6/18/09

Asthma and medicinal plants

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes breath shortness, cough, chest congestion and often a strong feeling of breathlessness. It is a very serious disease and needs medical care.

The causes are not dealt with and it is classified among the autoimmune diseases, with rheumatism, psoriasis and allergies. Bronchospasms, a sudden drop in light of the bronchi, are the main symptoms. May be associated with allergies and with the increase of histamine levels by several causes, including environmental pollution and stressful situations.

It is a disease that must be continuously monitored and treated by specialists and only as a guide some plants and plant extracts that can help relieve asthma attacks are mentioned.

Theophylline, caffeine and theobromine are three active ingredients, belonging to alkaloids chemical group, present in plants that have proven effectiveness in reducing some symptoms of asthma.

Theophylline is found mainly in black and green tea (Camellia sinensis) and is a nervous system stimulant and a lung muscles relaxing factor. Improve breathing movements. Caffeine, present mostly in coffee (Coffea arabica) is vasodilator, stimulates the nervous system and respiratory apparatus and it is also a muscle relaxant. Theobromine is derived from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and is also present in chocolate. It stimulates nervous and cardiovascular systems and produce bronchodilation.

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has for long been used as a bronchodilator, decongestant of the respiratory tract and central nervous system stimulant. Ephedrine is one of its main components.

However it is considered an herb that is not safe and its use should be done under strict medical surveillance.

The ginkgolides of Ginkgo biloba are important due to their interference action with platelet activation factor, which participates in the onset of asthma attacks. The problem is that obtaining adequate amounts of these substances requires a high concentration of the extract.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) contains alphapinene and creosol that remove bronchial secretions and improve breathing. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) also contains these elements, but in smaller amounts.

Nettles (Urtica dioica), leaves and roots infusions or decoctions have proved potent antihistamine and antispamodic activities.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), used as roots infusion relieves airways congestion and cough. Not recommended for continued use due to the appearance of side effects.

Vitamin C is a potent antihistaminic, so those plants that contain it, citrus (Citrus spp), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and others, are recommended.

The wasabi (Wasabi japonica) is a plant whose dried powder is used as a condiment and has proven to be an important bronchial decongestant.

There are several plants that are important to alleviate asthma, onions, cabbage, mauve, oregano, sage, thyme, carrots, etc.

From them mauve, oregano and thyme are emphasized. A decoction of these three plants produce a significant relief in pulmonary congestive situations and they also have antimicrobial effects.



a 2010 study shows that epigallocatechin, from blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum), works in conjunction with other natural immune responses that occur at the same time to reduce inflammation. These actions are distinct from the inflammation-reducing activity of another group of compounds, anthocycanins, which are also rich in blackcurrants. Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant properties and, interestingly, have been shown by Dr Hurst's research group to also influence inflammatory mechanisms and complement the body's own natural immune responses. The research shows some compounds in fruit thought to promote health with their antioxidant activity are keeping us well by other means.

No comments: