Some info on Asthma

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What is asthma really?I will assume that you know someone or are someone who suffers from asthmatic symptoms, I think about one in four of us has it! Basic symptoms are wheezing, difficulty breathing and most often a cough. Noone really knows what causes it, but there are a lot of very good theories. Pollution certainly encourages it, dust mites, mould and chemical smells all contribute to the condition. Childhood prescriptions of cortisone, aspirin and immunizations are all suspect, as unfortunately are the drugs used to treat the condition... every time we use the inhaler we are making it less effective, every time we get a prescription for a child when they could safely 'ride out' the symptoms, we are weakening the immune system.Goddess knew what she was doing when she left some little bacteria and viruses to be caught, in catching them and recovering we

are strengthening ourselves against later attacks which would otherwise be very dangerous. Just a thought.

General DietSince asthma seems to be made worse by chemicals and pollutants I recommend that, if you haven't already, you switch to eating organic food. Not only is it better for you but it's better for the environment too :)Dairy products have been shown to make some people's asthma worse, especially white bread, sugar and milk; so try to cut these down, or completely out, of your diet. A diet high in fish oils is also beneficial, so perhaps the dreaded cod liver oil should be considered ;)Lastly, a tea made from the following drunk twice a day is an effective long term treatment: [recipe by Rose Elliot]2 parts violet leaves1 part thyme1 part marjoram

A little reliefThe following herbs and spices are known to help prevent asthma as well as help during attacks.Licorice (the twig ) is soothing, as are the similar tasting aniseed and fennel. However, not everyone likes the licorice taste, so pumpkin is a good alternative being antispasmodic, soothing and antiinflammatory. I haven't tried it, but Gingko Bilboa comes highly recommended for this ailment, as does blackcurrant seed oil which is supposed to be effective.A regular intake of the herb elecampane helps to build up your respiratory system as a whole, strengthening the lungs and improving their general condition. Effective enough to replace the inhaler?Both Marjoram and the lemon variety of Thyme have antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Marjoram in particular is soothing and helps to strengthen your lungs and respiratory system for the long term. Put it in your food and take it in tea, it's perfectly safe and tastes good too! Mucal and bronchial asthmaIf you have particularly phlegmy attacks and perhaps a cough which brings up mucous the following plants, herbs and spices will help.One of the best expectorants I could name is ginger, but it's use depends on the type of mucous you are trying to get rid of. If it is transparent or white in colour then drink away, but if the mucous is green or a dark yellow you should mix it with honey and lemon. Other similar herbs are cloves and cinnamon, all very helpful but must have their spicyness toned down if you have the aforementioned phlegm type.Other expectorants include fennel, oregano, savory and thyme. You can get horseradish mustard in the shops now, which is excellent since both herbs are wonderful expectorants. Inhaling steam scented with horseradish or mustard is also useful, and helps clear the lungs.Try to add onions to your diet regularly as well, roasted onions

are delicious and better for you than fried. If you have particularly thick mucous which doesn't seem to want to budge, try including a liberal dose of garlic in your diet or taking the capsules available in healthfood shops. Homeopathic RemediesDepending on the particular variation of the asthma symptoms you experience, a homeopathic remedy may help you enormously. If you tend to be an anxious person and have a cough most of the time, Phosphorus will help you. It's the most common and sucessful of the remedies given for asthma. However, if your symptoms worsen around dust, central heating and is at it's worst and night and upon waking, Kali. Carb. will be more suited to you. Finally, if you feel like there is a weight on your chest and that you are contricted in that area, often breaking out into a cold sweat, try Cuprum Arsen. These remedies are perfectly safe and are available in many chemists, such as 'Boots' for those of you in England.

Suzi

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

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