HERBS FOR ASTHMA

[Rik Wallin]

HERBS FOR ASTHMA Copyright 1995 by Tim Johnson

ADHATODA VASICA - It is believed in the East to be the best possible treatment for all chest diseases. Also used in herbal tobacco to relieve asthma. - action: antispasmodic, expectorant [Promotes or facilitates the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.] - common name: malabar-nut - range: india - used to treat: asthma , chest diseases

AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA - The powdered bark has been used to treat stomach ailments. The root bark has been used to treat asthma, heart ailments, and epilepsy. - common name: chinese sumach, tree of heaven - family: simaroubaceae - range: china - used to treat: asthma , dysentery [An inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract, usually caused by a bacterial, parasitic, or protozoan infection and resulting in pain, fever, and severe diarrhea, often accompanied by the passage of blood and mucus.] , epilepsy [Any of various neurological disorders characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of motor, sensory, or psychic malfunction with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures.] , heart ailments, leucorrhea, stomach ailments
@allium SATIVUM - The best known source of selenium. It also has antioxidant activity. The fresh bulbs are cooked and eaten to treat asthma, colds, coughs, and to control worms. A fresh poultice of the mashed plant has been used to treat hornet stings, snake bite, and scorpion stings. The bulb, roasted with olive oil, has been used to treat kidney and bladder ailments. The bulb is pressed against the gum to treat toothache. Inhibits production of harmful bacteria in the colon. Use garlic oil for earaches. - action: alterative, antibiotic [Destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.] , antiseptic [Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.] , antispasmodic [Relieves or prevents spasms, especially of smooth muscle.] , blood cleanser, cholagogue, diaphoretic [Produces or increases perspiration.] , expectorant [Promotes or facilitates the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.] , rubefacient [Irritates the skin, causing redness.] , stimulant [Temporarily arouses or accelerates physiological or organic activity.] , vermifuge [Causes expulsion of intestinal worms; anthelmintic.] , vulnerary [Is used in healing or treating wounds.] - common name: garlic - contains: allicin [Allicin inhibits the growth of various bacteria and fungi.] , B vitamins, hormones , phosphorus, potassium, protein [Any of a group of complex organic macromolecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue.] , selenium, vitamin C - family: liliaceae - mail-order source: fch [Frontier Cooperative Herbs; 3021 78th St.; P.O. Box 118; Norway, IA 52318-0118] , hcbl [Health Center for Better Living, Inc.; 6189 Taylor Rd.; Naples, FL 33942] , nw [Nature's Way; 10 Mountain Springs Parkway; P.O. Box 4000; Springville, Utah; 84663; 1-800-9-NATURE] , ocri [Otto Chicas Rendon, Inc.; 1-800-752-4863; 56 East 116th Street; New York, N.Y. 10029; FAX: [phone]] , psasc [Pittsburgh Spice and Seasoning Company; 102 33rd Street; Pittsburgh, PA 15201] , tlf [Trout Lake Farm; 149 Little Mountain Road; Trout Lake, WA 98650] , tvt-ei [The Vitamin Trader; 6501 Fourth St. NW; Albuquerque, NM 87107; catalog section: Eclectic Institute] , vdc-na [Vitamin Discount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Nature's Answer] , vdc-nh [Vitamin Discount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Natural High] , vdc-sn [Vitamin Discount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Source Naturals] - native habitat: rich soil - used to treat: arteriosclerosis, asthma , athlete's foot , bladder ailments, boils [Painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammations of the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection. Also called furuncles.] , canker sores, cold , common cold, cough [An illness marked by frequent coughing.] , earache [Pain in the ear; otalgia.] , hornet stings, infection [Invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in a bodily part or tissue, which may produce subsequent tissue injury and progress to overt disease through a variety of cellular or toxic mechanisms.] , inflammation , influenza [An acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and by fever, chills, muscular pain, and prostration. Also called grippe.] , kidney ailments, scorpion stings, snake bite [Poisoning resulting from the bite of a venomous snake.] , toothache [An aching pain in or near a tooth.] , viral infections, worms [Infestation of the intestines or other parts of the body with worms or wormlike parasites; helminthiais.]

ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS - Althea soothes irritated tissue. It is used externally as a poultice for irritations, burns, carbuncles and furuncles, and wounds. A cold extract of whole plant is good for coughs, bronchitis, and lung catarrh. Use internally and/or externally to treat hemorrhoids. - action: demulcent, digestive [Aids digestion.] , diuretic [Tends to increase the discharge of urine.] , emollient [Softenes and soothes, especially the skin.] - common name: althea, marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed, wymote - mail-order source: fch [Frontier Cooperative Herbs; 3021 78th St.; P.O. Box 118; Norway, IA 52318-0118] , hcbl [Health Center for Better Living, Inc.; 6189 Taylor Rd.; Naples, FL 33942] , mghc [Magic Garden Herb Co.; P.O. Box 332; Fairfax, CA 94930] , mrh [Mountain Rose Herbs; P.O. Box 2000; Redway, CA 95560] , nw [Nature's Way; 10 Mountain Springs Parkway; P.O. Box 4000;Springville,Utah;84663; 1-800-9-NATURE] , ocri [Otto Chicas Rendon, Inc.; 1-800-752-4863; 56 East 116th Street; New York, N.Y. 10029; FAX: [phone]] , ths [The Herb Store; P.O. Box 3876; Jackson Hole, WY 83001; tel. [phone]] , tvt-na [The Vitamin Trader; 6501 Fourth St. NW; Albuquerque, NM 87107; catalog section: Nature's Answer] , vdc-na [Vitamin Discount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Nature's Answer] , vdc-nh [Vitamin DiscountConnection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Natural High] - native habitat: damp meadows, wet places - used to treat: asthma , bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , burns [Injuries produced by fire, heat, radiation, electricity, or a caustic agent.] , carbuncles [Painful localized bacterial infectionsof the skin and subcutaneous tissue that usually have several openings through which pus is discharged.] , catarrh [Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially of the nose and throat.] , cough [An illness marked by frequent coughing.] , furuncles , hemorrhoids [An itching or painful mass of dilated veins in swollen anal tissue. Also called piles.] , irritation , ulcers [Lesions of the skin or a mucous membrane such as the one lining the stomach or duodenum that is accompanied by formation of pus and necrosis of surrounding tissue, usually resulting from inflammation or ischemia.] , urinary ailments, whooping cough , wounds [Injuries in which the skin or other external surface is torn, pierced, cut, or otherwise broken.]

ARUM MACULATUM - It is mixed with honey or syrup for internal use and as an ointment for external use. For sore throat, gargle the decoction by itself. An ointment made with arum is used for sores and ringworm. For swelling simmer arum with cumin in wine or oil to make a plaster. The rootstock is poison when fresh but edible when dried or sufficiently cooked. Its flowers trap insects which the plant digests for food. - action: diaphoretic, expectorant [Promotes or facilitates the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.] , poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] , stomachic [Strengthens or stimulates the stomach.] - common name: arum, thingyoopint, thingyy baby, cypress powder, dragon root, gaglee, ladysmock, lords and ladies, portland arrowroot, starchwort, wake-robin - contains: poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] - native habitat: deciduous forests, near hedges and bushes, shady places - used to treat: asthma , bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , chronic catarrh, flatulence [The presence of excessive gas in the digestive tract.] , rheumatism [Any of several pathological conditions of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or nerves, characterized by discomfort and disability.] , ringworm [Any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by several related fungi, characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itching patches on the skin.] , sore throat, sores [Open skin lesions, wounds, or ulcers.] , swelling

CARICA PAPAYA - The milky juice of the fruit contains an enzyme called papain,which is one of the best digestives known. It is much used in invalid foods. It is also used to tenderize steak. The leaf is used after a heavy meal and will also break down proteins for digestion. - action: digestive - common name: melon tree, papaya, pawpaw - contains: papain [An enzyme capable of digesting protein, obtained from the unripe fruit of the papaya and used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestive aid.] , potassium, protein [Any of a group of complex organic macromolecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue.] , vitamin A , vitamin C - indigenous use: tongan - mail-order source: fch [Frontier Cooperative Herbs; 3021 78th St.; P.O. Box 118; Norway, IA 52318-0118] , hcbl [Health Center for Better Living, Inc.; 6189 Taylor Rd.; Naples, FL 33942] , mghc [Magic Garden Herb Co.; P.O. Box 332; Fairfax, CA 94930] , nw [Nature's Way; 10 Mountain Springs Parkway; P.O. Box 4000; Springville, Utah; 84663; 1-800-9-NATURE] , ocri [Otto Chicas Rendon, Inc.; 1-800-752-4863; 56 East 116th Street; New York, N.Y. 10029; FAX: [phone]] - range: tropical america - used to treat: asthma , diarrhea [Excessive and frequent evacuation of watery feces, usually indicating gastrointestinal distress or disorder.] , duodenal ulcers [Lesions of the beginning portion of the small intestine, starting at the lower end of the stomach and extending to the jejunum, that are accompanied by formation of pus and necrosis of surrounding tissue, usually resulting from inflammation or ischemia.] , gas [Flatulence.] , indigestion [Inability to digest or difficulty in digesting something, especially food.] , peptic ulcers

[Rik Wallin]

CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM - The antispasmodic properties of this plant have been recognized throughout history. - action: antispasmodic, diaphoretic [Produces or increases perspiration.] , diuretic [Tends to increase the discharge of urine.] , irritant [Causes irritation, especially physical irritation.] , promotes perspiration, tonic [Restores or increases body tone, producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigor.] - common name: golden daisy, herb margaret, maudlinwort, ox- eye-daisy, white daisy, white weed - range: europe, northern asia - used to treat: asthma , cough [An illness marked by frequent coughing.] , PMS, pulmonary diseases, urinary ailments, warts [Hard, rough lumps growing on the skin, caused by infection with certain viruses and occurring typically on the hands or feet.] , whooping cough

DATURA INOXIA - The stems and leaves are smoked to relieve asthma or produce a mild intoxication. The leaves and seeds added to hemp in India and for extra effects. Excessive amounts are toxic. May cause blacking out and severe headaches. Yaqui Indian brujos claims that smoking or ingestion of the flowers will cause insanity. - action: hallucinogen, hypnotic [Causes sleep; a soporific.] , intoxicant [Intoxicates.] - common name: jimson weed, thornapple - contains: atropine , hyoscyamine , scopolamine , tropanes - native habitat: garbage dumps, open places - range: mexico, peruvian andes, southwest u.s. - used to treat: asthma , headache

DATURA SP. - action: anticholinergic, poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] , psychedelic, sedative [Soothes, calmes, or tranquilizes; reducing or relieving anxiety, stress, irritability, or excitement.] , topical - contains: atropine , hyoscyamine , poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] , scopolamine - family: solanaceae - range: andes, texas - used to treat: asthma , cold

DATURA STRAMONIUM - It is of great value in the treatment of asthma, heavy chest colds and lung congestion. It is also used as an ointment to relieve external inflammation. It is very dangerous and should be used with great caution. - action: anodyne, anticholinergic, hallucinogen [Induces hallucination.] , narcotic [Reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor.] , poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] , psychedelic - common name: jimson weed, stramonium, thornapple - contains: atropine , mescaline [An alkaloid, (CH3O)3C6H2CH2CH2NH2, which produces hallucinations. Mescaline has a 1600-year tradition of use.] , poison [Causes injury, illness, or death.] , scopolamine - family: solanaceae - mail-order source: otj [...of the jungle; p.o. box 1801; sebastopol, ca 95473] - range: europe, south america - used to treat: asthma , congestion [An accumulation of excessive blood or tissue fluid in a vessel or an organ.] , heavy chest colds, lung congestion, neuralgia [Sharp, severe paroxysmal pain extending along a nerve or group of nerves.]

DOREMA AMMONIACUM - Highly regarded as an energy stimulant. - action: stimulant - common name: ammoniacum, gum ammoniacum - range: iraq, turkey - used to treat: asthma , bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , catarrh [Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially of the nose and throat.] , respiratory troubles

DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA - It is a small plant which traps flies and small insects and digests them. It is used to treat troublesome, long-continuing chest ailments. It should only be taken in small quantities. - action: antibiotic, antispasmodic [Relieves or prevents spasms, especially of smooth muscle.] , demulcent [Soothes or softens; used especially to relieve pain in inflamed or irritated mucous membranes.] , expectorant [Promotes or facilitates the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.] - common name: dew plant, lustwort, round-leaved sundew, sundew, youthwort - family: droseraceae - mail-order source: vdc-bat [VitaminDiscount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Boericke & Tafel] - native habitat: marshy places - range: europe - used to treat: asthma , bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , chest ailments, cough [An illness marked by frequent coughing.] , nausea , pneumocoocus, respiratory ailments, staphylococcus, streptococcus , upset stomach, whooping cough

EPHEDRA NEVADENSIS - No serious side effects known. May depress appetite if used to excess. Contains little or no ephedrine. - action: appetite suppressant, stimulant [Temporarily arouses or accelerates physiological or organic activity.] - common name: ephedra, mormon tea - mail-order source: mghc [Magic Garden Herb Co.; P.O. Box 332; Fairfax, CA 94930] - range: american southwest - used to treat: asthma , congestion [An accumulation of excessive blood or tissue fluid in a vessel or an organ.]

ERIODICTYON CALIFORNICUM - action: antispasmodic, expectorant [Promotes or facilitates the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.] , febrifuge [Reduces a fever; an antipyretic.] , tonic [Restores or increases body tone, producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigor.] - common name: bearsweed, consumptive's weed, holy herb, mountain balm, tarweed, yerba santa - mail-order source: fch [Frontier Cooperative Herbs; 3021 78th St.; P.O. Box 118; Norway, IA 52318-0118] , hcbl [Health Center for Better Living, Inc.; 6189 Taylor Rd.; Naples, FL 33942] , mrh [Mountain Rose Herbs; P.O. Box 2000; Redway, CA 95560] , ocri [Otto Chicas Rendon, Inc.; 1-800-752-4863; 56 East 116th Street; New York, N.Y. 10029; FAX: [phone]] , ths [The Herb Store; P.O. Box 3876; Jackson Hole, WY 83001; tel. [phone]] , vdc-rl [Vitamin Discount Connection; Phone: [phone]; 35 North 8th St. - P.O. Box 1431; Indiana, PA 15701; catalog section: Rainbow Light] - used to treat: asthma , bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , bruises [Injuries to underlying tissues or bone in which the skin is not broken, often characterized by ruptured blood vessels and discolorations.] , chronic laryngitis, common cold, insect bites, lung ailments, rheumatism [Any of several pathological conditions of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or nerves, characterized by discomfort and disability.] , sprains, tuberculosis [An infectious disease of human beings and animals caused by the tubercle bacillus and characterized by the formation of tubercles on the lungs and other tissues of the body, often developing long after the initial infection.]

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS - May be inhaled to treat asthma, coughs and stuffy nose. May be rubbed into the skin with oil as an insect and flea repellent. - action: flea repellent, insect repellent - common name: eucalyptus, fevertree, tasmanian blue gum - mail-order source: fch [Frontier Cooperative Herbs; 3021 78th St.; P.O. Box 118; Norway, IA 52318-0118] , hcbl [Health Center for Better Living, Inc.; 6189 Taylor Rd.; Naples, FL 33942] , mghc [Magic Garden Herb Co.; P.O. Box 332; Fairfax, CA 94930] , mrh [Mountain Rose Herbs; P.O. Box 2000; Redway, CA 95560] , ocri [Otto Chicas Rendon, Inc.; 1-800- 752-4863; 56 East 116th Street; New York, N.Y. 10029; FAX: [phone]] - range: australia - used to treat: asthma , bladder ailments, bronchitis [Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.] , common cold, cough [An illness marked by frequent coughing.] , fever [Any of various diseases characterized by abnormally high body temperature.] , gastritis, influenza [An acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and by fever, chills, muscular pain, and prostration. Also called grippe.] , kidney ailments, malaria [An infectious disease characterized by cycles of chills, fever, and sweating, caused by the parasitic infection of red blood cells by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito. Also called swamp fever.] , skin ailments, stuffy nose, thyphoid fever, tuberculosis [An infectious disease of human beings and animals caused by the tubercle bacillus and characterized by the formation of tubercles on the lungs and other tissues of the body, often developing long after the initial infection.] - common name: eurabbie - range: australia ---

This text file was generated from the HERBAGE database with Herbage v2.0 for Windows.
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Every day, as more and more would-be native healers leave behind the lands of their ancestors, we lose more of the accumulated medical wisdom of the human species that is the result of the intimate familiarity native populations develop from living thousands of years in the same environment. Every human society throughout history has developed its own unique brand of herbalism - using plants for medicine. The range of human plant knowledge is enormous - thousands of societies using thousands of plants to treat thousands of diseases for thousands of years. Herbage v2.0 for Windows is a tool designed specifically for the study of worldwide historical and contemporary human/plant interaction.

Herbage is an ethnobotanical database. Of the more than 2600 plant species included, each entry includes one or more of the following: common names, medicinal action, ailments the plant is used to treat, indigenous use, mail-order source, range, habitat, alkaloid and nutrient content, and public-domain illustrations. Options include searching, selecting a subset (i.e., plants native to brazil, plants used to treat tachycardia), adding to or modifying data, or printing a fully-formatted illustrated herbal.

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