Asthma: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

It is often triggered by allergies, air pollution, and respiratory infections, causing the airways to become inflamed and constricted. If left untreated, asthma can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory failure and cardiovascular disease. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and turmeric can be used in teas, inhalers, and capsules, offering anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of asthma, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of asthma?

The main causes of asthma are genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and personal lifestyle choices.

Research suggests that 70-80% of asthma cases are attributed to environmental triggers such as exposure to allergens, air pollution, tobacco smoke, and strong chemicals. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, can also trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Additionally, obesity is a known risk factor for developing asthma, as it can increase inflammation and reduce lung function.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect asthma symptoms in some women.

• Allergies: Allergies to airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold are a common cause of asthma due to the body's overactive immune response to these foreign particles, leading to inflammation and constriction of airways.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in the development of asthma, as individuals with a family history of the condition are more likely to inherit genes that predispose them to asthma, particularly if both parents have the condition.
• Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia can trigger asthma in susceptible individuals, as the underlying inflammation and damage to the airways can make them more prone to asthma attacks.
• Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can irritate the airways, trigger inflammation, and contribute to the development of asthma.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for asthma, as excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness, all of which can contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma.
• Smoking: Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure can trigger asthma attacks, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in children and adolescents.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can trigger asthma symptoms, as stomach acid and other digestive enzymes can flow up into the airways, irritating them and contributing to inflammation and constriction.
• Sensitivity to Aspirin: Sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals, as these medications can cause the release of chemical mediators that contribute to airway constriction and inflammation.
• Sensitivity to Other Substances: Sensitivity to other substances like sulfites, beta-lactam antibiotics, and certain metals can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals, as these substances can cause the release of chemical mediators that contribute to airway constriction and inflammation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can affect the airway muscles and contribute to the development of asthma, particularly in susceptible individuals.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for asthma?

The main medicinal herbs used for asthma are Eucalyptus globulus, Ephedra sinica, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Pelargonium sidoides, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale, Thymus serpyllum, Curcuma longa.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol which has bronchodilatory effects, reducing inflammation and mucus production. Ephedra sinica's ephedrine helps relax airway muscles, improving breathing. Ginkgo biloba and Glycyrrhiza glabra exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Other herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Pelargonium sidoides, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale, Thymus serpyllum, and Curcuma longa have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with asthma by providing expectorant properties that facilitate the elimination of mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps with asthma by releasing the alkaloid ephedrine, which acts as a bronchodilator, relaxing the airway muscles and improving airflow.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with asthma by increasing blood flow to the lungs, reducing inflammation, and improving oxygenation of the airways.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with asthma by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the severity of symptoms, and soothing the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with asthma by stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing the exacerbation of respiratory symptoms.
• Pelargonium sidoides: Pelargonium sidoides helps with asthma by possessing anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the severity of symptoms, and promoting the recovery of the respiratory system.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with asthma by releasing thymol, a compound that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with asthma by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the severity of symptoms, and improving the circulation of blood to the lungs.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum helps with asthma by releasing thymol, a compound that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with asthma by releasing curcumin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms and promote the recovery of the respiratory system.

What are the main herbal preparations used for asthma?

The main herbal preparations used for asthma are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Ointment, Suppository, Ghee, Poultice, Cream, Extract.

Tincture of herbs like Ephedra and Echinacea is used to relieve asthma symptoms due to their bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of herbs such as Thyme and Ginger is used to loosen mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways. Capsule of herbs like Butterbur and Quercetin is used to reduce inflammation and stabilize mast cells.

Salve and Ointment of herbs like Eucalyptus and Peppermint are used topically to relieve congestion and bronchial spasms, while Ghee, a clarified butter, is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and Ghee-based Suppositories are used to deliver herbs directly to the lungs.

• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Glycyrrhiza glabra, which contains glycyrrhizin, may help alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and stabilizing mast cells.
• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with asthma.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the herb Bacopa monnieri may help alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving respiratory function.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Plantago lanceolata may help soothe and protect the airways, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with asthma.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Calendula officinalis may help reduce inflammation and soothe the airways, alleviating asthma symptoms.
• Suppository: Suppositories containing the herb Ipecacuanha may help relax the airway muscles and reduce inflammation associated with asthma.
• Ghee: Ghee made from the herb Withania somnifera may help reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function, alleviating asthma symptoms.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) may help reduce inflammation and soothe the airways, alleviating asthma symptoms.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe barbadensis may help reduce inflammation and soothe the airways, alleviating asthma symptoms.
• Extract: An extract of the herb Ginkgo biloba may help improve respiratory function and reduce inflammation associated with asthma.