-
Overview
About Chinese Herbs for Asthma SymptomsIn Traditional Chinese Medicine, the strength of the kidneys' functions aid healthy lungs in the breathing process. Asthma results from many causes, including compromised lungs and weakened kidneys. Chinese herbs treat the symptoms of asthma on many levels, from the strengthening of kidney and lung function, to the removal of phlegm and toxins that obstruct and agitate the breathing. There are over 140 Chinese herbs that can treat the symptoms of asthma.
Identification
Asthma is identified by its strained and difficult breathing often accompanied by wheezing. It is a chronic condition that adversely affects the larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli of the respiratory system. During an asthma attack, these passageways become inflamed and restricted, resulting in a very difficult breathing experience for person.
Considerations
People with asthma often search for alternatives to their standard asthma therapies. Not always looking to completely change treatment regiments, asthma sufferers sometimes just want to add natural supports to what they are already taking. Chinese herbs may actually rebuild the strength of their respiratory system, in addition to treating specific asthma symptoms.
Health care professionals trained in Chinese medicine do not prescribe herbal treatments as a stand-alone cure. The person with asthma is presented with a whole-body approach to attaining inner physical strength through wholesome diets and exercise. The Chinese herbs are then able to be effective in treating the asthma symptoms.
When choosing Chinese herbs for asthma symptoms, always contact your health care provider first. They will be able to warn you of any contraindications from combining your current treatment with Chinese herbs. They may also advise you, in light of your total health state, which treatments may be most effective. Also contact a Chinese medicine expert to learn which herbs are best for you. Four Chinese herbs are presented in this article.

Di Tan Tang
Di Tan Tang is an herb that cuts through the phlegm that builds up in the respiratory passages. It opens up the breathing passages by draining the phlegm, and then expelling it from the body. Oftentimes, it is very difficult to breathe with phlegm blockages, so this herb dissolves it, making it easier to breathe again.
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang treats the lungs by adding moisture to the lungs. The lungs become dry, and this dryness generates heat during the breathing process. Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang restores moisture to the lungs, which makes the lungs more pliable for breathing. The moisture also cools the lungs, and this calms the breathing process.
Gun Tan Wan
Gun Tan Wan addresses the heat that comes from phlegm. When conditions generate unnatural heat, this affects the mental state of the asthma patient, causing increased anxiety, heart palpitations, fast breathing, and emotional stress. The phlegm that clogs and blocks the airways is broken down by Gun Tan Wan, and this herb removes the heat that phlegm causes in the respiratory system.
Earthworm Extract
Earthworm extracts come from the outer layer of the earthworm, which is left to dry. It is called Pheretima or di long, and it helps to relax the muscles of the airways, because it contains xanthine. It also contains succinic acid, which calms respiration, and it also contains a blood thinning component called lumbritin. All of these components work together to provide relief for the asthmatic breathing condition.
