Asthma results from a spasm of the muscles that control the opening and closing of the air passages in the lungs, whereas bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages, usually accompanied by congestion and sometimes by infection as well. It is of course possible to suffer from both at the same time, and some remedies effective for asthma may be effective in congestive bronchitis also.

For centuries herbalists have employed plants with fairly powerful properties, such as Ephedra, Datura and Lobelia species, for treating asthma. (It was from Ephedra that the ephidrene and nor-ephidrene of modern anti-asthmatic drugs were first obtained.) These plants, however, can be extremely dangerous and should not be used other than by trained personnel.

To relieve spasmodic asthma:

3 parts Angelica root

3 parts Coltsfoot leaves

2 parts Cramp Bark

2 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Thyme herb

1 part Peppermint leaves

Combined decoction and infusion: 1/2-1 cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Thyme herb

Infusion: 1/2-1 cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Externally, some dried herbs can be smoked as cigarettes for relief from asthma. The main herbs used are Coltsfoot and/or Mullein, to which a small amount of Rosemary is sometimes added. These can also be prepared as an infusion or inhalation.

For bronchitis or bronchitic asthma:

2 parts Coltsfoot leaves

2 parts Horehound leaves

2 parts Angelica root

2 parts Mullein leaves

1 part Anise seed

1 part Thyme herb

Prepare an infusion of the above herbs and with each cupful also eat 1 fresh Garlic clove chopped and mixed with honey. Dosage: 3 cups of the infusion and 3 Garlic cloves per day. (The Garlic clove may be replaced by a Garlic Oil capsule if desired.)

Among kitchen spices usually on hand, a hot infusion or inhalation of Thyme and/or Anise will usually bring relief to bronchitis sufferers. The essential oils of several aromatic plants will also help – a few drops can be sprinkled on a handkerchief and inhaled from time to time, or added to near-boiling water and inhaled beneath a towel 3 or 4 minutes at a time, 3 times per day. Thyme, Pine, Eucalyptus and Lavender are all effective. With inhalation the volatile oils are taken directly into the lungs and bronchial passages, where their decongestant and antibacterial action is most needed.

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Constipation

Where constipation is due to a lack of dietary fibre the best course of action is to increase fibre intake by eating whole-meal bread and cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Where constipation is due to stress or anxiety — many people become constipated when they travel or are worried about something — relaxation therapy with nervine or antispasmodic herbs may be more appropriate and more effective. In fact anything which helps one to relax can be useful in treating ‘nervous constipation’: a hot bath, listening to music, a long walk, a day off work, etc.

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Yellow Dock root

1 part Fennel seed

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Marshmallow root

Decoction: 3 cups per days

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Yellow Dock root

Decoction: 3 cups per day

Plantain seed (or Psyllium seed)

Decoction (do not strain): drink 3 cups per day

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Anise seed

1 part Valerian root

2 parts Chickweed herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

One simple but highly effective remedy is to wash 5 or 6 dried figs and soak them overnight in a bowl of water: eat the figs first thing in the morning, drinking the water as well.

Diarrhoea

4 parts Blackberry root bark

1 part Cinnamon bark

Decoction: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

Blackberry leaves

Decoction: 3 or 4 cups per day, taken between meals

Cinnamon bark

Decoction: 1 cup an hour before meals

 

4 parts Cinnamon bark (powdered)

1 part Ginger root (powdered)

Dissolve 1-5 grams of the above in hot water or milk: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

 

Yarrow herb

Raspberry leaves

Meadowsweet herb

Plantain leaves

Vervain leaves

Mullein leaves

Comfrey root

Marshmallow root

Infusion of any of the above, alone or in combination: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

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Capsella bursa-pastoris

Action: Haemostatic, styptic, vasoconstrictor, uterine tonic, astringent, diuretic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, uterus. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion or decoction.

Shepherd’s Purse grows wild in temperate zones throughout the world. It will flourish and set seed in the poorest soil, though it may only attain a height of 10 centimeters or so. In rich soil it luxuriates and grows to 40 or 50 centimeters. Both the botanical and common names allude to the strange shape of the fruit pod, similar to the purses or pouches once hung from their belts by shepherds. Its medicinal properties have long been known and used by different cultures.

The herb acts as a vasoconstrictor and with its haemostatic properties it is considered by herbalists one of the best herbs for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds — of the stomach, lungs, kidneys or uterus. The plant has a definite effect on the uterus and is considered a specific for excessive menstruation.

To check excessive menstrual discharge and for haemorrhages: 15 to 25 grams of the fresh plant in 500 ml of water; simmer until reduced by a third and then strain; one cupful every 2 hours (in most cases bleeding is arrested after the first or second cupful).

To regularize menstruation and reduce menstrual pain (especially at puberty or menopause): 3 or 4 cupfuls per day of the decoction during the ten days preceding the expected date of menstruation.

For disturbances of the circulation (varicose veins, haemorrhoids and hypertension) and inflammation of the mucosae (respiratory, digestive or urinary): 2 to 3 cupfuls per day of the decoction for three weeks; repeat if necessary after suspending treatment for two weeks.

Shepherd’s Purse is also used to treat chronic diarrhoea and dysentery and as an external application in rheumatism. A strong decoction of the fresh or dried plant is used for its styptic and vulnerary action on external wounds, and the decoction or fresh juice is inserted on cotton wool to check bleeding from the nose.

Some authorities consider the fresh plant more active than the dried plant, but it may be used in either form. The leaves of the young plant are eaten as a vegetable in many countries.

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Humulus lupulus

Action: Sedative, antispasmodic.

Systems Affected: Nerves, digestive system.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (strobiles) of the female plant, dose 1-2 grams by infusion.

The Hop plant, native to northern temperate zones, is a dioecious vine which climbs up to 6 meters in height. Cultivated in Europe since mediaeval times for the manufacture of beer (to which it lends aroma and flavor plus digestive and sedative qualities), it also has a long history of use as a herbal sedative.

The plant, propagated from cuttings taken in early summer, bears both male and female flowers, the latter developing into cone-like heads of yellow-green scales covered with a resinous yellow dust known as lupulin. These cones (or strobiles) are collected before maturity in late summer to mid-autumn and dried with a gentle heat, ready for medicinal use or brewing.

Hops are employed alone or in combination with other herbs for insomnia and anxiety or restlessness. They are specific for restlessness associated with tension headache and/or nervous indigestion. They are often combined with Valerian for insomnia and with Chamomile for nervous indigestion.

Hops have some tendency to relieve pain and are of benefit in nervous spasms, neuralgia, priapism, period pain and mucous colitis.

Three cupfuls of the infusion per day, taken before meals, acts as a general tonic for convalescents. One cupful taken after meals is of benefit in slow and difficult digestion.

Externally Hops have an antibacterial action and are applied to poorly-healing wounds or ulcers.

In parts of Britain a pillow filled with Hops was a traditional remedy for sleeplessness.

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Capsicum frutescens

Synonym, C. minimum

Action: Stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, externally rubefacient and antiseptic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, stomach, intestines, nerves, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (cut or powdered), dose 0.05-0.5 grams by infusion.

The genus Capsicum includes red and green chili peppers, cayenne, paprika and bell peppers. Of American origin, their use as a food and medicine by the natives of the West Indies was first observed by Europeans during the second voyage of Columbus to the Americas in 1494.

Today there are numerous varieties in cultivation, varying in shape, size, colour, flavour and degree of pungency. Although the origin of the cultivated varieties is uncertain, authorities believe they all come from one original species. For this reason the botanical classification of these plants is somewhat confused.

The Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper was classified by Roxburgh as Capsicum minimum but is generally known as C. frutescens. Traditionally from Cayenne in French Guiana, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. It is the species used medicinally, and which is official in many national pharmacopoeias, but any of the extremely hot peppers may be substituted to much the same effect. Widely available as a kitchen spice, it is usually sold in powder form as Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper.

Cayenne is noted for its ability to stimulate and regulate the circulation of the blood throughout the whole body.

Exceedingly prompt in effect, after entering the stomach it immediately influences the heart, then .extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, veins and nerves. In equalizing blood-flow throughout the body, the pulse is strengthened but is not increased in frequency.

Because of its prompt effects, Cayenne is an excellent crisis herb, useful as a first aid remedy in most situations. It is also able to carry and disperse other herbs more rapidly through the system, and for this reason a small amount is sometimes included as a supplementary ingredient in herbal formulas.

The herb is useful for a variety of conditions: a quarter of a teaspoon is taken three times a day as a daily tonic for the heart and circulation, stabilizing blood pressure, alleviating heart problems and palpitations; its warming, stimulant qualities are excellent for colds, flu, diminished vitality and insufficient peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet); its warming and antispasmodic properties are useful in cases of stomach cramp, flatulence and colic, especially where there is a lack of tone in the digestive organs because of old age or debility; a mild infusion is an excellent treatment for sore throat and chronic laryngitis.

Externally, the herb is applied as a compress or ointment to sprains, bruises, neuralgia, lumbago, rheumatic pain and unbroken chilblains; applied to minor cuts and wounds it is antiseptic and haemostatic.

For bleeding, the noted American herbalist Dr John R. Christopher says:

A hemorrhage occurs in the lungs, stomach, uterus, or nose — flowing fast — just take a teaspoonful of cayenne in a glass of extra-warm water, drink it down, and by the count of ten the bleeding will stop. Instead of all the pressure being centralized, it is equalized, and the clotting becomes more rapid. Whether the bleeding is internal or external, a teaspoon of cayenne taken orally in a glass of hot water will stop the bleeding quickly.

The same remedy, 1 teaspoon of Cayenne in a glass of water and taken as often as every fifteen minutes if necessary, has been used with excellent results for all kinds of emergency problems, including heart attack, shock from injury or accident, fainting, seizure, cramp and spasm.

For cold feet, sprinkle a small amount of Cayenne powder inside your shoes or socks. When exposed to cold and damp for any length of time, take warming herbs such as Cayenne or Ginger as a daily tonic.

A little Cayenne combined with Plantain and applied as a poultice has remarkable powers in drawing out any splinter or foreign object embedded in the flesh.

Cautionary Notes: Cayenne should not be used where there is any inflammation of the gastro-intestinal system, and should not be employed in large doses on a continuing basis.

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