Herbs for Asthma That Are Not in the Ragweed Family
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name Not Given
Posted on: November 05, 2005

Could you please suggest asthma herbs that are very safe and have a low likelyhood of causing an asthma attack? I have been very frustrated trying to find herbs to help my asthma and not cause an asthmatic reaction. This has happened under the care of a recommended MD and naturopath. I know anything in the ragweed family will give me an asthma attack, but could you give me a comprehensive list of these items so I’m sure I’m not missing anything? Goldenseal also sets off my asthma. Any other suggestions?

Plants in the Compositae (daisy) family that are commonly used in western herbal medicine include ragweed, arnica, boneset, calendula, chamomile, yarrow, burdock, artemisia (including wormwood, mugwort and southernwood), thistles (including milk thistle), daisy, chicory, tansy, wild lettuce (all Lactuca species), goldenrod, dandelion. feverfew, Echinacea, butterbur, coltsfoot, elecampane, gravel root, grindelia and yarrow.

An asthma formula that excludes herbs from the Compositae family can be made as follows: combine equal parts of cleavers, lemon balm, linden flowers, raspberry leaf, birch leaves and rose petals plus one quarter part powdered licorice root. Place one teaspoon of this mixture in a teapot or cup. Add one cup of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Drink 6 cups or more daily.

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