5) Bromelain
Bromelain is an extract from pineapples. One of the theories about how it works is that it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study researchers at the University of Connecticut found that bromelain reduced airway inflammation in animals with allergic airway disease. Bromelain should not be used by people with allergies to pineapples. Side effects may include digestive upset and allergic reactions.
6) Boswellia
The herb boswellia, known in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as Salai guggal, has been found in preliminary studies to inhibit the formation of compounds called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes released in the lungs cause narrowing of airways.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of forty patients, 40 people with asthma were treated with a boswellia extract three times a day for six weeks. At the end of this time, 70 percent of people had improved. Symptoms of difficulty breathing, number of attacks, and laboratory measures had improved.
Boswellia is available in pill form. It should say on the label that it is standardized to contain 60 percent boswellic acids. It should not be taken for more than eight to 12 weeks unless otherwise recommended by a qualified health practitioner.
It is not clear what dose is safe or effective or how boswellia may interact with other asthma treatments. Side effects may include digestive upset, nausea, acid reflux or diarrhea.
7) Weight Loss
Numerous studies have found that obesity is a risk factor for asthma.
8) Biofeedback
Biofeedback is sometimes recommended by practitioners as a natural therapy for asthma. For more information about biofeedback, read the Biofeedback Fact Sheet.
More:Sources
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