Cause

One overlooked cause of asthma is GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. Researchers have found that many cases of adult asthma are caused by the regurgitation of stomach juices into the throat, lungs and bronchial system. If you are suffering from asthma and have heartburn or digestive imbalances, work on improving the digestive imbalance and the asthma should improve, too.

Ammonia, found in glass cleaners and other cleaning products, can trigger an asthma attack. For a safer glass cleaner, mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2 quarts of warm water; apply with a clean sponge and squeegee off the excess.

Also see Heartburn in our Health Conditions section for additional information.

Cranberries Cook fresh cranberries in enough water to make a mash, then take two or three teaspoonsful daily. The results may astonish you. Remedy from Betty Patterson, Wayne, PA.

Licorice root tea Make a tea by putting 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes; strain. Drink one or two cups daily to relieve asthma symptoms. You can also find tea bags at many grocery or health food stores.

Pycnogenol, sometimes sold as OPC or PCO, made from pine bark extract, contains flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study done at the University of Arizona at Tucson, reported in 2002, showed that 84% of participants who took 150 to 200 mgs daily were able to breathe more easily. In addition, pycnogenol significantly reduced patients' levels of serum leukotrienes, substances that promote asthma symptoms. May be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Watercress Eat a lot of watercress.