How to Treat Asthma With Chinese Herbs
Asthma, referred to as "xiao chuan" in Chinese, is a chronic respiratory disease that restricts the airways and causes difficulty breathing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that asthma affects 22 million Americans. Asthma is most prevalent during childhood and into adolescence, but many sufferers experience lifelong battles with asthma. Asthma is commonly treated with steroids, but Chinese medicine offers alternative herbal remedies that are used both to strengthen the body to prevent asthma attacks and to ease the symptoms of sudden attacks. The Chinese commonly associate asthma with immune deficiency and kidney or lung weakness so the common herbal remedies are aimed at these areas of the body.
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Things You'll Need
- 1/4 cup water
- Saucepan
- 1 teaspoon dried gingko biloba leaves
- Cheesecloth
- Small bowl
- Spray bottle
- Tea
- One teaspoon dried magnolia flowers
- One teaspoon dried rehmannia root
- ½ teaspoon dried don quai root
- 3 cups water
Instructions
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Throat Spray for Sudden Symptoms
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1
Bring the water to a rolling boil in the saucepan.
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2
Add the dried gingko biloba leaves and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
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3
Strain the gingko biloba through the cheesecloth over the small bowl.
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4
Allow the liquid to cool, then pour into the spray bottle.
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5
Spray liberally to the back of the throat during an asthma attack to open the bronchial tubes.
Tea for Asthma Prevention
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6
Bring water in saucepan to a rolling boil.
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7
Add dried herbs and steep for 20 minutes.
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8
Drink one cup of tea per day to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Gingko spray and asthma tea should be stored in the refrigerator for continued use.
In addition to the suggestions above, the Chinese herb ma huang can be taken as a capsular supplement to reduce symptoms of asthma, but you should always consult a doctor prior to ingestion because it is potent and may involve a risk of death for some people.
If you cannot find an Asian market near you, all of the above herbs can be ordered through online retailers.
To further reduce the symptoms of asthma, reduce the levels of allergen in your home with air purifiers and filters.
Do not use gingko spray hot or it will cause serious burns to your throat and complicate symptoms. However, it can be soothing to apply it warm.
Do not use adult strength concentrations of herbs for children.
