While herbs and supplements cannot stop an asthma attack once it has begun, they can be used as preventative medicine. Natural remedies can be used to boost the immune system, prevent allergic responses, strengthen the upper respiratory system and aid the body in dealing with stress. There are several herbal remedies that are effective for asthma in children and have minimal side effects.
Herbs for Asthma & Allergies
Asthma can be caused by allergic reactions and hay fever. Treating the underlying cause will prevent asthma attacks. Astragalus is an herb from traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, that is used to treat allergies and asthma. It also supports the immune system and contains antioxidants. With relatively few side effects, it is considered safe for children. Stinging nettle is used to reduce allergic reactions. Nettle is reported to be an antihistamine. Rich in nutrients, it is quite safe. Nettle can be cooked like spinach, made into a tea, added to soup or taken in an herbal capsule. According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, licorice root is a documented anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic herb that benefits asthmatics. Making a tea using the three herbs is a simple way to give them to children. Add a little honey to make the tea more palatable.
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins and supplements can aid herbal remedies in treating asthma in children. Asthma is linked to low levels of magnesium. Taking magnesium supplements or eating foods high in the mineral may decrease the frequency of asthma problems. Green leafy vegetables and grains are a good source of magnesium.
Children with asthma often have lower levels of vitamin C. This vitamin, added to the diet through food or supplements, improves asthma symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to improve an asthmatic's respiratory function. Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids should be added to the diet. Alternatively, a supplement such as flax seed oil can be taken.
Include probiotics in the asthmatic child's diet for immune support. Probiotics are found in some yogurts and as a freeze-dried supplement.
Dosage
To give children the appropriately sized dose, their weight needs to be known. Standard dosage recommendations are for 150-pound adults. Divide the child's weight by 150 to get the percentage of the adult dosage that should be used. For example, if a girl weighs 75 pounds, she would receive half the dosage recommended for an adult.
Check with a pediatrician and herbal specialist before giving a child herbal remedies. This is even more important if the child takes any prescription medication or has any other illness.
Tags: added diet, allergic reactions, fatty acids, herbal remedies, immune system