Know your Herbs


Andrea Candee, MH,MSC


Natural Approaches to Asthma


tion in another, can cause the breathing tubes to constrict in a child so genetically predisposed. Skin and sinus issues are uncomfortable, but a fight for breath can be terrifying. There are many natural ways to approach asthma. If the asthma requires medication, perhaps you can keep it to a minimum by combining it with natural approaches. Although written for the child with asthma, everything here applies to adults as well.


F


Emotional Stress For the child with asthma, emotional upset may induce


wheezing. • Visualizations can be created to help your child imagine the airways opening. This is a very effective tool, one used by corporate executives, sports figures, and cancer patients. • Bach Flower Essences can help your child deal with ongo- ing emotional challenges. A special formula can be created for your child’s emotional needs. • Nervine herbs can be used to help a child through a period of emotional stress. Valerian, passionflower, lemon balm and hops are classic nervine herbs that nourish and calm the nervous system.


Physical Exertion Many children experience exercise-induced asthma


when playing sports or other physically challenging activities. The stress-sensitive adrenal glands, when depleted, can cause a drain on the bronchials, inducing wheezing. • Licorice root helps rid the bronchials of excess mucus by supplying a natural form of cortisone, an anti-inflammatory substance, which also feeds the adrenal glands. Give a dose of the liquid extract of licorice root just before your child heads off to play sports or engage in any physical activity. • Sugar depletes the adrenals. Be sure your child has eaten a healthy meal before engaging in strenuous physical activity. • Be sure your child is well hydrated before and during physical activity.


Infection


When a child with asthma gets a cold, you can usually count on it moving into the chest. Use herbs for cold and flu prevention because, in preventing a cold, you’ve effectively prevented another asthma attack. Feel free to contact me for my cold & flu prevention strategies and booklet, Herbs, Recipes and Guidance for Winter Wellness.


26 January 2011


or some children, asthma can be a simple issue to resolve; for others, it can be life threatening. The same toxins that cause eczema in one child or sinus conges-


Natural Approaches To Asthmatic Attacks Cayenne’s broncho-dilating properties make it an excel- lent strengthener of the lungs and bronchials. The same way hot cayenne pepper in food can make your eyes water is how it causes a flow of secretions in the bronchial passages, thin- ning the mucus so it can be dispersed and reabsorbed by the body. If your child is having an asthma attack, you can dose cayenne every 10 minutes. You must be the judge of whether your child can deal with the burning sensation cayenne causes to the throat area. Breathe Easy tea by Traditional Medicinals contains herbs that help stop wheezing. To prepare, steep the tea bag for 15- 20 minutes, covered, in a cup of boiled water. Dr. Christopher’s Lung & Bronchial formula helps clear the lung area of mucus, is anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflam- matory. It is an excellent formula for ongoing therapy and asthmatic attacks.


Hot lemonade helps thin mucus and relaxes spasms. Prepare this to taste with freshly squeezed lemons, hot water, and honey. Valerian, blue cohosh, and lobelia are excellent anti- spasmodic herbs. Use equal parts valerian and blue cohosh, adding just a few drops of lobelia, a powerful anti-spasmod- ic. Based on an adult dose of about 40 drops of the com- bined herbs, dose your child according to weight (see dosing guidelines in my book). A dose of this combined herbal preparation, diluted in a little water or juice, can be given every 15 minutes during an asthma attack. The natural approach to asthma does not mean immedi-


ately withdrawing your child’s medication. Instead, introduce these natural therapies concurrent with asthmatic drugs. As these therapies strengthen the bronchial/lung area, less of the medication may be required and, with the guidance of your pediatrician, can be slowly tapered off, replaced by the safe, natural supports discussed here. Take it one step at a time, make changes gradually, and you will find encouragement in the relief your child feels.


Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, is a master herbalist with a practice in Westchester County. Media expert and author, her award-winning book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), received The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval. She may be contacted through her website, AndreaCandee.com or at 877 856 7680.


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