Asthma

Asthma can stem from a combination of causes. There is often an allergic component that triggers asthmatic attacks. In some cases the cause is purely genetic while in others it may be an acquired reaction to exposure to an irritant. The state of the nervous tone of the body can also lead to bronchial spasms. In predisposed people, tension, anxiety, hyperactivity or exhaustion can cause so much stress that an asthma attack is triggered off.

The rate of asthma in the Western world is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often given to explain this phenomenal rise include: increased stress on the immune system due to greater chemical pollution in the air, water and food; earlier weaning and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and genetic manipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies. The latest findings link the chlorine in swimming pools with increased asthma.

It has been known for over 60 years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that 80% of sufferers had below normal acid amounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid intake: glutanic acid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters and other digestive enzyme supplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes.

As a result, high protein food may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream, may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirin and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

Following an asthma attack, drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able in order to encourage the coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthma attacks, make it a habit regularly throughout the day to help liquefy mucus. A periodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins and mucus.

A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairy products tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produce leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient, as it helps to stabilise cell walls in all types of allergic response and has an anti-histamine effect. Vitamin C further protects the body from the effects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Taking 1g of timed release vitamin C each day can be a great help to a sufferer of asthma.

Taking the herb Astragalus in tablet or tincture form will assist the immune system in such a way as to lessen the allergic reaction of the body. This herb is often used to treat hay fever, allergic sinusitis and asthma, as the basis of those diseases is the same as a dysfunction of the immune system.

A very useful combination of herbal juices to treat asthma is Plantain, Coltsfoot and Thyme. This combination will often help the asthma sufferer by reducing the congestion of mucus in the lung as well as strengthening the lung tissue in order to ease the symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing, Prevention of chest infections in asthmatics is very important. To prevent infections, use Echinacea tincture at the first sign of a cold or sore throat: taking 5-10ml every couple of hours will often help to clear a cold in 12-24 hours.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist

Fasting

Fasting is one of the oldest and best recipes for good health. It has been used for religious and spiritual purposes to cleanse and strengthen the body and the spirit. For Christians, Lent was in the past a fasting period to prepare both body and soul for this life and the next.

Fasting has become quite common today for health reasons. This is perhaps as a reaction to our lifestyle of over-consumerism and the tendency to accumulate toxins.

Perhaps the most useful regular fast that we all do is that between supper and next morning’s breakfast. The digestive system needs periods of rest, both overnight and between meals. So the habit of continual snacking is seen in traditional medicine as weakening to the digestive/endocrine system. The physical need for more long-term fasting arises when the body needs encouragement to expel toxins. It may also arise in certain illnesses that affect the digestive system.

There are many ways to fast. What they have in common is a simplification of what we take into our bodies. A water-only fast is suitable for those with a strong constitution. It is best accompanied by extra rest (perhaps during all those hours saved on cooking, eating and washing up!), and the entry and exit from the fast need to be gradual. On starting the fast, it is best to prepare the body by eating a cleansing diet for a few days so that the colon is not congested and the body not shocked by the sudden withdrawal from food. Stopping the fast needs also to be gradual, eating at first only small amounts of easily digested food.

A rice fast will also cleanse the body while offering a more continuous energy supply. This simple fast of brown wholegrain rice will greatly cleanse the colon, reduce stress throughout the system and remove toxins gradually from the liver. It is a useful fast for those not in “full good health” and during the winter months. A little olive oil and lemon juice can be poured over the rice, if desired. Fruit and juice fasts are more cooling, suitable for summer months only or for excess conditions like high blood pressure, for example.

It is not generally a good idea to fast when pregnant or breast-feeding or when very weak. The following conditions should also be cause for care and possibly supervision if considering a fast: under-weight, weak heart, low blood pressure, diabetes, peptic ulcers and mental illness. Fasting is also more demanding in cold weather. Fasts of more than 3 or 5 days may also be best with some supervision. Healing crises often occur during periods of fasting, but uncomfortable reactions that persist for more than a day or two should be carefully monitored.

The potential benefits of fasting are immense. Waste products can be eliminated from the cells, fat can be converted to energy and toxins are commonly released from the colon, bladder, kidneys, lungs, sinuses and skin.

Finally, fasting is about more than physical elimination. The most benefit can be had if the fast is accompanied by plenty of rest and good use of the time to withdraw from “doing” mode into a more reflective and contained way of being. The practice of fasting can be a mental, emotional and spiritual practice: most people experience greater clarity, inner peace and renewed energy to deal with what is truly important in life.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist