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Available in eBook https://books2read.com/u/m0z1dY My grandmother was born in 1892, and she suffered with asthma all her life. She, of course, didn’t have the luxuries afforded us by modern medicine, but she managed her symptoms well with herbs, dietary, environmental changes, and her home remedies. Grandma often took me on trips to the fields, meadows, and into the woods or along the riverside to collect herbs. Now I regret that I did not continue learning from her, after I was twelve or so. Back then—just like any teenager—I thought I was smarter and the “old medicine” was just that, old. In nursing school and later when I studied Alternative Medicine, I learned what I could have learned from Grandma, how to ease the constriction and tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, inflammation, soreness, swelling, and irritation of the airways in the lungs. Although there is no cure for asthma, the symptoms can be managed with medications, dietary changes, and prevention with alternative methods and the elimination of environmental triggers. |
REVIEW:
"As a retired respiratory therapist, Asthma is a disease with which I am very familiar. I picked up this small book with some interest. I once had a medical director, a pulmonary disease specialist with a very sharp and scientific mind who was outspoken against herbals and supplements as well as being critical of alternative medicine as a whole. Imagine our surprise when she started making referrals to a local N.D. for her asthmatic patients upon discharge. Recognizing the role that proper diet and life style changes played in controlling her patients chronic disease, she also knew that her classical medical school training had left this gap of knowledge that was especially important to her patients whose primary problems were reactive airways.
This small book gives a fairly extensive but succinct history of what is known about asthma and how it has been managed throughout history. For that reason alone, it is an excellent resource booklet. The author goes on to explain the history of the pharmacological weapons which have been used throughout history, many of which have herbal components that form the basis of many currently used inhaled drugs for asthma. The booklet goes into some brief details about the different forms of asthma and it's symptoms.
There are brief chapters which include information on what Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and other disciplines including Homeopathy have to offer as well as good old fashion home remedies. I think the chapter on diet, which does a great job of listing foods to avoid, is perhaps the most important to the patient wanting to cover the metaphorical bases as far as prevention of acute episodes goes. It's a nice concise list of dietary don'ts that seem logical and well researched.
All entries are well sourced and I think this booklet in combination with the consultation of a physician will contribute to well informed strategies toward reducing acute episodes and promoting general health. None of the advise in the booklet should supersede the advice of your physician. The only disappointing thing not covered in this booklet from my perspective is the topic of aspirin, which is something that most asthmatics should avoid. Aspirin is only mentioned in the herbal remedy section as being contraindicated with the use of certain herbals. I was always taught the "Asthma Trilogy" which runs thus : Aspirin, Nasal Polyps and Allergies. A hallmark of the diagnosis. The only other thing I would mention to sufferers of Asthma who consider reading this booklet is that the tips and tricks within it's pages are not intended to self treat or diagnose. They are rather, useful bits information to arm yourself with when considering strategies with your physician. Overall, interesting reading with a wealth of well sourced information and historical interest." ~Ed Drury
"As a retired respiratory therapist, Asthma is a disease with which I am very familiar. I picked up this small book with some interest. I once had a medical director, a pulmonary disease specialist with a very sharp and scientific mind who was outspoken against herbals and supplements as well as being critical of alternative medicine as a whole. Imagine our surprise when she started making referrals to a local N.D. for her asthmatic patients upon discharge. Recognizing the role that proper diet and life style changes played in controlling her patients chronic disease, she also knew that her classical medical school training had left this gap of knowledge that was especially important to her patients whose primary problems were reactive airways.
This small book gives a fairly extensive but succinct history of what is known about asthma and how it has been managed throughout history. For that reason alone, it is an excellent resource booklet. The author goes on to explain the history of the pharmacological weapons which have been used throughout history, many of which have herbal components that form the basis of many currently used inhaled drugs for asthma. The booklet goes into some brief details about the different forms of asthma and it's symptoms.
There are brief chapters which include information on what Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and other disciplines including Homeopathy have to offer as well as good old fashion home remedies. I think the chapter on diet, which does a great job of listing foods to avoid, is perhaps the most important to the patient wanting to cover the metaphorical bases as far as prevention of acute episodes goes. It's a nice concise list of dietary don'ts that seem logical and well researched.
All entries are well sourced and I think this booklet in combination with the consultation of a physician will contribute to well informed strategies toward reducing acute episodes and promoting general health. None of the advise in the booklet should supersede the advice of your physician. The only disappointing thing not covered in this booklet from my perspective is the topic of aspirin, which is something that most asthmatics should avoid. Aspirin is only mentioned in the herbal remedy section as being contraindicated with the use of certain herbals. I was always taught the "Asthma Trilogy" which runs thus : Aspirin, Nasal Polyps and Allergies. A hallmark of the diagnosis. The only other thing I would mention to sufferers of Asthma who consider reading this booklet is that the tips and tricks within it's pages are not intended to self treat or diagnose. They are rather, useful bits information to arm yourself with when considering strategies with your physician. Overall, interesting reading with a wealth of well sourced information and historical interest." ~Ed Drury