How to Use Herbs to Treat Asthma in Children

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Asthma affects the respiratory tract including the throat and lungs causing constriction and difficulty breathing. Herbs offer a solution to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks in children and can even prevent attacks completely.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. chamomile flowers 1 tsp. echinacea root 1 tsp. mullein leaves 1 tsp. passionflower leaves Vitamin C supplement 1 tsp. ginkgo leaves tincture Spray or spritzer bottle Lavender essential oil ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Make an asthma tea blend using dried chamomile flowers, echinacea root, mullein leaves and passionflower leaves. Steep the herbs in one quart of boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey. Children should drink ½ cup per day to prevent asthma attacks.

2. Vitamin C is an antihistamine and can be given to children daily as an asthma preventative. The recommended dosage is 200 milligrams per day for a child up to 50 lbs.

3. Make a throat spray from a tincture of ginkgo leaves. Combine 1 tsp. tincture in ¼ cup of water and store in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and apply as needed to keep the airways clear, even after wheezing has begun.

4. Make an asthma chest rub by combining 8 drops of lavender essential oil with the olive oil. Rub directly onto the chest as needed, during an asthma attack or before bedtime as a preventative.

5. At the first signs of an asthma attack, run a hot bath and add 8 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Place the child in the bath to prevent the attack, using the throat spray and/or chest rub in conjunction.

Tips & Warnings

• Before using lavender essential oil on children, they should sniff the oil to make sure there are no sensitivities that could interfere with the treatment. An herbal steam using lavender essential oil can also be used in place of the bath, if the child can tolerate the steam. Use no more than 5 drops of lavender essential oil for this purpose.

• Never take a child off of asthma medications or change the dosage without consulting a doctor. Work with your physician to try herbal and alternative remedies for asthma. Children with asthma are extremely sensitive, so before trying any herbal remedy, administer a small amount of the herb to check for allergies. Always consult a doctor before using herbs to treat asthma.