Asthma is an inflammatory disease that obstructs the airways and makes it difficult for the patient to get enough oxygen into his lungs. Besides obstruction, the disease is also accompanied by bronchospasms and phlegm production. Other symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and also a feeling of tightness in the chest. The disease can have genetic causes but it can also be caused by environmental factors (such as heavy allergies).
Besides taking regular medicine to treat asthma, there are also many important Chinese herbal extracts that can help alleviating the symptoms of the disease. Just be careful to purchase supplements for lung care offered by the best providers in the field. Read the label and check each time that the supplement indeed contains natural herb extracts. Some of the most popular herbal treatments indicated for asthma include the following:
Coleus Forshkholii- this is an herb that has as active ingredient the forskolin. This is basically a bronchodilator, which means that the airways will be dilated and the patient will get enough doses of oxygen into his lungs. Breathing becomes less effortless, and slowly the symptoms will retreat as well.
Ma Huang- yet another extract that acts as a bronchodilator in order to help opening up the constricted airways of the patient. （Caution:follow the instruction by Doctor) Special combination of Chinese herb extracts for lung care- there are many such supplements out there which will basically warm the lungs and help the patient eliminate successfully accumulated phlegm. The supplements also relieve cough and dyspnea, making it easier for the patient to breathe normally. Many asthma patients struggle with cold phlegm retention in the lungs with productive cough, and such supplements represent a great help in relieving such symptoms.
Reishi Mushroom- an extremely popular extract that has very strong anti inflammatory and immune system strengthening properties. According to Chinese traditional medicine, the Reishi Mushroom helps greatly in strengthening the lungs. Concentrated herbal tinctures or supplements containing dried Reishi Mushrooms are very indicated as adjuvant therapy for people with asthma.
Glycyrrhiza- yet another herb which soothes the respiratory airways and helps rebalancing the activity of the adrenal glands.
These are only a few examples, but traditional Chinese medicine has so many helpful remedies to offer. If you or someone dear to you struggles with asthma, it is extremely important to do everything possible to avoid exposure to any irritant factors and change lifestyle into the good direction. Some facts to keep in mind:
Completely avoid cigarette smoke- both smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke are very harmful for asthma patients
Introduce regular physical exercise into your daily lifestyle- feel better & look better
Taking Omega-3 supplements- Flaxseed oil and fish oil are the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These will help decreasing the inflammation in your lungs, thus allowing you to breathe easier day by day
Boost you antioxidants intake- these fight against free radicals in your system.