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Most home remedies are completely inappropriate for the treatment of asthma. But caffeine does have a role. It is a chemical cousin of the classic asthma medicine theophylline.

Caffeine is far less effective treatment for asthma than is conventional medicine. But in a pinch it can relieve a mild to moderate attack of broncho-constriction. This approach has been written up in numerous medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Herbs: Ephedra

Most herbal reference books list ephedra as a primary treatment for asthma. This medicinal plant has been used for thousands of years to dilate constricted airways. A chemical derivative, ephedrine, is still found in over-the-counter and prescription asthma medicine.

However, the benefits of the compound wear off quickly, especially if it is used frequently. For another, there are too many potential side effects. IT can cause nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations, stomach pain, and difficulty urinating. Anyone with prostate problems, heart trouble, or high blood pressure should steer clear of this herb.

The FDA says that since 1994 it "has received more than 800 reports of adverse events associated with ephedrine alkaloid-containing products, ranging to heart attacks and death." There has been great concern over the marketing of ma huang in the over-the0counter diet pills, especially those that are promoted as "herbal fen-phen."

Ginkgo

Most of the excitement about ginkgo surrounds its potential benefit for the brain. There is also a long tradition of using ginkgo for breathing problems including asthma and bronchitis.

The antioxidant properties of this herb make it attractive for the same reasons that vitamin C seems appropriate. The dose ranges from 120 to 240 mg a day. Ginkgo should never substitute for standard doctor-supervised drug therapy of asthma.

Stinging Nettle

We have become fascinated with this herb for its wide variety of uses. In addition to relieving mild to moderate prostate problems, it appears valuable in treating allergies, arthritis, and possibly asthma. It's suspected it is the anti-inflammatory action of the herb that makes it so helpful.

There may even be some antihistaminic activity. The tea may be the most effective way to consume the herb. Dr. Varro E. Tyler recommends 3 to 4 teaspoonfuls of dried leaves (about 4 grams) in 150 ml of boiling water for treating prostate enlargement.

A similar dose may be appropriate for asthma. The amount if stinging nettle employed in Germany in one stuffy of arthritis was 1,340 mg of Urtica dioica. Again, no single herbal treatment should substitute appropriate medical treatment of asthma.

Ben Branklin is an Authority in Natural Medicine. He's put together a Free site of the Natural Prescriptions. It saves you an expensive doctor visit, and more importantly it's safer. Go to TheNaturalPrescriptions.com to find the natural prescriptions for these health concerns: Asthma Supplements.

http://TheNaturalPrescriptions.com/Wordpress/asthma-supplements-and-cautions