Naturist Cures for Intrinsic Asthma

Intrinsic asthma is unrelated to allergies and results from stress, smoke, toxins, anxiety, chemicals, cold weather, gastrointestinal reflux disease or a virus. It normally occurs in adults over age 40. Many natural supplements and herbs are available to help you manage intrinsic asthma. You should consult with an experienced health care professional about using natural treatments for this condition to design a safe regimen that will not interfere with standard treatments. Based on a review of studies and other literature, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the following treatments might be beneficial.

Supplements

Research indicates that people with asthma have low blood levels of certain substances and supplementation might be of benefit. They include magnesium, selenium, and coenzyme Q10. Talk to your doctor to see if these supplements might help you. She will also be able to suggest an appropriate dosage.

The B vitamin choline can reduce severity and frequency of attacks. The suggested dose is three grams per day.

Studies on Omega-3 fatty acids produced mixed results. Reported benefits included a reduction in symptoms in both children and adults. Talk to your doctor about this treatment.

1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily can assist in keeping airways open.

If you are taking the standard medication theophylline, you may be deficient in vitamin B6 and potassium. Talk to your doctor before deciding to supplement to get an appropriate dosage. Taking too much of either can cause complications

Herbal treatments

Studies involving boswellia, a popular herb in traditional Indian medicine, showed that taking it improved lung function and decreased the number of attacks. Take 3 milligrams three times a day. Discuss this treatment with your doctor if you are taking cholesterol medication or NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Coleus forskohlii is another principal asthma treatment in Indian medicine. Studies suggest inhaled powder relieves symptoms. Do not use this herb if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, are using blood thinners, or are pregnant. Consult with a doctor familiar with Ayurvedic medicine to determine proper usage.

Tylophora has a long history of use in treating asthma and some studies showed benefit, but were not high quality. Use 250 milligrams one to three times daily. Do not use if you are pregnant, have diabetes, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

Pycnogenol reduces symptoms and improves lung function. Take 1 milligram per pound of body weight and do not exceed 200 milligrams. Avoid this herb if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or are using blood-thinning medications.

The traditional Japanese formula Saiboku-to reduces symptoms of asthma. In several trials, it allowed participants to decrease their dosage of steroids. Be sure to discuss this treatment with your doctor.

Homeopathy

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research relating to homeopathy as a treatment for asthma is lacking. The following remedies are typically dispensed by homeopaths to address asthma. If you are interested in using homeopathy for this condition, it would be a good idea to consult with an experienced homeopath since treatments are very individualized. Dosing instructions are on the product label.

Arsenicum album is for asthma that typically gets worse between midnight and 2 a.m., accompanied by restlessness, anxiety, chills and thirst.

Ipecacuanha treats asthma accompanied by extreme tightness in the chest, persistent coughing with lots of phlegm that causes vomiting and with symptoms that get worse in hot and humid weather.

Pulsatilla is used for asthma that is worse in the evening or after eating fatty foods and produces a yellow or green phlegm.

Sambucus works best for people who are awakened at night by asthma that produces a feeling of suffocation and is more severe when lying down.