- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Breathe Easy
Natural Approaches to Asthma
By Andrea Candee
- Bach Flower Essences can help you deal with ongoing emotional challenges. An individualized formula can be created for specific needs.
- Valerian, passionflower, lemon balm and hops are the ingredients in herbal formulas that nourish and calm the nervous system.
- Many people experience exercise-induced asthma with physically challenging activities. The stress-sensitive adrenal glands, when exhausted, can cause a drain on the bronchials, inducing wheezing. Licorice root helps rid the bronchials of excess mucous by supplying a natural form of cortisone, an anti-inflammatory substance, which also feeds the adrenal glands. Give a dose of the liquid extract of licorice root just before physical activity.
Get Creative
Sugar depletes the adrenals. Keep it out of the diet as much as possible and especially before physical activity. Beware of sugar-laden sports drinks! Be sure the body is well hydrated (with water) before and during physical activity. Chiropractic adjustments can have a beneficial effect on adrenal function, as well as strengthen the lung area.
Magnesium relaxes smooth muscles, and vitamin C helps stabilize the body's own chemicals that may act as triggers; this is a winning combination before physical exertion.
Hot lemonade helps thin mucous and relaxes spasms. Prepare this to taste with freshly squeezed lemons (not commercially prepared lemon juice!), hot water and honey.
Apple cider vinegar and honey helps restore pH (acid/alkaline balance), which can be helpful in stopping wheezing. Combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey, and mix with warm water. Sip this mixture when in distress.
