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respiratory System
Asthma
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
The symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, and wheezing (which comes about because of constriction of the bronchial tubes). There may be a buildup of mucus that is hard to expel. Asthma is often associated with respiratory allergies or food sensitivities, or it can be brought about by an infection or stress. A severe attack of asthma can be life threatening and should be referred to the nearest emergency room.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR ASTHMA AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Beta Carotene 100,000 Units 2 times per day for an adult. For children 15,000 Units per year of age, up to 150,000. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units per day.
2. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams, 3 times a day for adults and 500 milligrams per year of age up to 3,000 milligrams for children, in divided doses.
3. B-complex 50 milligrams 3 times per day for adults. For children, 25 milligrams once or twice a day.
4. Vitamin B6 100 to 200 milligrams 2 times per day for adults. For children, 25 milligrams a day.
5. Vitamin B12 1,000 micrograms daily.
6. Calcium and Magnesium Supplement 800 milligrams of calcium and 400 milligrams of magnesium for an adult. For children, the dose is decreased in proportion to their weight.
7. Selenium 250 micrograms per day.
8. Adrenal extract 1 tablet, 3 times per day with meals.
THE PROPER DIET FOR ASTHMA WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. The first and most important dietary change that may relieve asthma symptoms and prevent further attacks is to avoid all milk and dairy products (such as cheese, yogurt and buttermilk). Other foods to cut down or avoid are sweets (such as candy and pastries) and artificial colors and preservatives, especially sulphites found in wine, beer, and salad bars.
2. Another consideration is food allergies. Certain foods seem to be more likely to cause or aggravate asthma. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible for the problem. The main problem foods are dairy products, eggs, wheat and other gluten containing grains such as barley, rye and oats), corn, and sugar. After eliminating all those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. If you need more information, listen to our program on food allergies (number 366).
3. For chronic asthma, which doesn't respond to treatment, consider a Vegan diet. This means avoiding all animal products, including milk, meat, eggs, and chicken and replacing them with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, sprouts, and soy products.
HERBS USED FOR ASTHMA:
1. Mix these herbs in the following proportions:
Licorice Root - 2 parts
Grindelia or Gum Tree - 2 parts
Ephedra - 1 part
Khella- 1 part
Lobelia - 1/2 part
Cayenne Pepper - 1/8 part
Take 30 drops of the tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, 3 to 4 times per day. You can prepare these herbs in their dried form as a tea by using 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture per cup of boiling water. Simmer 10 minutes, cool, and drink 1 cup, 3 times per day.
2. Green tea, available at oriental grocery stores, can also be helpful.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR ASTHMA INCLUDE:
1. Avoid dryness in your environment by using a humidifier.
2. Drink plenty of liquids, at least 8 cups per day.
3. Exercise your lungs by blowing up balloons, daily.
4. Take 1 to 2 minute intervals 4 times a day to do deep breathing or to sing loudly.
5. Stressful situations have been known to start asthma attacks. Consider counselling for both adults and children.
HOMEOPATHY:
Homeopathy can be extremely helpful in treating asthma, but it usually requires the aid of a trained homeopathic or naturopathic physician. From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms.
Arsenicum album 12C: For asthma that is worse at night, with restlessness and if it is relieved by warm applications to the chest. This is the most common remedy. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 2 times a day for 1 week or when needed.
Antimonium tart 12C: For asthma with excessive mucus in the chest that is hard to cough up. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 2 times a day for 1 week or when needed.
Clinic
Footnotes
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Weir MR, et al. Depression of vitamin B6 levels due to theophylline. Ann Allergy 1990;65:59-62.