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Alternative Asthma Treatments - Overview of Available Therapies

Alternative asthma treatments are plentiful. Among them are Herbal, Homeopathic, Nutritional (i.e.vitamins), Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Essential Oils and Aroma Therapy, Wild Oregano Oil, as well as natural medications or substances such as Oxy17 and Respitrol. Some alternative asthma treatments are better known than others and some are generally accepted more than others. Most show promise and most are at least harmless but all should be discussed with your doctor or practitioner before using.

Among herbal remedies for asthma are:

  • ephedra (ma huang), (Ephedra should be used with extreme caution. It should not be used if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or thyroid disease.)
  • lobelia, Mix with cayenne for increased effectiveness (three parts tincture of lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum); capsicum desensitizes the respiratory system to irritants and is helpful in stopping an asthma attack
  • grindelia: to ease bronchial spasms and promote the removal of mucus from the lungs
  • licorice: for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects; licorice should be used with caution by those who suffer from high blood pressure
  • Yamoa Powder

    • Homeopathic remedies for asthma include:

  • Arsenicum: for dry, wheezing asthma that comes on in the middle of the night, accompanied by anxiety and restlessness
  • Ipecac: for gagging, profuse mucus that can't be coughed up, or long spasms of coughing that may end in vomiting
  • Spongia: especially if accompanied by loud wheezing

    • Nutritional alternative asthma treatment supplements said to be helpful for asthma include:

  • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
  • Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotine
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin E
  • Magnesium
  • Quercetin with bromelain

    • Chiropractic Care:

    The I.C.P.A. or International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has sponsored numerous studies that have indicated that chiropractic care can have a positive effect on reducing asthma symptoms.

    The Michigan Chiropractic Council also did a study that indicated that chiropractic care can cause a decrease in the number of asthma attacks even when conventional medications are reduced significantly.

    Acupuncture:

    Proponents of acupuncture (the practice of using hair sized needle in the skin at certain points on the body) claim that it is effective for the treatment of asthma as well as countless other conditions. This procedure is considered safe and relatively pain free.

    Essential Oil and Aroma Therapy Beneficial to Asthma Sufferers:

  • Clary Sage
  • Cypress
  • Eucalyptus
  • Frankincense
  • Helichrysum
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Marjoram
  • Peppermint
  • Myrrh
  • Pine Needle
  • Rose
  • Rosemary
  • Tea Tree

    • Wild Oregano Oil:

    In studies, oil of oregano has shown to be a powerful antioxidant that can be quite affective against respiratory problems of all kinds including asthma. It is stressed by some that it is important to use wild oregano oil as this is much more powerful than oregano that is not wild.

    Natural Medications:

    There are many medications made with natural ingredients that claim to be helpful in the treatment of asthma. Two of the most well known are Oxy 17 and Respitrol both claim to be very effective.

    As with any treatment, be sure to discuss your choice of alternative asthma treatment with your physician before using.