Air , something we all need yet take for granted . The automatic process of breathing ( though some people don’t breathe properly ) is something we don’t give a second thought to , but for some one who suffers from Asthma , they are very concious or should be about this process . It is a very stressful occurrence , more so for the person suffering the attack but also for any loved ones who are witness to this . In brief what happens with asthma is the bronchi go into spasm as a result of an allergic reaction , anxiety or stress. This causes wheezing and breathlessness which is very distressing and can result I panic which then can obviously exacerbate the situation . This is more likely in children or the elderly , so calming herbs like Catnip or California Poppy in a mix are beneficial .

There are a number of things that should be avoided in Asthma .

Here is a list of foods etc to be avoided : Milk , peanuts, wheat , tree nuts , eggs , fish , shellfish, meat containing antibiotics or tenderising enzymes . Preservatives - benzoates , sodium, sodium metabisulphite , antioxidants . Dyes , artificial colours or flavours . Red wines containing preservatives or antioxidants .

There are some politics involved in the business of Asthma , which by the way is a Multi Million dollar business in Australia alone , not to mention the rest of the world. There are a number of herbs that are extremely effective in treating Asthma that have been banned or put on the schedules list , Coltsfoot, Lobelia , Ma Huang , Comfrey .
I will not get on my soap box about the politics of Health at this point .
Here is a list of herbs that are good for Asthma . There may be more that I am unaware of , if you know of any please let me know .

Herbs Catnip , comfrey, coltsfoot , elecampane, euphorbia , butterbur, gingko, Grindelia, ma Huang, lobelia, pleurisy root, Japanese honeysuckle , senega, sundew, weeping golden bell, wild Chinese violet , wild cherry bark .

Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara
This herb grows profusely and is a member of the Compositae family like dandelion , daisy, tansy and yarrow . In England they have large cough lollies called coltsfoot rock which is very hard but enjoyable , a sort of all day cough drop . This herb has been used for at least 2500 years for coughs and smoked to ease breathing . It is also used in herbal cigarettes .The common name s due to the shape of the leaves and the Latin name refers to it’s use for coughs .
Parts used : Leaf and flowers
Properties : Anti-catarrhal , anti-tussive, anti-inflammatory , expectorant, demulcent, diuretic .
Uses : Coltsfoot has a wide range of uses in respiratory complaints like , asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis , irritating coughs , whopping cough . It can be used externally as a poultice for ulcers and sores .
The reason for its efficacy in these conditions is that the leaves contain significant levels of zinc . The mucilage in the plant helps give it a very soothing effect which is beneficial in chronic emphysema . The plant contains an alkaloid called pyrolizidine which can cause hepatoxicity if Taken in large doses . In clinical trials { I Hirono et al 1976 } it was shown not to cause any damage to human chromosomes in vitro . The amount need to cause in damage is extremely high but nevertheless caution should be exercised . The leaves should be used for no more than 3- 4 weeks at a time then take a break . Also not to be used in pregnancy or Breast feeding .

Grindelia - Grindelia camporum .
It is also called Gumplant because of it’s resin content which makes it very sticky . Native Americans used it externally to treat poison Ivy rashes and internally for bronchial complaints .
Parts Used : Aerial parts
Properties : Anti asthmatic , antispasmodic , expectorant , hypotensive .
Uses : It is used for treating Asthma and bronchitis especially in cases that are triggered by anxiety . This is because Grindelia has a relaxing action on the heart muscles which is why it can be used to lower blood pressure though not as effective as Hawthorn or Lavender . If there is any upper respiratory catarrh like with Hayfever you can combine Grindelia with the herbs I listed in Sept .2001 Herb blurb . For Whooping cough it can be combined with Coltsfoot , horehound , sundew , thyme and a little honey as the horehound and thyme are a little bitter . If you have or get Cystitis , it will help by soothing the irritation along with other herbs , but I will cover that in detail in the next Herb Blurb .
Grindelia’s antispasmodic action is a primary factor in it’s treatment of Asthma and bronchitis , it also is used for treating emphysema .

Sundew - Drosera rotundifolia
In the 16th and 17th centuries it was used to treat Melancholy which was the condition related to the Spleen and the element Earth . In Chinese medicine the emotion related to the spleen is reflection or worry . It was also used externally to treat scrofulous sore .
Parts used : Aerial parts
Properties : Anti asthmatic , anti spasmodic , anti tussive , demulcent , expectorant .
Uses : It looks a little like a bright version of the Venus fly trap . Again like the other 2 herbs in this article it is used for any conditions involving spasms in the chest like Asthma, bronchial asthma and whooping cough . In scientific studies one of the compounds { Plumbagin } showed antimicrobial action on parasitic protozoa, bacteria and pathogenic fungi . Also it is effective against streptococcus , staphylococcus, and pneumococcus bacteria .
It can be used in cough syrups with wild cherry bark , licorice , thyme , coltsfoot , violet flowers or leaf and fritillary .
If you have stomach ulcers Sundew will be of benefit with other herbs like Golden seal, comfrey root , marshmallow root , meadowsweet and Echinacea .

I see a number of patients who have varying degrees of Asthma and other related problems like Eczema and we are having a good deal of Success in dealing with these conditions .