Asthma: Try the Natural Remedies

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There are many medications that are used to control asthma-related
symptoms and outbreaks. These prescription medications are well
researched and very effective; however some individuals prefer to use
natural asthma remedies to control their symptoms. Natural asthma
remedies can work very well for some individuals, usually those with
mild to moderate asthma conditions. Even when using natural asthma
remedies, be sure to check with your doctor to ensure that there will
be no complications or problems with existing medications. In
addition, be sure to keep short-term or emergency inhalers available
at all times in the case of a serious asthma attack.
Some of the most common natural asthma remedies include:* Fish oil
products - used as anti-inflammatories. These may be taken in liquid
or capsule form. Be careful if you have any known food allergies, as
fish oil may cause significant and severe reactions. * Magnesium
supplements - magnesium works with the muscles in the body to increase
relaxation and prevent tightening of the muscles around the air
passageways. * Antioxidants - these may include green tea supplements,
Vitamin E and selenium and other products that are designed to
minimize the free radicals in the human system. Free radicals are
often the cause of colds, coughs and other respiratory problems that
can increase the irritation of the respiratory system. * Chamomile,
rosemary, spearmint, thyme and cloves contain many antioxidants and
also work to increase the relaxation of muscles, as well as induce
sleep. Some mixtures of the various herbs are available in health food
stores in the forms of teas or powders and capsules. * Ginseng and
licorice, among other herbs, are often used in Asia as a treatment for
asthma and may be found at health food stores. Generally these
treatments work most effectively when taken consistently and for long
periods of time.
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet and decreasing both
high-fat and high-sugar items also may be part of a process of natural
asthma remedies. Controlling highly processed and chemical-laden foods
may eliminate any simultaneously occurring food allergies that may be
increasing the severity of your asthma conditions. Avoid foods that
are made with white flour and try to choose whole grain alternatives.
Whole-wheat pastas, breads and even dinner rolls are a wonderful
alternative to the highly processed white breads usually consumed in
Western diets.
Avoiding any type of smoke, either first or second hand, and trying to
stay away from environmental pollutants such as car exhausts and
burning fireplaces is also important. Finally, taking a good, high-
quality multivitamin supplement every day is another one of the
factors that contributes to the success of natural asthma remedies.