Asthma is considered by most doctors to be a very serious and chronic respiratory ailment. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing. It causes narrowing and sudden swelling of the lung's bronchial tubes leading to the reduced availability of oxygen to the brain.

While the underlying causes of asthma have not yet been fully understood, pulmonary disease experts argue that a number of genetic and environmental factors are believed to be the culprit behind the occurrence of asthma. Other major factors that lead to asthma include allergies, exposure to stress, cold air, infections, and allergic reactions to some medications.

Apart from using conventional medical interventions, herbs have also offered good results in the fight against asthma. Among the herbs that have been noted to ease and alleviate the symptoms of asthma include licorice. This herb is known to offer a soothing effect on the throat and lungs, as well as aid in the reduction of asthma symptoms such as coughing and irritation. Herbalists suggest that patients take up to three cups of licorice tea each day. This is quite crucial because ingesting more than three cups of licorice tea may lead to the onset of headaches, water retention, and high blood pressure.

Ginkgo is also an herb that is commonly utilized for treating asthma. This herb is believed to interfere with the protein in the blood that triggers bronchospasms in some people. Ginkgo extracts should only be taken in standardized doses of 60 to 240 milligrams per day because anything in excess may lead to water retention problems and diarrhea.

Stinging Nettle is also a potent herbal asthma treatment. This herb is famous for being a powerful antihistamine which is great for treating hay fever and asthma. Taking tea made from the roots of stinging nettle should help to open up the airways, as well as clear up sticky mucus or phlegm.

Asthma affects every age group, contrary to popular belief that it is only an exclusively-childhood disease. Before embarking on any herbal treatment methods, it would be best if the patient first consult with his or her physician, so that the possible herbal alternatives can be identified and a viable treatment plan can be implemented.