Plants that help relieve asthma symptoms

What is GINGER? Identification name: Zingiber officinale Roscoe Family: Zingiberaceae Habitat: native to Asia Medicinal part: rhizome Key chemical constituents: it contains oleoresin, volatile oils, pungent phenolic compounds. Specifically: zingerone is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, flavoring, fragrance agent; zingiberene is antiulcer; 6-gingerol is antineoplastic. Properties and uses: ginger stimulates heat-sensitive receptors of the stomach causing a feeling of local heat. It reduces nausea and vomiting; opens up circulation to the peripheral tissues; inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism; reduces platelet aggregation; reduces arthritic pain and inflammation. Therapeutic role of gingerol in the treatment of asthma as it decreases eosinophils to the lungs and suppress helper T cell immune response to allergen. Curiosity: there are 80-90 species of the genus Zingiber. Traditionally used for indigestion, colic, cramping, peptic ulcer, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal infections, fever, colds. Hot ginger wine is a useful home remedy in case of flu with fever, prepared with 5 slices of fresh rhizome, juice of half a lemon, red wine, honey and hot water. Caution: no toxic effects reported at dietary intake or normal therapeutic doses. However, in high doses (>10g) it may cause gastric irritation, heartburn, bloating. People with gallstones, gastric ulcers or reflux use it with caution. What is FENUGREEK? Identification name: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Family: Leguminosae Habitat: native to western Asia, southern Europe Medicinal parts: dried mature seed, leaf Key chemical constituents: it contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, vitamins. Specifically, trigonelline is antimicrobial; apigenin is antineoplastic; vitamin A is antioxidant; vitamin B1 is antioxidant, erythropoietic, mood modulating; vitamin B2 is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photosensitizing; vitamin B3 is antilipemic, antidote, vasodilator; vitamin C is antioxidant; vitamin D is anti-cancer. Properties and uses: it is hypoglycaemic, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory. It is used to manage diabetes, high cholesterol, dyspepsia, and improve lactation. Curiosity: traditionally used to treat anorexia, dyspepsia, gastritis, convalescence, furunculosis, myalgia, lymphadenitis, gout, wounds, leg ulcers. The ground seeds are used to make condition powders for horses and cattle. Caution: in high doses it may cause flatulence, diarrhea, mild stomach discomfort, allergic reactions. In high doses (>20g per day) it can decrease triiodothyronine (T3) and increase thyroxine (T4), so caution in patients with hypothyroidism. It can increase the effect of antidiabetic drugs. May interact with blood-thinning medicines. Frequent use of fenugreek can inhibit iron absorption. Avoid use in pregnancy as it can increase contractions and induce labor. What is LOBELIA? Identification name: Lobelia inflata L. Family: Campanulaceae Habitat: native to northern United States, Canada, Kamchatka. Medicinal parts: dried flowering herb, seed Key chemical constituents: it contains alkaloids. Specifically, lobeline is expectorant, and acts on nicotinic receptors like nicotine but less potent. Properties and uses: lobelia acts specifically on liver, stomach, lungs, intestines; it promotes diuresis, diaphoresis; it acts to relax smooth muscles at lower doses, and skeletal muscles at higher doses; it promotes and generates heat; it helps to remove persistent catarrh. Lobelia is used as respiratory stimulant, anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, expectorant, spasmolytic, emetic. respiratory disorders, peripheral vascular disorders, insomnia, smoking cessation. Curiosity: traditionally used in cases of croup, whooping cough, typhoid, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, fevers, colds, headaches, female complaints, epilepsy, spasmodic disease, rabies. Lobelia was considered invaluable remedy to subdue spasm. The oil was valuable for tetanus. Caution: use with caution and under medical supervision as it can cause bradycardia, arrhythmia, low blood pressure, convulsions and respiratory depression. Symptoms of intoxication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with spasms, anguish, and death from respiratory paralysis. Avoid use in children, elderly, pregnant and lactating women. What is ONION? Identification name: Allium cepa L. Family: Amaryllidaceae Habitat: native to Central Asia, Iran Medicinal part: bulb Key chemical constituents: it contains organic sulfur compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, minerals. Specifically, quercetin is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic; caffeic acid is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic; vitamin A is antioxidant; vitamin B1 is antioxidant, erythropoietic, mood modulating; vitamin B2 is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photosensitizing; vitamin C is antioxidant; zinc is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Properties and uses: onion is anti-asthmatic as it inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Used for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory conditions. Curiosity: the Arabs used onion as an aphrodisiac. Traditionally used as antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, anthelmintic, anti-infective. Caution: no reports of toxicity have been documented. However, use with caution in heartburn, and with antiplatelet and antidiabetic medications.

Asthma attacks can be fatal. How do you prepare and protect yourself in case you have no immediate access to medications? For mild attacks of asthma, or for wheezing or general congestion of the airway, plants at home can help. Three plants can help asthma attacks. GINGER increases circulation to the lungs. Chew candied ginger or apply a towel soaked in ginger tea to the chest or back. FENUGREEK tea breaks up mucus and reduces inflammation of the respiratory system. LOBELIA tea stimulates the respiratory system and helps stop lung spasms. ONION can open the airway.

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