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ASTHMA
Asthma is a lung disorder in which spasms of the bronchial passages restrict the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Asthma frequently begins in childhood but is often outgrown. Some cases of asthma may be triggered by external causes, such as pollen or dust, others may simply occur spontaneously.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: unrecognized food allergy is a contributing factor in at least 75% of childhood asthmatics and about 40% of adult asthma. A medically supervised "allergy elimination diet" often helps identify problematic foods. A health care professional should supervise this allergy test, since there is a chance of triggering an asthma attack.
Eliminating dairy products from your diet and taking vitamin B-complex has been helpful in treating asthma.
Nutrients that might be helpful: vitamin B6 (200mg per day). In a study of asthmatic children, taking vitamin B6 has shown to reduce the severity of the illness and reduce the amount of asthma medication needed. Magnesium levels are frequently low in asthmatics. Many doctors recommend magnesium supplement (200-400mg per day), children need to take proportionally less, based on their body weight. Vitamin C (1gram per day), reduces the tendency of the bronchial passages to go into spasm. Very high amounts of vitamin B12 (1,500mcg per day) have been found to reduce the tendency for asthmatics to react to sulfites.
Herbs that are helpful: Marshmallow root, mullein, lobelia, and licorice. Ephedra is an approved over-the-counter for bronchial tightness associated with asthma. (refer to label's for dosage)
Make a decoction by boiling the licorice root in 11/2 pints of water for 10 minutes. Reduce to 1 pint. Add the aboveground parts of Ephedra and lobelia, cover, and steep for another 10 minutes. Use 1 ounce of the total combined herbs recommended, and drink up to 3 cups daily.