What is Asthma?

When asthma strikes the lungs become inflamed, the airways narrow the chest tightens, breathing becomes difficult or wheezy and a persistent cough may develop; particularly at night.

Asthma can be triggered by allergies or have its onset from a stressful period in life such as infection or grief. Recent studies have shown that asthma can be triggered by the prolonged use of corticosteroids and that it is a serious disease on the rise.

While conventional medications relieve many of the symptoms of asthma, they cannot cure it. Homeopathy and the right foods can avert an acute crisis, while ongoing treatment can work to clear the condition permanently.

Helpful Tips

Reduce stress. Strong emotions can trigger asthma attacks. Reduce your stress and anxiety by taking time to relax.

Exercise. Exercise is very important. Be cautious when doing heavy exercises. Start with brisk walking.

Vitamin D3. Studies have shown that Vitamin D3 is essential for a healthy immune system thus reducing the frequency of asthma. Make sure you supplement with proper dosing and check your vitamin D levels with your healthcare professional. Try and spend time outdoors each day whenever possible.

TREAT YOUR ASTHMA WITH HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy should be the treatment of choice for asthma and allergies. It is safe and effective for everyone including babies and the elderly. Please note that asthma is a chronic complaint best treated by a qualified homeopath as homeopathic remedies vary according to the symptoms of the individual. We will outline several that your homeopath will most likely consider as part of your overall healing strategy.

Arsenicum album: A person needing this remedy can feel exhausted, yet be very restless and anxious. Breathing problems tend to be worse while lying down, better when sitting up and may begin, or be the most intense, between midnight and two a.m. Dry wheezing may progress to a cough that brings up frothy whitish fluid. The person can be thirsty, taking frequent tiny sips. General chilliness is usually seen, with burning pains in the chest and heat in the head. Warmth often brings improvement.

Carbo vegetabilis: This remedy may be indicated when a person feels weak or faint with a hollow sensation in the chest. Coughing jags can lead to gagging. The person may be very cold (especially hands and feet), yet feel a need for moving air, wanting to sit beside a fan or open window. Gas and digestive upset are also likely, and sitting up and burping offers some relief. Feeling worse in the evening, and worse from talking, eating, or lying down are other indications for this remedy.

Chamomilla: Asthma with a dry, hard, irritating cough that starts after being exposed to moving air, or after becoming overexcited and angry, may be helped with this remedy. A cough is often worse around nine p.m. and may continue into the night. The person seems hypersensitive and may be extremely irritable and agitated. (Children may even shriek and hit, though they often calm down if someone carries them.)

Ipecacuanha: Coughing spasms that lead to retching or vomiting strongly indicate this remedy. Wheezing can come on suddenly with a feeling of suffocation and heaviness in the chest. Mucus collects in breathing tubes, but the person has difficulty coughing much out. The person may sweat a lot and feel clammy or nauseous, be worse from motion, and sometimes worse from warmth.

Natrum sulphuricum: This remedy is sometimes indicated when asthma attacks are brought on by exposure to mold and dampness. The person may hold the chest while coughing because it feels so weak. Wheezing and breathing difficulties are aggravated by exertion, and episodes tend to be worse in the very early morning.

Nux vomica: Indications for this remedy include a tense, constricted feeling in the chest during asthma attacks, with pressure in the stomach. Problems are often worse in the morning. Overindulgence in stimulants, alcohol, sweets, or strong spicy food can bring on or aggravate an episode. Both physical effort and mental exertion can make things worse, and warmth and sleep often bring relief. A person needing this remedy is typically very irritable and impatient, with a general feeling of chilliness.

Pulsatilla: Wheezing that starts when a person gets too warm (especially in a stuffy room), or after eating rich food, can indicate this remedy. Coughing brings up yellow-colored mucus, with gagging and choking. Tightness in the chest tends to be worse in the evening and at night and is relieved by cool fresh air. A person who needs this remedy is likely to be changeable and emotional, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. (Pulsatilla is often used in children’s illnesses.)

Spongia Tosta: A hard or “barking” a cough during an asthma attack is a strong indication for this remedy. Breathing can be labored, with a sawing sound, and not much mucus is produced. The person may feel best when sitting up and tilting the head back, or when leaning forward. Warm drinks may be helpful. The problems often start while the person is asleep (typically before midnight). Spongia is often used in croup, as well.

UNDA Homeopathic Remedies -  The UNDA remedies are carefully constructed combinations of homeopathic remedies and are prescribed based on the individual's unique health condition to optimize organ function.  Healing 4 Soul has successfully been using UNDA to help with natural asthma relief.  Specifically, UNDA 220 has instrumental in helping people with bronchial asthma, nervous asthma and nervous patients with profuse sweating.  This UNDA is typically prepared with an 'organ' or 'function' remedy to help detoxify the respiratory organs.

Foods That Help Asthma

• Fresh fruit and vegetables. Use organic fresh fruits and vegetables if possible. Always eat at least seven serving of fresh fruit and raw vegetables a day.

• Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces asthma symptoms when eaten regularly.

• Raw honey contains bee pollen and propolis, both of which have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties-plus honey improves immune system recovery. An open jar of honey placed under the nose of someone suffering an asthma attack can help them breathe more easily. As a preventive measure, a teaspoon of raw honey can be either eaten or mixed in a glass of warm water and taken three times a day.
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• Garlic is a well known natural anti biotic. It contains a mixture of compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal effects. It also reduces lung inflammation that accompanies asthma. Garlic can be eaten raw or cooked.

• Ginger can break up the mucus that builds in the lungs and contributes to asthma and it has to be fresh. Make a ginger tea by combining two cups of boiling water with two tablespoons of shredded ginger. Drink a cup of tea every two hours when asthma attacks occur.

• Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps asthma.  Drink one teaspoon of turmeric mixed in juice three times a day on an empty stomach.

• Peppermint can soothe the airways and break up mucous. Add a few drops into your bath water and inhale while relaxing. Note: peppermint is a well-known antidote of many homeopathic remedies; avoid this tip if you are already using homeopathy.

• Caraway or fennel seeds can also break up mucous. Add caraway seeds to a bowl of hot water and use as a steam inhalation. Fennel seeds can be used as a tea or eaten raw.

• Fish and fish oil. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they reduce inflammation and improve asthma.

 If you or someone you know is suffering from asthma, there are natural reliefs with homeopathy that work miraculously. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (310) 738-8878.