< previous page | page_36 | next page >
Page 36
| Rosemary Gladstar's recipe for garlic-ginger syrup, which treats both allergies and asthma, appears on page xx. |
| A New York teacher of herbal medicine, Robin Bennett has seen asthma attacks interrupted by lighting dry mullein leaves, blowing the flame out and inhaling the smoke. Someone assisting can hold a fireproof container (such as an ashtray) of smoking leaves within a few inches of the person's face until normal breathing resumes (about 30 to 60 seconds). This simple procedure has been effective in adults and children, even during serious attacks. "One of my first experiences as an apprentice herbalist with Susun Weed," Bennett told me, "was to smoke a mullein cigarette with her so that I could experience for myself the feeling of my bronchioles dilating in response to the soothing smoke. This is another traditional way of using mullein for asthma." Bennett's students report that drinking a strong mullein leaf infusion daily helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Some have successfully weaned themselves off all asthma medication, such as one runner who found herself able to complete her run without having to stop and use her inhaler. In addition, Bennett suggests the use of positive affirmations, such as "I deserve to breathe freely,'' as reminders that deep, comfortable, healthy breathing is each person's right. "Self-worth is often an issue," she explained. "Whatever a person can do to increase his or her self-esteem is a powerful treatment for asthma." |
| Bronchitis |
| Bronchitis is defined as an acute (intense and sudden) or chronic (longstanding) inflammation of the mucous lining of the bronchial tubes, the main airway to the lungs. Acute bronchitis often develops after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu. The resulting cough is at first very dry but it becomes less painful and rasping as the lungs produce mucus, which lubricates the bronchi. In some cases, |
< previous page | page_36 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!