The long term, troublesome condition of bronchial asthma that has targeted more than 6.5 million children (under the age of eighteen years) in the United States results due to inflammation of the main respiratory apparatus (lungs) and airways.
This gives rise to classical symptoms of wheezing, bouts of coughing with difficulty or sometimes shortness of breath along with feeling of chest tightness. There are a number of factors that may trigger an asthmatic attack, ranging from stress, allergic reaction towards dust or pollen, environmental pollution, viruses to extremes of temperatures. Although there is no definite cure for bronchial asthma, this chronic respiratory condition can be successfully managed by taking the help of both, medicines and natural herbs.
If your child has been suffering with bronchial asthma, you must make use of natural herbs that help in improving his/her condition. Go through the below mentioned herbal remedies which may aid in alleviating the symptoms and helps keep further attacks under check. You must, however, seek medical advice prior to using them for treating asthma in children.
Effective Herbal Remedies For Treating Asthma in Children
Lobelia
Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco or Asthma weed has been in use for successfully treating several diseases that affect the respiratory system, be it pneumonia, bronchitis or asthma. Lobelia Inflata is a member of the Lobeliaceae family and has effects similar to those of nicotine, primarily owing to the key constituent called lobeline. This particular alkaloid helps in not only treating bronchial asthma, but also cough. In other words, this natural herb exhibits anti-spasmodic properties.
Being an expectorant as well as a herbal stimulant, it’s intake helps relieve sporadic cough, which is frequently seen in children with asthma. As most of the potential side effects are linked with its consumption in high amounts, herbalists recommend that Lobelia must be consumed in small doses initially.
Cayenne And Bronchial Asthma
Cayenne pepper, also known as Curcuma longa is a medicinal and culinary herb that may assist in controlling as well as treating your little one’s asthmatic attacks. For children, add crushed of cayenne pepper (equivalent to one-eighth of a teaspoon) to a cup of tea; for example green tea or chamomile infused herbal tea. Being an antiseptic, cayenne pepper works pretty well by providing protection to the inflamed respiratory system from microbial attack. This helps reduce the episodes of bronchospasm, as well.
Not just that, it’s daily intake (in the form of tea) helps dilate the bronchial passages, which in turn brings the symptoms of asthma under control. Another palatable alternative for those who are not tea lovers is mixing a pinch of powdered cayenne pepper to a glass of hot chocolate. You must not forget to consult your child’s health care provider before beginning the use of this herb.
Anise and Parsley
Anise, as well as parsley leaf, have been frequently used for treating and preventing future bouts of asthma in children. Both the herbs exhibit expectorant and mucolytic properties, which facilitates thinning, of mucus in the chest. To prepare anise tea, add two teaspoons of crushed seeds to boiling water and leave it to infuse for five to ten minutes.
Spikenard
Spikenard, otherwise known as Nardin or Aralia racemosa works as a powerful herbal cure for treating asthma in children as well as adults. Not only is Spikenard a reliable anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory herbal tonic, it also works as an effective expectorant. In addition to that, this herb is an adaptogen which assists the child’s body in dealing with the stress of an asthmatic attack. The easiest way to make your child take this herb is in the form of tea.
Take a few, clean roots of the herb, add it to a cup full of boiling water and leave it to steep for five minutes or so. Once cooled, strain the infusion and drink the tea a few times in a week. As with any other herb, medical opinion is advisable so as to get acquainted with the appropriate dose and plausible side effects or interactions.
Elecampane
Inula helenium, commonly known as Elecampane belongs to the Aster family and may help resolve the symptoms of asthma in children. It has been observed that the root portion of this herb has several roles, beginning with that of an anti-inflammatory agent, antiseptic to an expectorant. It’s correct use can thus be a herbal aid for children dealing with long standing bronchitis, tuberculosis and bronchial asthma. One of the biggest advantages of using Elecampane root is that it significantly lowers the frequency of asthmatic episodes.
Skunk Cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly termed as Skunk cabbage (owing to it’s foul odour) works as an effective bronchodilator that makes it easier for the asthmatic child to breathe more effortlessly. The chemicals this herb contains offer adequate relief from pain and discomfort. It’s careful use helps in getting rid of phlegm as this herb also works as an expectorant. The dose estimation varies in accordance with the patient’s age and other health considerations. Therefore, medical consultation followed by supervision is a must.
Ginkgo Biloba
Both the seeds as well as leaves extracted from Ginkgo biloba can be put to good use for controlling the symptoms seen in asthma. The presence of a number of potent compounds, such as alkaloids, flavanols and antioxidants (mainly proanthocyanidins) makes it a herb of choice for a range of medical conditions; for example asthma, bronchitis and many heart related ailments. Also, it’s anti-spasmodic activity bears resemblance to drugs that act as muscle relaxants.
This herb can be taken either as tea or in the form of capsules or tablets. However, children with bleeding disorders must avoid the use of Ginkgo biloba.
Fight Asthma With Mullein
Mullein is a trusted herb that proves to be beneficial in soothing the irritation and inflammation in bronchial tubes. This is probably related to the presence of mucilage and other constituents, such as triterpene saponins. Do note that the use of mullein seeds is not advised (due to the toxic nature). Both, the leaves and flowers of this herb can be used for preparing mullein infused tea. Addition of honey may make it easy for the child to consume it. Do not forget to use this herb under the supervision of a trusted pediatrician.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
