There are many do-it-yourself herbal asthma treatments that are easy and very effective. Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and is considered an inflammatory condition. People with asthma often experience symptoms such as wheezing, a chronic cough and great difficulty breathing. Treatments can vary from inhalations of steams to drinking teas and taking herbal supplements.
Some Treatment Options
Herbal remedies for the treatment of asthma are generally considered safe and have been used for a long time. Commonly used for the treatment of asthma are the herbs echinacea, chamomile, eucalyptus and the gum plant.
To treat asthma using eucalyptus essential oil, mix one to two drops of eucalyptus oil in a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. Put a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale as needed. Other carrier oils you can use are sunflower and wheatgerm.
Chamomile and Echinacea
To treat asthma symptoms, steep some dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink the tea. Chamomile is calming and will help to relax the airways in the lungs. It also acts as an antihistamine.
Echinacea is widely used for many respiratory problems including chest congestion, allergies, excess mucus and infections. Echinacea supplements are readily available at your local health food market or drug store. Take the supplement according to label instructions for relief of asthma symptoms.
Eucalyptus, Gum Plant, Sage,Thyme, and Ginger
The dried leaves and flowers of the gum plant can be used to make an infusion. Steep one teaspoon in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Take one teaspoon twice a day to relieve symptoms of asthma.
The essential oils of sage and thyme can be used as inhalants. Simply put a few drops of either herb into a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale the vapors as needed. The essential oils of thyme and sage may also be placed in a simmering pot within your home to emit soothing vapors.
Eucalyptus essential oil can be mixed with a base carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massaged into the chest. It can also be used in a vaporizer to provide moist soothing vapors for the asthma-prone person. Likewise, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale deeply to relieve congestion.
Make a homemade ginger tea to relieve symptoms of asthma. Place one teaspoon of ground ginger in two cups of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink for relief. Ginger has antibacterial properties and helps to fight infection and clears the lungs of excess mucus.
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