elderflowers are good for the treatment of fever and runny nose. Drink 1 or 2 cups of freshly prepared tea as hot as possible, especially during the latter part of the day.
A wide variety of homeopathic remedies exist for asthma sufferers. For temporary alleviation in an acute attack, choose one of the following remedies in the 6c strength, repeating every ten to fifteen minutes until improvement is marked. One dose equals 2 tablets under the tongue.
Aconite is a remedy to consider if the attack comes on suddenly, especially after exposure to a dry cold wind.
Arsenicum album is useful when an episode brings on restlessness with anxiety, worse after midnight, and from cold air and cold drinks. Burning chest pains, chilliness and exhaustion after an attack are symptoms. Sitting up and sipping warm drinks is beneficial.
Ipecacuanha is particularly useful when a great deal of wheezing and rattling in the chest is due to an overproduction of phlegm. The cough is intense, spasmodic and may continue until the person vomits. Nausea is common.
Chamomilla is a common homeopathic medicine for irritable and inconsolable children who get an attack after a fit of anger and want to be carried.
Kalium carbonicum is helpful for asthma attacks that occur in the night and early morning, especially between 2 AM and 5 AM, and if associated with fret and worry. The chest pains are stitching and cutting, and the cough is dry. Leaning forward helps.
Take 4 tablets every few minutes in an acute attack. Between attacks, to improve resistance, take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily.
Kali phos is the main remedy for the breathing difficulty during an attack that is due to an excitement of the nervous system.
Mag phos should be used for the bronchial spasm, when the chest feels tight.
Kali mur is recommended if the phlegm is tough and white. The tongue may also be coated white and the asthma may be accompanied by digestive complaints.
Nat mur should be taken when the mucus is frothy and clear, and the eyes and nose water.
Kali sulph should be used when expectorant is loose, yellowish or greenish. Symptoms are worse in the evenings and in humid conditions, where it is hot and stuffy.
The following time-honored remedy will decongest blood circulation, soothe the blood vessels and the nervous system, relieve both cramps and the feeling of strangulation during an asthma attack. Heat apple cider vinegar until it reaches the boiling point then and quickly remove it from heat. Then, soak some towels in the hot liquid and place them as hot as the patient can bear, on both arms, covering each arm completely. Leave on until the attack subsides.
To develop body resistance in between attacks, regular cold baths and washings in the Kneipp tradition will be effective. Place a wet towel over the chest, cover with a dry towel, then a blanket. Leave on for half an hour.
Take plenty of exercise in fresh air and sun, with proper periods of rest.
Deep breathing and relaxation exercises several times a day will bring significant improvement, in some cases even cure. Staying by the sea or in fresh mountain air for six to eight weeks usually has a positive effect and asthma attacks will often disappear.
Reflexology
Work on the reflexes to the bronchial tubes, chest, lungs, adrenal glands, lymphatic system and thymus, as illustrated, on the back between the shoulder blades on both sides. Hold pressure while inhaling and exhaling five times.
Press the thumb on the muscles below the collar bone. Find the most sensitive spot and, using thumb pressure, breathe deeply for two minutes. Press points at collar bone and down front of chest.
Be sure to drink enough liquids. Water helps to loosen phlegm and is particularly necessary after an attack. A humidifier often helps. It is also important to avoid all nicotine.
If you have asthma, it is vital that you practise deep breathing and exercise regularly, even if you can only do a little. Both these activities will improve overall stamina and support respiratory tract health to ward off infections and other illnesses.
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)
Flax Oil (Flora)
Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)
Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)
Micel-A (Klaire Laboratories)
Multi Element Buffered C
(Klaire Laboratories)
Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)
Beta Green (Natural Factors)
Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Vitamin A (Natural Factors)
Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)
Aloe Seltzer C (Nutraceutics Corp.)
Alkyrol Shark Liver Oil (Scandinavian Naturals)
Ester-C (Sisu)
Leucoselect 100 mg Grape Seed Phytosome (Sisu)
Pycnogenol—Pine Bark Extract (Sisu)
Other Nutritional Supplements
Bee Health Propolis Capsules (Inno-Vite)
Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)
Royal Jelly (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
Flora-Vision Bilberry Extract plus Blueberries (Flora)
Medicinal Tea: Asthma (Flora)
Green Magma (Green Foods)
Green Kamut (Green Kamut)
Herbal Decongestant—Expectorant (HSC)
Black Seed-500 (Kare & Hope Inc.)
Aller-Ease (Natural Factors)
Cold and Cough (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Cough and Cold Formula (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Throat Spray (Natural Factors)
Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)
Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract (Natural Factors)
Bronc-Ease (Nature's Herbs)
Curcumin-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Elderberry Flowers & Berries (Nature's Herbs)
Ginseng-Power, Siberian (Nature's Herbs)
Green-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Licorice Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Spirulina Pacifica (Nutrex Inc.)
Ginkoba (Pharmaton)
Respiractin (Sun Force)
Homeopathy
Aconite (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Arsenicum (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Kali Bichromium (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)
External Therapies
Basil Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Cajeput Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Clary Sage (Karooch Essentail Oils)
Eucalyptus Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Frankincense Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Myrtle Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Tea Tree Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)