It is a prevalent disease, affecting more than 300 million people and resulting to more than 400,000 deaths worldwide in 2016, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Children are the most common victims of the disease, but adults can also develop asthma even if they did not have it when they were young. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the known causes of asthma are genetic, environmental and occupational factors.
There is still no accepted cure for the disease, but asthma attacks can be prevented if a person knows the things that trigger the attacks. Tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergens, pets, molds, smoke from burning wood or grass and infections like the flu are the most common triggers, although a person's trigger(s) can be different from others'.
Aside from knowing and avoiding the possible triggers, natural remedies in the form of homeopathic treatment can also be applied to prevent or treat asthma symptoms. (Related: Fed up with steroids and asthma inhalers? Try the benefits of herbs as natural treatment for asthma.)
Role of homeopathic treatment against asthma
Homeopathic Medicine, or homeopathy, was developed in the 1700s in Germany. The philosophy of this treatment is based on the idea that the body can heal itself. This means that giving a person a substance that triggers the symptoms of his/her disease, known as 'like cures like', enhances the body's healing processes, allowing it to regain homeostasis. This treatment uses pills or liquid solutions containing active ingredients from plants or minerals.
In a review conducted by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy in India, researchers found that using homoeopathy in treating asthma satisfied the patients. According to the researchers, one positive effects of homoeopathy is its ability to control acute episodes of asthma. The team added that patients reported reduced frequency and intensity of asthma attacks after trying this type of treatment.
The researchers noted that one of the reasons why people opt to try homoeopathy treatment is its cost-efficiency. Their review was published in the Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy.
Homeopathic treatments for asthma
- Aconite - This is a type of perennial plant that can be found throughout the temperate zones of the U.S., Canada and in many parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. It is best applied to treat dry teasing coughs especially during the winter season. In addition, it provides relief from tightness of chest or a discomforting constriction sensation. In traditional medicine, aconite extracts are given orally to treat fever associated with asthma. Also, aconite is used to treat symptoms that result from exposure to dry, cold weather or very hot weather. This is important because changes in the weather can trigger asthma attacks. However, it should only be taken in small doses as it contains an active ingredient called aconitine, which is poisonous. In fact, extracts of the plant were once used as arrow poisons. This is why in China, many species of the plant are only used for treatment after processing. In Europe, only 60 mg of the root is recommended per dose.
- Arsenicum Iodatum - This is recommended to be used on asthma that is triggered by allergies from dust, pollen or certain food. It is said to work best in children who experience asthma attacks coupled with restlessness and anxiety.
- Sambucus nigra (elderberry) - This is recommended for asthmatic children to give them relief from episodes of night asthma attack, which commonly includes nose blockages, congestion in the chest, nausea, pressure in the stomach and dry, suffocating cough.
In addition to these three, other homeopathic remedies for asthma include antimonium tart, chamomilla, ipecac, lobelia, nux vomica, pulsatilla and spongia.
Visit AlternativeMedicine.news to learn about other ways of treating asthma.
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