Asthma May Come From Our Environment
Over 14 million Americans experience frightening attacks of wheezing and breathlessness that are sometimes fatal. Asthma is not just one disease. Sometimes its from an allergy, sometimes its food related. Asthma may be tied to factors as what’s inside your home, your genes, childhood infections, diet, emotional stress, toxins, etc.
Pollutants may react chemically to the body’s tissues. Researchers are looking at many irritants – like latex, which sloughs off automobile tires as tiny particles that may end up in our lungs. Some city studies pinpointed cockroaches as a key allergen. Energy conservation has locked many in sick, “tight” office buildings and homes with sick stale air, environmental toxins, gas appliances, secondhand smoke, pet dander, mold and bacteria-laden dust mites.
Treating Asthma Naturally Brings Results!
Famous Dr. Andrew Weil, stated in his Self Healing Newsletter, “I have seen asthma disappear completely in response to major shifts in diet such as eliminating sugar or switching to a healthy vegetarian or macrobiotic regime.” Johns Hopkins Hospital Studies and one in England suggest those who monitored their diets, low in meat and additives, were less likely to have asthma problems. Still, most doctors believe there is no known cure for asthma. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. For short-term acute attack management, bronchodilating drugs (often addictive with side effects) are still necessary until breathing improves.
There are natural remedies that –while not substitutes for bronchodilators – may be helpful in managing acute asthma episodes until your health and breathing improves.
Lobelia: Also called Indian tobacco, lobelia is used by naturopathic physicians to treat asthma. Keep on hand a mixture combining three parts of tincture of lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum (red pepper). At the start of an asthmatic attack, take 20 drops of the mixture in water. Repeat every 30 minutes for a total of three or four doses.
Chinese Ephedra: This famous medicinal plant (Ephedra sinica) is the natural source of ephedrine, a stimulant and bronchodilating drug. You can buy dried ephedra stems from Chinese herb shops and brew them into a pleasant-tasting tea. Put a handful of crumbled stems in a glass or enamel pot of cold water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and boil gently for 20 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 to 2 cups every 2 to 4 hours as needed. (Too much can cause jitteriness and insomnia.)
The Heimlich Maneuver: This versatile maneuver may be life-saving for more than choking victims. The Heimlich Institute is currently teaching asthma patients how to push up on their own diaphragm (more gently than in cases of choking) to help expel trapped air and clear the broncheii of mucus plugs.
