Herbal Alternatives to Albuterol

Albuterol is a common rescue inhaler prescribed for asthma patients. There are several herbs and herbal formulas to research when considering herbal alternatives to Albuterol. Some work as anti-spasmotics, or calming herbs, and some work as expulsion agents, which work to eject mucous and phlegm from the respiratory system. Asthma is commonly believed to stem from allergies to pollens, dust, smoke and other outdoors conditions. Alternative health care providers believe asthma may have roots in poor nutrition, and only by addressing food issues will asthma be permanently relieved. Always check with a trusted health care provider before self-medicating with any product or treatment.

Lobelia and Valerian

• If an asthma sufferer is experiencing convulsions, have them take lobelia tincture immediately. Lobelia is a wonderful anti-spasmotic herb, useful in calming any kind of body spasms or cramping. Lobelia stimulates the vagus nerve, however. Taking too much lobelia at once can trigger vomiting.

  Make a tea of valerian root, add a pinch of cayenne powder to it, and drink it to quiet down convulsions.

Lung Formula

• A great formula for lung and bronchial support consists of the following herbs: comfrey root, mullein, chickweed, marshmallow root and lobelia. This formula can be found in tea and capsule form, and is useful in many respiratory conditions, including asthma. This tea should be taken three times a day with half a dropper of lobelia tincture added to each cup for extra support.

Mullein

• Mullein soothes the lungs and helps dislodge phlegm. It is often combined with sage and plaintain in asthma recipes. You can make a steam treatment for asthma with mullein, by simmering a strong pot of mullein tea on a stove. You then cover your head with a bath towel and inhale the steam from the tea.

Nerve Herbs

• A nerve restoration formula may be very helpful for asthma. It contains black cohosh, capsicum, hops flowers, lobelia, scullcap, valerian, wood betony and mistletoe. It is either taken as a tincture or made into a tea and consumed three times a day. It promotes relaxation and relief of tension. It is mildly stimulating and yet it calms the nervous system and reduces pain. It feeds the motor nerve at the base of the skull, and also rebuilds nerve sheaths and the nerves themselves.

General Program

• All dairy products should be discontinued immediately, because milk products are mucous-producing. A quality colon cleanser is recommended to rid the body of old toxins which may be contributing to the asthma attacks. A mostly vegetarian diet should be followed, with a little white fish or hormone-free chicken allowed weekly. About three-fourths of the diet should be fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and one-fourth should be cooked food such as legumes, whole grains or baked potatoes. Sugar is to be avoided and replaced with honey, stevia or agave nectar. Salt intake should be restricted. Exercise outdoors regularly. Drink at least a half gallon of pure water (not tap water) daily. Make sure there is great ventilation indoors.