Shortness Of Breath: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is an uncomfortable sensation of not being able to breathe deeply or easily, often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and panic.

This condition can be caused by various factors, such as respiratory diseases, heart conditions, anemia, obesity, and even stress. If left untreated, shortness of breath can lead to fatigue, decreased physical performance, and increased risk of respiratory failure. Fortunately, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger can help alleviate this condition.

Herbal teas, tinctures, and essential oils can be prepared to relief shortness of breath, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of shortness of breath, 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 shortness of breath?

The main causes of shortness of breath are often linked to cardiovascular conditions, with heart failure being a leading cause, as the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently leads to inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues.

Respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia, also contribute to shortness of breath by impairing the lungs' ability to take in oxygen. Anemia, a condition characterized by low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, can cause shortness of breath due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. Obesity and physical inactivity can also lead to shortness of breath, as excess weight and sedentary lifestyle can strain the heart and lungs.

Additionally, anxiety and panic disorders can cause shortness of breath through hyperventilation and other physiological responses.

• CHF: Chronic heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and subsequent shortness of breath.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and inflammation, making it difficult to breathe and resulting in shortness of breath.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lung, typically caused by a blood clot, which restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath.
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing, especially at night or with exercise.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue, which can cause inflammation, fluid buildup, and impaired gas exchange, leading to shortness of breath.
• Pleurisy: Pleurisy, or inflammation of the pleura, is a condition that causes pain and difficulty breathing due to the inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs.
• Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and shortness of breath.
• Obesity: Obesity can lead to shortness of breath due to the increased pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, as well as the potential development of sleep apnea and other respiratory complications.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery and shortness of breath.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause shortness of breath due to the decreased production of thyroid hormones, which play a role in regulating metabolism and respiratory function.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for shortness of breath?

The main medicinal herbs used for shortness of breath are Ginkgo biloba, Ephedra sinica, Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Adhatoda vasica, Curcuma longa.

Ginkgo biloba improves respiratory function by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation in the lungs. Ephedra sinica, also known as Ma Huang, has been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath by stimulating the respiratory system and increasing oxygenation. Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, and Withania somnifera have adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress and improve respiratory function.

Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Adhatoda vasica, and Curcuma longa have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and improve respiratory health.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps alleviate shortness of breath by improving blood flow to the lungs and increasing oxygen delivery to the body, which can help to reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps to alleviate shortness of breath by relaxing the bronchial muscles, thereby increasing airflow and making it easier to breathe, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as asthma and COPD.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the body and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the lungs and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps to alleviate shortness of breath by relaxing the bronchial muscles and reducing inflammation in the lungs, which can help to increase airflow and make it easier to breathe, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as asthma and COPD.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the body and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the body and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the body and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Adhatoda vasica: Adhatoda vasica helps to alleviate shortness of breath by relaxing the bronchial muscles and increasing airflow, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as asthma and COPD.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps to alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the lungs and improving respiratory function, which can help to improve oxygen delivery to the body and reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

What are the main herbal preparations used for shortness of breath?

The main herbal preparations used for shortness of breath are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Suppository, Elixir, Ointment, Cream, Pills.

Tincture, typically made from herbs like Lobelia and Ginseng, helps in relieving respiratory distress by acting as a bronchodilator, reducing inflammation and increasing oxygenation. Decoction, often prepared from herbs like Thyme and Echinacea, is an infusion of herbs that can be inhaled to alleviate respiratory issues. Capsules, containing herbs like Ginkgo Biloba, can be taken orally to improve circulation and reduce shortness of breath.

Herbal preparations in forms like Salve, Poultice, Suppository, Elixir, Ointment, Cream, and Pills, often containing herbs like Peppermint and Eucalyptus, can provide relief through topical application or transdermal absorption.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant helps with shortness of breath by increasing the levels of cortisol in the body, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the Digitalis purpurea plant helps with shortness of breath by increasing the heart's ability to pump blood, which in turn increases oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Salve: A salve made from the leaves of the Plantago lanceolata plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the roots of the Allium cepa plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the roots of the Aloe barbadensis plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants.
• Cream: A cream made from the leaves of the Petasites hybridus plant helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and improving lung function through the release of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants.
• Pills: Pills containing the leaves of the Ephedra sinica plant help with shortness of breath by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body, which in turn helps to improve lung function and increase oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.