Natural Asthma Remedies by Jane Thurnell-Read

Sometimes asthma starts after a virus infection - often respiratory synctial virus (RSV). Many different substances can trigger an asthma attack. Common culprits include dairy products, food colourings, formaldehyde, house dust mite, pollens, pet hair and moulds. Allergy asthma is one of the most common forms of asthma.

Some asthma has also been linked to chronic trichophyton diseases such as athlete’s foot. The body is producing IgE antibodies in an attempt to fight the athlete’s foot; the antibodies are carried in the blood stream to the respiratory system, and symptoms of asthma may appear. So if you are prone to asthma or there is asthma in your family, take extra care to avoid getting athlete’s foot.

Many people feel that inhalers and medication are the only answer, but there is also a lot that can be done with natural remedies – nutritional support and flower remedies can work wonders for many people.

Vitamin C is a long standing favourite with asthma sufferers – a dose of 500 mg twice a day works well, although you will need to reduce this dose if it gives you diarrhoea. Vitamin C is present in the lining of the respiratory tract and appears to combat inhaled pollution, so it is important to make sure your whole body has adequate levels of this important vitamin. Vitamin C also supports the immune system. Vitamin C has been shown to be a good natural remedy for exercise-induced asthma. Research has shown that taking a dose before a workout can reduce attacks.

Magnesium is a muscle relaxant and can help to relax the bronchial airways and reduce spasms and breathlessness. 200 mgs taken twice a day would be a good dose for an adult, but do remember it may be a couple of months before you see the results of this. I suggest you choose a magnesium citrate supplement as this provides magnesium in an easily absorbed form.

Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce wheezing, but it is best to take all the B vitamins together as they work together. If you take just one B vitamin, it can cause an imbalance in other B vitamins. A good B Vitamin Complex will contain around 50 mg of each of the main B vitamins.

Quercetin inhibits the production and release of histamine, which is involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions and so is particularly appropriate for someone with allergy asthma. The recommended dose is about 500 mg a day. It is difficult to get an adequate supply from food. Red onions (a good source) typically have about 20 mg.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help many asthmatics. These can be found in fish oils, but, if you are a vegetarian or concerned about the possibility of heavy metal contamination of fish oils, flax seed oil capsules are a better choice.

As well as nutritional supplements, flower remedies can be part of an effective asthma treatment plan. Rescue remedy (also known as Five Flower Remedy) can be helpful in times of stress. Children with asthma may well benefit from the Indigo essences – Chill  or Settle could be good, but the best remedy may vary from child to child.

It doesn’t have to be an either-or approach to asthma treatment. Looking after yourself, relaxing, eating good food and taking the best nutritional supplements and flower remedies can reduce or even eliminate a long-term need for asthma medication. But in the short-term combine the two so you have the safety of your drugs and the support of these natural remedies. Then as hopefully things get better you may be able to reduce your asthma drug intake, but, of course, it’s probably best to talk about this to your doctor.