Starved for oxygen from over-breathing, the body takes drastic measures to slow breathing so CO2 can build back up to safe levels. This produces the classic symptoms of an asthma attack: smooth muscles tighten around the airways, the body further constricts them by producing mucus and histamine (which causes swelling) and we’re left gasping for breath. Asthma may be induced by aspirin, pollutants, and may be worsened by alcohol and exercise. Other influences that aggravate it include pollen, dust, animal dander, insects, anger, stress, chemical fumes, cold air and smoke.
The medical response is usually to prescribe the drug Albuterol.
While providing some symptomatic relief, Albuterol mimics the effects of adrenaline on certain cells, and triggers the transport of potassium out of the blood. Consequently, taking albuterol can lower your potassium levels. This may make your muscles weak or cause muscle spasms, and it can also cause an abnormal heart rhythm. Other symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, constipation and the breakdown of muscle fibers. It is known to cause hyperthyroid and to actually worsen the symptoms of asthma if taken over years.
As an Ayurvedic physician I provide those with asthma natural therapies and food as medicine that do not have side effects. These include; a diet specific for this imbalance, Arjuna, Chyvanprash, datura and mullein leaves to smoke during an attack, and instructions on exercises to achieve healthy breathing through the nose. You can find these remedies at this link: http://www.curanderahealing.com/store/p136/Asthma_Package.html.
Arjuna has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to help people heal from asthma. Ingesting it stimulates the circulatory system.
Chyavanprash is particularly good for the lungs because it nourishes the mucous membranes and helps to keep the respiratory passages clean and clear. For thousands of years it has been used in India for lung problems. Chyavanprash is made from whole herbs and spices into a tasty, sweet jam you can put on bread or crackers.
Datura has also been a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal history for centuries. It contains atropine which causes the paralysis of the pulmonary parts of the lung. This eliminates the spasms that are responsible for causing asthma attack. You can see why this would be extremely dangerous for anyone not having an asthma attack. In fact the poisonous properties of Datura have killed or incapacitated many. Yet, in the 18th century a British general stationed in India by the name of Gent, passed along part of the Ayurvedic treatment to a Dr. Sims and it was widely and successfully used in England and America. Proust wrote about the efficacy of smoking Datura and many other asthmatics took up the practice until the fad of ingesting chemicals instead of plant medicine made it seem old-fashioned.
Healing from this imbalance with diet, herbs and breathing exercises takes some effort for the asthmatic, but with some consistency it can bring a person back into a healthy state without dangerous side effects.