Natural treatments for Asthma
What are natural therapies?
There are many alternative treatments that seem to facilitate the course of the disease. But since there is little research, and in some areas, and none at all, the effectiveness and safety of most methods is unknown.
Here are a few examples of alternative treatments:
Herbs and natural food additives
With asthma, various plants, herbs, and supplements are used, including the Indianipecacuanu, drug-bound, ephedra (ma huang), coil and dry ivy. But not one of these medicines showed any positive properties in the fight against asthma symptoms, and therefore are not recommended. Ma huang (ephedra), a plant often used in food additives, has been used for many years as a bronchodilator. But it was banned by the Commission for the Control of Medicines and Nutrients. Several studies have turned to vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as a medicine against asthma symptoms. But no evidence was found to recommend them for the treatment of asthma.
Yoga
[caption id="attachment_331" align="aligncenter" width="536"]
Yoga - Natural treatments for Asthma[/caption]Often, the cause of exacerbation of asthma symptoms is stress. And breathing exercises, which are part of yoga, help some people control their breathing and reduce stress.
Diet
Limiting the intake of certain foods and sugar helps some children control the course of childhood asthma.
Acupuncture
It is a method of Chinese medicine, during which needle is inserted into the pressure center to relieve symptoms. Although many people argue that acupuncture significantly reduces the frequency of asthma attacks and improves lung function, but there is no scientific evidence for this.
Reverse biological communication
Knowing how to increase the amount of inhaled air reduces fear and anxiety during an asthma attack in some people.
Are natural methods of treatment safe?
Most of us think that since these are natural methods, then they are safe. Nevertheless, most herbs are not tested to the end, and, as already mentioned above, are not recommended by the Commission for the Control of Medicines and Nutrients.
It was found that some herbs interact with other medications. For example, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, which reduces inflammation in the lungs, can cause bleeding while taking medication to dilute blood. The licorice root, used to calm the lungs of asthmatics, can cause increased blood pressure. Ephedra, which was previously used as a bronchodilator, is also associated with several unexplained deaths.
It is very important to always inform your doctor if you are taking any herbs, food supplements or other so-called natural preparations. Some herbs even worsen the condition of asthma and other diseases and can adversely affect the intake of other medicines prescribed by the doctor.
How do you know if a natural medicine is safe?
Since natural preparations are not controlled, it is very difficult to track what you get in the pharmacy. Here are some tips that are best to follow if you decide to switch to natural products:
- Before buying natural remedies, talk to your doctor about it. But never replace the inhaler or inhaled steroids with alternative treatments.
- If side effects such as nausea, vomiting, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, a skin rash occur, stop taking the herbs and report it to your doctor.
- Avoid mixes consisting of more than one herb.
- Try to adhere to sources of information based on scientific research.
- Choose brands carefully. Buy only brands that use popular herbs, the scientific name, the name and address of the manufacturer, the serial number and batch number, expiration date, instructions for use and potential side effects.
- Before taking any medications or natural supplements, always first consult your doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment