Herbal Treatments for Asthma

Asthma

The bronchi, airways of the lungs, are tubes surrounded by muscular walls.
The cells lining the bronchi contain beta-adrenergic, cholinergic, and
peptidergic receptors. When these receptors sense the presence of
certain substances, they send a signal to the underlying muscles which
tells them to contract or relax. Air flow is reduced when the bronchi narrow
and increased when the bronchi expand. Beta-adrenergic receptors
cause the muscles to relax, thereby increasing the flow of air into the
lungs. Cholinergic and peptidergic receptors cause the muscles to
contract, thereby decreasing the flow of air into the lungs. Mast cells in the
bronchi can cause the muscles to contract, stimulate mucus secretions,
and attract white blood cells when they release histamines and
leukotrienes. During an asthma attack, the bronchi narrow and the tissue
surrounding the bronchi swell from inflammation and secrete mucus into
the airway, making it difficult for the individual to inhale.

Causes of Asthma

The contraction of the airways is often caused by abnormally sensitive
cholinergic and peptidergic receptors.

An asthma attack can be triggered by inhaled allergens such as pollen,
dust mite particles, body secretions from cockroaches, and particles
found on feathers.

Other causes include:
Cold air
Viral infections
Sensitivities to foods such as peanuts and shellfish
Stress
Anxiety

Symptoms of Asthma

The frequency and severity of asthma attacks can be quite different for
different individuals. The first signs of an attack usually include shortness
of breath, coughing, wheezing, and/or tightening of the chest. The duration
of an attack can range from few minutes to a few days.

Itching of the chest or neck can be an early warning sign. This is more
common in children than in adults.

Shortness of breath can become severe, resulting in anxiety. This anxiety
can lead to sweating, a rapid pulse, and a feeling that there is pounding in
the chest.

Herbal Treatments for Asthma

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Scientific Evidence from Clinical Trials

A six-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 individuals
with relatively mild asthma reported that the group taking 300 mg of
boswellia 3 times daily experienced a reduction in the frequency of
asthma attacks and improvements in objective measurements of
breathing capacity that exceeded those from the placebo group (Gupta et
al. 1998).

References

Gupta, I., V. Gupta, A. Parihar, et al. 1998. "Effects of Boswellia serrata
gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study." Eur J Med Res. 3:511-514.