Natural Care for Upper Respiratory Conditions
Herbs Provide Relief for Bronchitis, Cough, Cold and Flu Symptoms
Oct 24, 2009
The herbal pharmacopeia has much to offer to ease upper respiratory symptoms such as cough and congestion. Relieving such conditions in their early stages is important, as they can develop into more serious illnesses - like bronchitis and even pneumonia - when left untreated. Herbs offer a gentle alternative to over-the-counter cold medications, which may have components that are unnecessary and even harmful. Recent studies have indicated that many consumers are unwittingly injesting unsafe quantities of medications like acetominophen, when using multi-symptom and "extra strength" remedies. At high levels, acetominophen and other over-the-counter medications may cause liver damage.
Clinical and laboratory research has contributed to the body of evidence verifying the effectiveness of herbal treatments for cough, cold, bronchitis and possibly even tuberculosis.
Herbs for Respiratory Care
The following herbs have been found to be the most effective in easing the symptoms of respiratory conditions:
- Adhatoda Vasica- The leaf buds of this small, evergreen shrub are well-known for the stimulant effect on the respiratory system. Vasica has antispasmodic and expectorant properties. For centuries, it has been used in traditional folk medicine to treat respiratory conditions including asthma and chronic bronchitis. Vasica has more recently been studied for its potential in treating tuberculosis. Chemical analysis of Vasica's active principle - the alkaloid vasicine - revealed the presence substances believed to inhibit the growth of myobacterium tuberculosis. Extracts prepared from the roots and leaves of Adhatoda vasica are an effective treatment for bronchitis, coughs and colds. The herb has a soothing effect on throat irritation, and acts as an expectorant - loosening phlegm in the respiratory passages.
- Tylophora asthmatica - The leaves of this climbing perennial plant are used in traditional Indian medicine to treat asthma and bronchitis. At high doses, Tylophora asthmatica may cause gastrointestinal side effects, but a low doses, it has beneficial expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for allergies, bronchitis and the common cold. In a clinical study, 110 bronchial asthma patients were given one Tylophora asthmatica leaf (or a placebo) to be chewed and swallowed daily in the morning for six days. Sixty two percent of the patients receiving the herbal treatment experienced moderate to complete relief of their bronchitis symptoms.
- Tinospora cordifolia - Tinospora cordifolia is another valuable herb for respiratory care, especially when allergies are involved. Clinical studies have shown that Tinospora cordifolia gives significant relief from sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose. Seventy five patients were given either Tinospora cordifolia or a placebo for eight weeks. At the end of the study period, all of the patients reported significant relief from sneezing, nasal obstruction and nasal discharge.
Other herbs that offer benefits for respiratory conditions include eucalyptus, mullien, horehound, and anise seed.
References:
Chopra, R.N.: Indigenous Drugs of India, Academic Publishers, Calcutta (1982).
Shivpuri DN, Singhal SC, Parkash D. Treatment of asthma with an alcoholic extract of Tylophora indica: a cross-over, double-blind study. Ann Allergy 1972;30:407–12.
Thiruvengadam KV, Haranatii K, Sudarsan S, et al. Tylophora indica in bronchial asthma: a controlled comparison with a standard anti-asthmatic drug. J Indian Med Assoc 1978;71:172–6.
Bhalla HL, Nimbkar AY 1982 Preformulation studies III. Vasicinone, a bronchodilatory alkaloid fromAdhatoda vasica Nees (absorption, potency and toxicity studies). Drug Dev. Indian. Pharm 8(6):833
Badar VA, Thawani VR, Wakode PT, Shrivastava MP, Charpure KJ, Hingorani LL, Kniyani RM. Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):445-9 Epub 2004 Nov 23.
 |
