Herbal Remedies for Child Asthma

Your child's doctor has told you that your child suffers from asthma. Regardless of the cause--allergies, exercise or stress--he needs herbal remedies to help control his attacks. Since you have decided to rely on herbs rather than traditional inhalers, you need to study herbs that help control asthma. If you have questions about this treatment, discuss them with his doctor.

Lobelia

• Because asthma interferes with effective respiratory function, you need to choose an herbal remedy that will enhance lung and respiratory system function. Lobelia, drunk as a tea, is one such herb. Because of its toxicity, lobelia should be used in smaller doses and gradually increased until your child has a positive response.

  Because of your child's smaller size, you should reduce the dosage of this herb to 1/3 of that given to an adult. Adult dosages are calculated for a 150 lb adult. In higher doses, lobelia can cause side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, convulsions or coma. This herb can also interact with other medications or herbs your child may be taking.

Stinging Nettles

• Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) can be used to open the nasal passages and airways of the lungs. Nettles have been used for centuries by cultures worldwide to treat whooping cough, congestion, runny nose and asthma. If you decide to give your child stinging nettles, keep in mind that this herb does contain a potent histamine. Your child can drink this herb as a tea. Use caution in using stinging nettles in combination with other herbs and medications.

Ginkgo Biloba

• Ginkgo biloba's ability to dilate blood vessels accounts for its use as an herbal treatment for asthma. As it dilates the blood vessels, it improves lung function. The Chinese have used ginkgo biloba for centuries to treat asthma symptoms.

  If you decide to give ginkgo biloba a try, be aware that its effects can take between four and eight weeks to have a positive effect on your child's lung function. Its beneficial effects will continue for at least one year. As with other herbs, be cautious in using this herb in combination with other herbs and medications.