Herbs for Breathing

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many patients turn to alternative treatments, such as herbal supplements, when suffering from a chronic illness like asthma. Herbs are not regulated by the FDA and can have an adverse effect if taken with other medications. Speaking with your doctor before adding herbal supplements to ease breathing problems is imperative, and it is crucial to your overall health.

Bromelain

• An enzyme found in pineapples, bromelain is sometimes used as a complementary treatment along with antibiotics to treat sinusitis, making it easier for patients to breathe by reducing inflammation, conveys the KC Web Herbal Information Center. It may also assist with breathing in those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

  One consideration with bromelain is that it may augment the effects of medications and other herbs like naproxen, ibuprofen, blood-thinners and ginkgo, causing adverse reactions, cautions the KC Web Herbal Information Center. Additionally, asthmatics allergic to tree pollen, grass pollen, pineapples, flour, latex and bees should avoid this supplement, as it has caused adverse reactions in patients suffering from the disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests that bromelain may also increase the absorption of antibiotics.

Thyme

• Thyme assists in liquidating phlegm, causing coughs to become more productive and making it easier for a patient to breathe, affirms UMMC. Its infection-healing properties help in the treatment of pneumonia and acute bronchitis. Additionally, it eases asthma by causing a relaxing effect, according to the Evenstar Mood and Energy Wellness Center.

  Patients suffering from heart problems and/or high blood pressure need to be aware that thyme works as a stimulant and could worsen underlying conditions, warns Evenstar.

Lobelia

• Lobelia was smoked by Native Americans to treat asthma, states UMMC. It has been used for many years as a treatment for pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis, as it helps clear mucus in the respiratory tract. Lobelia could be used as a complementary treatment for asthma, reports UMMC.

  Lobelia may be toxic if taken in more than very small doses. A doctor's determination of dosage is critical, as too much lobelia can cause profuse sweating, mental confusion, coma, rapid heartbeat or even death, claims UMMC.

  The center additionally asserts that patients suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and or a seizure disorder should avoid lobelia. Possible medication interactions include smoking cessation products such as patches or gum, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Marshmallow

• The herb, not the puffy white treat, has been used for over 2,000 years as a medicine for such disorders as the common cold, bronchitis and asthma, pronounces UMMC. Containing mucilage, a gummy substance, it is mixed with water to form a gel. The gel is then made into a tea or syrup, which the patient drinks to coat the throat.

  There are no known side effects, but marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels. It may interfere with the performance of other medications, as it coats the stomach. To avoid interference problems, UMMC recommends taking marshmallow several hours before or after other medications or herbs.