Athsma

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Athsma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes occasional or frequent difficulty in breathing. The airways of the lungs (bronchii) become constricted, chest muscles tighten and mucus is produced, all of which both of which further narrow the airways. The cause of athsma is thought to involve inappropriate auto-immune responses to triggers such as stress or allergy. One theory is that our ultra-hygienic lives mean that sometimes our immune systems never mature fully because we are not exposed to sufficient bacterial and fungal challenges when young, although other environmental factors such as exposure to mercury (for example in dental fillings) may be involved. Obesity is known to be a risk factor for asthma, and weight control may be helpful in managing the condition.

Asthma symptoms can range from occasional wheezing or slight shortage of breath, to chronic coughing and wheezing, and shortage of breath verging on suffocation during severe attacks. Very severe asthma is potentially fatal and must be treated medically. The most commonly employed medications are bronchodilators such as Ventolin, usually taken by means of inhalers. These relieve some of the symptoms of asthma but have no effect on underlying causes.

Some alternative therapies are available, but with the possible exception of yamoa (see below) are probably useful only for mild symptoms:

Yamoa

Yamoa is a herbal powder derived from the bark of an African gum tree. It is available in raw powder or capsule form. There is research evidence that indicates that it may not only reduce the severity of symptoms of asthma in around 70% of cases but may even effect a permanent cure in about a third of those treated.

Dosage is approximately ¼ teaspoon of the powder taken twice a day for one month with honey or fruit juice. Because yamoa is bitter tasting it is usually taken with honey, fruit juice or tea. A simple way to manage the first option is to thoroughly mix about 30g of yamoa powder into a 1lb/500g jar of honey and keep the mixture refrigerated. Take one teaspoonful twice a day for at least one month, stirring well before use. If you use the refined capsule form, usually one capsule, twice a day is recommended.

Boswellia

Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory which can reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Recommended dose is 150mg three times a day.

Butterbur

Research carried out at the University of Dundee found that butterbur added to the anti-inflammatory effect of inhalers. Another study showed that the number, duration, and severity of asthma attacks decreased, and symptoms improved after using butterbur. More than 40 percent of people taking part in this trial had reduced their use of inhalers by the end of the study.

Caution: The raw herb, or teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. Only commercial standardised extracts that have been treated to remove these alkaloids should be taken. Intake of pyrrolizidine alkaloids must not exceed one microgram per day.

MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) has also proven useful for treating asthma. Start with 2000mg of MSM per day and also take a multivitamin containing 50 to 150 micrograms of molybdenum as this is a cofactor required to ensure it is metabolised.

Antioxidants

It is also important for asthma sufferers to take antioxidants - especially vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and selenium. This helps to reduce the irritating effects of airborne free radicals, which can provoke an asthma attack.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to reduce the risk of developing asthma and might also be helpful in reducing severity of symptoms as it helps to dilate the bronchioles. The recommended dosage of magnesium is 200-600 mg/day.