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Respiratory |
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Asthma: Asthma is a complicated illness that should be treated by a healthcare professional. Childhood asthma is increasing worldwide, and the reasons are unclear. A first-aid guide to homeopathy can direct you in treating specific symptoms to relieve the distress of asthma while awaiting professional consultation. Before discontinuing any prescribed asthma medication in order to try natural treatments you should consult with a licensed Naturopath or Homeopathic physician.
What to take: Several homeopathic remedies such as Arsenicum album and Ipecacuanha treat wheezing and inability to breathe. When asthma is instigated by excess stomach acid, Carbo vegetabilis and Nuxvomica can relieve the stomach upset and help to ease asthma conditions. Several herbal treatments are also good to correct qi circulation. Ma huang, Eucalyptus, Gumplant and Chamomile all help to ease spasms and reduce inflammation.
Cautions: Ma huang, more commonly known in the U.S. as Ephedra, has recently been manufactured into decongestants, diet aids, and pep pills for sale in US health-food stores. Its traditional use is as a powerful diaphoretic, and it was never intended for weight-loss or an energy booster. Avoid Ma huang/Ephedra in any form if you have heart conditions, hypertension or feel spacey and out of balance. Eucalyptus should not be taken if you have low blood pressure.
Case History: My lifelong experience with asthma is attributed to heredity (first-born female child to mother with asthma) and to allergies. The development of Intal R, (sodium cromoglycate) in the late 1980s was a blessing; instead of wheezing and suffering from an attack, I took the inhaler and coughed up the mucus and avoided the asthma attack. In recent years the use of the herbal product Clear Lungs TM by Ridge Crest Herbals and the Chinese patent medicine Respira Herbs TM have improved bronchial health and allowed me to put away all inhalers. WMB
Coughs (see Colds/Flu)
Catarrh: A watery secretion from the nose and throat, it can be either cold or hot,
a clear liquid or a thick, yellow secretion possibly due to a cold or sinus infection.
What to take: Several herbal remedies not only serve as anti-catarrhals, but also anti-
inflammatory and drying agents. Which one is best for your symptoms can best be found in a good home herbal remedies book. Some of the more common ones are Golden Rod,Elder, Mullein and Marsh Cudweed.
Case History: Months of on-going excessive catarrh, which no amount of herbs or homeopathic remedies for sinusitis or lymph care could fully overcome, was finally diagnosed by a TCM physician as excessive liver heat. The Chinese patent medicine, Gentenae Complex TM resolved the problem within a matter of hours.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinus cavities causing pain and tenderness.
What to take: Several herbs are excellent anti-catarrhals and astringents that reduce the production of mucus and relieve the inflammation. Ground Ivy, Goldenseal, Bayberry and Long pepper work well to ease the distress of sinusitis and promote healing. Several Chinese herbs are very helpful for this condition; Be Min Gan Wan is commonly used. Acupuncture has relieved the allergies and sinusitis for many after as few as two sessions.
Cautions and commonsense: Goldenseal is not recommended if you have high blood pressure.
Bronchitis: Inflamed bronchial tubes due to infection from colds or flu, allergies, smoking or pollution.
What to take:White horehound can be taken as a syrup or as a candy found in many stores. As soothing oil rubs or as tinctures taken internally, Thyme helps reduce phlegm and ease lung distress. As a tea the Chinese herb Fritillaria is an extremely effective expectorant to ease congested lungs. You can also take Cowslip and Elecampane combined with Gumplant and horsehair juice to help heal damaged lungs. |
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