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Asthma



About
A reversible airway disease caused by the spasms of the small airways of the lungs. There is no cure for asthma at this time, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms and recurring attacks.


Notes

Advice

Helpful nutrients for this condition.

Bromelain
Importance: Very High
Comments: Boosts immune system. To maximize results, use with quercetin.
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Flaxseed oil or Primrose oil
Importance: Very High
Comments: Provides essential fatty acids. Helps with inflammation.
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Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
Importance: Very High
Comments: Alleviates stress.
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Vitamin A
Importance: Very High
Comments: Helps immune system. Builds up tissue.
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Beta carotene
Importance: Very High
Comments: Antioxidant. Forerunner of vitamin A.
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Carotenoid complex (Betatene)
Importance: Very High
Comments: Antioxidant. Forerunner of vitamin A.
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Vitamin B complex
Importance: Very High
Comments: Boosts immune system.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Importance: Very High
Comments: Beneficial for allergies and asthma. Injections under a physician's care are recommended.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Importance: Very High
Comments: Beneficial for allergies and asthma.
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Vitamin B12
Importance: Very High
Comments: Clears inflammation in the lungs during an attack. Best to use lozenge or sublingual form.
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Vitamin E
Importance: Very High
Comments: Powerful antioxidant.
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Vitamin C
Importance: Very High
Comments: Decreases infection. Eases inflammation and boosts air flow to the lungs. Preserves lung tissue.
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Coenzyme Q10
Importance: High
Comments: Counteracts histamine.
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Magnesium
Importance: High
Comments: Expands the bronchial muscles. Could help stop an asthma attack by raising the vital capacity of the lungs. Chelate or asporotate forms are recommended.
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Calcium
Importance: High
Comments: Expands the bronchial muscles. Could help stop an asthma attack by raising the vital capacity of the lungs. Chelate or asporotate forms are recommended.
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Multivitamin and mineral complex
Importance: High
Comments: Boosts immune system. High-potency formulas are best. Kills free radical that come from pollutants in the air.
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Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.

Ginkgo biloba
Type: Internal
Purposes: Ginkgo Biloba tea is made from the ginkgo leaf and contains ginkgolide which the Chinese use as lung fortifiers. Studies have shown this herb to be beneficial for treating asthma.
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Lobelia
Type: Internal
Purposes: Lobeline, the principle alkaloid in Lobelia stimulates deeper breathing. This herb has been used as a stimulant for spasmodic asthma. Also has been used to expel phlegm from the lungs, and relieve congestion that is typically related to asthma and bronchitis.
Cautions: Due to its strong actions, taking Lobelia internally should be done only under the supervision of a physician.
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Mullein
Type: Internal
Purposes: Mullein Tea is recommended by herbalists for asthma. The leaves and flowers are used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly for bronchial coughs and congestion.
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Pau d'arco
Type: Internal
Purposes: Also known as Lapacho and when made as a tea this has proven to be a powerful antibiotic and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage: 3 cups daily
Cautions: May cause some nausea when first drinking this tea.
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Shuan Huang Lian
Type: Internal
Purposes: In China this mixture of herbs is used in hospitals to treat respiratory illness such as asthma and acute bronchitis. Doctors are still experimenting with this herb to see how it works. This herb is made up of at least twenty-nine components.

The herbs that directly support Ayurveda are as follows:                Vasaka, Boswellia, and Tylophora
Type: Internal
Purposes: Vasaka (adhatoda vasica) -Juice of the leaves and roots is used to asthma, bronchitis and chronic cough. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) - used to treat bronchitis when used with steam inhalation. Also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce pain. Tylophora (Tylophora indica) - Has a strong anti-inflammatory action and in certain regions of India it is used to treat bronchitis and asthma.

Echinacea and Goldenseal
Type: Internal
Purposes: Echinacea and Goldenseal combine well to help fight asthma.
Cautions: Echinacea is not to be used if you have an auto-immune disorder. Goldenseal should not be taken for more than one week at a time. Do not take Goldenseal if you are pregnant or lactating.
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Licorice
Type: Internal
Purposes: Is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory herb that when used as a syrup or tincture can help to reduce asthma attacks.
Cautions: Usage of this herb should not exceed a week. Do not use if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.
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Ephedra (ma huang)
Type: Internal
Purposes: The stems of Ephedra contain the alkaloid ephedrine which is very beneficial in the treatment of asthma.
Cautions: Not to be taken if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant or lactating.

Juniper berries
Type: Internal
Purposes: Juniper Berries have been found to reduce congestion and helpful in treating asthma.
Cautions: Do not use this herb if you have a kidney infection.
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Slippery Elm
Type: Internal
Purposes: Slippery Elm has compounds called oligomeric procyanidins which have shown antiseptic and anti-allergic properties that are found in the treatments for asthma and bronchitis. Herbalists use this herb to treat coughs and inflammations.
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