NaturalMedications

Passionflower has been used to help the body reduce anxiety, hysteria and nervousness by nourishing the nervous system. Passionflower has been traditionally used in both herbal and homeopathic medicine for pain, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, asthma and attention deficit disorder. In vitro experiments show that passicol, an alkaloid found in passionflower, kills a range of molds, yeasts, and bacteria.

 Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and take it at night before going to bed.

 For asthma, make a tea of equal parts decocted vervain (verbena), horehound, and elcampane roots. Simmer for about 20 minutes, strain, and cool. Drink about 1 pint 3 times a day.

The Indians of Peru have found a treatment for asthma in the sap of the Peruvian balsam tree. Originally from the Pacific coast of El Salvador, this tree is well-known for its valuable wood and the strong perfume of its flowers. Peruvian Indians, however, know that the reddish-brown, syrup sap of the tree equally valuable for its ability to relieve respiratory ailments. Peru balsam is available through most mail-order herb companies and healt food stores.

The proper British treatment for prolonged bouts with asthma is thin onion slices soaked in honey. The resulting syrup is administered four times a day until the condition improves.

The bark and leaves of the ginkgo tree are effective in the treatment of allergic sneezing and snuffling, and is also used in treatments for asthma. Many asthma attacks are caused by the same allergic reactions that trigger hay fever.

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and Malaysia, where they are refered to as blue-gum trees, or Australian fever trees. The oil is widely used for respiratory ailments, such as asthma. The leaves contain rutin, a bioflavonoid, that can reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes. You can make a simple eucalyptus infusion by steeping a handful of fresh or dried leaves for 20 minutes in a quart of boiling water. Breathe in the vapors of the steaming tea, or drink the infusion in small doses. Always dilute eucalyptus oil in water before using.

The Bedouins are members of a nomadic desert tribe that travels throughout Arabia, Syria, and West Africa. To treat asthma, they chew ammi seeds, which are native to these regions. Ammi seeds are available through most mail-order seed distributors.

For centuries, certain foods have been used to prevent asthma attacks. Hippocrates said, "Never give a drug if food will serve." Egyptians prescribed figs, grapes, or juniper fruit - good sources of minerals. Chinese used tea leaves which, like coffee, contain caffeine and some theophylline. The ancient Greeks and Romans favored garlic, pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar. These pungent foods can promote watery secretions in the nose and respiratory tract, helping to clean out clogged passages. Other traditional remedies include freshwater fish, parsley, mint, watercress, fenugreek, radishes, quinces, raisins, or barley porrage. Many of these foods controlled inflammation of the airways by thinning mucus, dilating passageways and generally improving the ability of the respiratory system to function by providing vitamins and minerals. Today, some doctors suggest foods such as onions, garlic, fatty fish, and fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C to decrease inflammation.

In the United States, fennel is most commonly found sitting unopened in the back of a spice rack, behind the marjoram and the sage. But not in Greece. If you suffer from Asthma, follow the Greek example and put your fennel to good use. The Greeks have discovered that fennel seed tea provides relief not only from the symptoms of asthma but also from many other respiratory ailments. Fennel contains rutin, and vitamins and minerals including calcium and potassium.

What the Chinese call ma huang is known among scientists as ephedra. For centuries, the Chinese have been stir frying ephedra roots in honey and mixing them with apricot kernels. They find this preparation effective in the treatment of asthma and a host of other illnesses. Ma huang is the source of ephedrine, an active ingredient in many of our allergy and cold medicines. Ephedrine causes the release of epinephrine, the quickly active stimulant component of adrenaline - used today to treat asthma by relaxing the smooth muscle bronchonstriction.

How does strong coffee, black mocha in particular, relieve asthma? Coffee contains caffeine, a methylated xanthine related to theophylline, a substance that relaxes the smooth muscle of constricted bronchial tubes to make breathing easier. In Europe and Canada, drinking two 8 oz cups of strong brewed coffee is a common remedy for asthma. This should provide relief within an hour or two and should last for up to 6 hours. But, in order to work, the coffee should be used only as a medicine, to prevent or alleviate an attack. If you drink coffee every day, you will develop an insensitivity to its effects. Methylated xanthines are found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, and are diuretics as well as bronchodilators.

One of the many medical uses of mugwort flower is as a treatment for asthma. Popular in ancient Greece, mugwort, which is also effective in treating other respiratory ailments, is now used in artic Europe, North Africa, Siberia, western Asia, and the Himalayas. Mugwort contains tannins, which are astringent and reduce secretions.

People in Trinidad steep musky-smelling ambrette seeds (musk okra) in rum or water for relief from asthma or chest congestion. Ambrette seeds are available through most mail-order herb catalogs.

Lemons are known for useful remedies for gout, urine retention, arthritis, vitamin C deficiency, inflammation of the mouth and throat, hoarseness, digestive disorders, asthma, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations and helps the system with diseases of the stomach, liver and intestines.

Asthma Alleviator

1 pint Irish moss jelly

1/2 yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

1/2 c honey

Combine the Irish moss jelly, onion, and garlic in a saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and add the honey. Take 1 tbsp every couple of hours as needed. Irish moss is a North American seaweed. The jelly is available at health food stores and some pharmacies.

Infusions from lemon leaves

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 tsp. of dried leaves and allow to steep for ten minutes. To reduce fever and relieve cramps, drink up to 2 cups per day.  Sweetened with honey, this tea helps coughs and asthma.

It is also a cure for insomnia. It promotes relaxation and deep sleep. Drink 1 cup before retiring at night.

GRANNY ELLA'S ASTHMA TEA

1 teaspoon magnolia flowers

1 teaspoon rehmannia root

½ teaspoon don quai root

3 cups water

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes.Turn off heat and steep for 20 minutes.

Take 1 cup daily. Store extra tea in the refrigerator