Many herbal medicines for shortness of breath that have been trusted for generations, as well as those sold freely, claim to be effective in relieving the symptoms of shortness of breath. But are these herbal remedies supported by accurate scientific evidence? Know the facts and effectiveness of herbal shortness of breath based on scientific research, before you take them.
Most causes of shortness of breath are closely related to lung and heart conditions. These two organs are the pathways for oxygen and carbon dioxide traffic to and from all parts of the body. Shortness of breath can be caused by various diseases, such as heart attack, asthma, heart failure, low blood pressure, pneumonia, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), airway obstruction, or sudden large blood loss.
Currently, various herbal remedies for shortness of breath claim to be able to treat the symptoms of shortness of breath caused by respiratory disorders. It's time to examine whether the basic ingredients of these products are indeed effective in dealing with shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath herbal medicine
The following herbal remedies for shortness of breath are both easy to find in the kitchen and those sold in the market:
- Ginger
Ginger is also thought to make the muscles in the respiratory tract more relaxed, thereby relieving shortness of breath. But before using ginger as an herbal remedy for shortness of breath, still consult your doctor. This is because it is feared that ginger can interfere with the effectiveness of medicines used by asthmatics.
- Black cumin/habatussauda
From a medical perspective, studies have found that consuming Black Seed Extract may be effective in relieving symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and strengthening lung function in people with asthma. However, the effect of this herbal medicine for shortness of breath is not as effective as the airway widening drug salbutamol.
- Fruits rich in vitamin CVitamin C as a class of antioxidants is able to prevent the effects of damage produced by inflammatory cells in the lungs. Vitamin C deficiency is known to increase the risk of chronic lung inflammation. Studies have found that people with asthma who are deficient in vitamin C experience asthma symptoms more often. However, the effect of vitamin C as an herbal remedy for shortness of breath requires support from other studies.
- Foods that contain beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a collection of carotenoids or red, orange, and yellow pigments. Beta-carotene can be obtained from the group of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. It is said that increasing beta-carotene intake may protect against a number of health problems.
Increasing consumption of beta-carotene is believed to help prevent shortness of breath in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who have difficulty breathing, and prevent bronchitis. However, further research is needed to test the effectiveness of beta-carotene supplements to reduce symptoms that arise during an asthma attack.
- Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng as an herbal remedy for shortness of breath works by inhibiting inflammation and preventing cell damage in the airways. This effect is thought to be related to the strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content in it.
However, the use of ginseng as an herbal remedy for shortness of breath to relieve COPD symptoms should be done after consulting a doctor. This is because ginseng can interfere with the performance of other drugs, such as antidepressants, diabetes medications, immune system suppressants, and blood thinners.
- Licorice (licorice)
One further study said that this herbal shortness of breath can also help improve lung function and prevent recurrence of asthma attacks. However, the effect and safety of licorice root as a herbal medicine for shortness of breath in general is still minimal and needs to be studied further.
Although the above ingredients are natural or herbal ingredients, the benefits and risks of side effects require further verification. Therefore, the effectiveness of these products needs to be re-examined, and the consumption of this herbal medicine for shortness of breath should be consulted with a doctor first.
