Asthma--Natural Remedy Thursday

Image from HERE

When I was 18 years old, my doctor thought (for about 5 minutes) that I had asthma.

I didn't.

It turned out to be something else completely and was taken care of.

However, that does not change the fact that on my medical report it contains the word ASTHMA. If you are not aware, asthma is a scary word when it comes to insurance companies because it's costly --

"the estimated total cost for asthma care in the United States is $6.21 billion ... An estimated $2.5 billion is spent per year on medications"

10 years later, I'm married to an entrepreneur, I'm a mom, (feeling GREAT I might add) and have been nearly uninsurable for much of these last 10 years--all thanks to the word asthma. I was finally accepted last month by a company that has their heads on straight. But seriously---denied 4 times over the years because they all thought I had asthma.

I'm not bitter or anything...

So, if you think you have asthma, but haven't visited a doctor yet---Please! Try something else first! Down the road you may find yourself off group insurance and will suddenly become obsessed with your medical history.

Natural Remedies for Asthma

THIS website has proven quite useful. I retrieved much of my information from it.

Asthma is divided into two categories: intrinsic (meaning inside or within), for which there is no identifiable cause for the attacks and extrinsic, which is caused by something (external factors usually inhaled) that triggers an attack.

To keep this concise, minimize your intake of coffee and dairy as well as exposure to dust and chemicals. Now would be a great time to switch to all natural cleaning products, which I will talk about in depth tomorrow.

Nettle Tincture-If you live in the Phoenix area, my favorite place to purchase herbs, tinctures and such is Chakra 4.

For centuries, cultures around the world have used this herb to treat nasal and respiratory troubles: coughs, runny nose, chest congestion, asthma, whooping cough and even tuberculosis.

Nettle is a potent antihistamine. The leaves of the young plant, best harvested from May to June and before flowering begins, can be used fresh or dried, as a tea. They can even be eaten as a vegetable, lightly steamed they have a similar texture to spinach.

Cayenne Pepper- Also know as Capsicum, the botanical name being Capsicum frutescens.
Cayenne is the species of capsicum that is used for its stimulant and antiseptic actions, as well as its antispasmodic properties, which makes it perfect in treating constricted lungs. It will get the blood pumped around your body, strengthen your heart as well as clear your arteries.

Liquorice herb- Liquorice is another expectorant and anti-inflammatory herb making it excellent for lung infections. Also very soothing on the throat. As a syrup or tincture it could reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.
A few cautions on liquorice - do not use large doses and/or long term use as it can cause sodium and water retention, headaches, lethargy and high blood pressure. Avoid in pregnancy.