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http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa083099.htm

Herbal Remedies
The sixth in a series of article on so-called "Alternative" or
"Complimentary" treatments in regards to asthma.

Modern pharmacy has its roots firmly planted in herbal history. Aspirin's
origins come from Willow bark, Atropine from belladonna found in nightshade
and many plants, and opiates (morphine) from popies, to mention only a few.
Our food would be terribly bland without herbs to add flavor. The benefit
we've found in plants are almost incalcuable. But so are the dangers. Drugs
from plants can be misused, poisons are also plentiful. The use of the term
"Natural" as safe and effective is only hype. Even beneficial herbs, if
misused, can be deadly.

Herbs (plants), when used in their natural state, aren't a source of pure
drug. They contain hundreds of other substances and impurities, some with
adverse effects. The amount of theraputic drugs found in herbs, in their raw
state, varies greatly from plant to plant, root to root, and even leaf to
leaf.

One particular herb used by some asthmatics and dieters has been associated
with numerous deaths and injuries. Ephedrine, known as ephedra, Ma Huang,
chinese ephedra, square tea, and Mormon tea, causes a rise in blood
pressure, increased heart rate, can cause nerve and muscle damage, memory
loss, strokes, phychosis, and death.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved to issue
health warnings concerning ephedrine. The FDA has recommended limiting
ephedrine levels in herbal products to 8mg/serving and that it should not be
taken for more than 7days. Unfortunately, some suppliments still contain up
to 109mg/serving. Other dangers include interaction with other medication
with detrimental effects.

The enormous number of herbal companies and products on the Internet adds to
the confusion. Many companies selling herbal supplements are using tactics
common to other Quack Cures. Some are utilize bias self-serving articles,
testimonials, and other unsubstantiated claims to cure and treat of a wide
variety of ailments. Some cloak their products in a web of spiritual or
pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo.

Here are a few of the herbs with claims to treating asthma: bayberry,
bloodroot, cayenne, chickweed, colt's foot, comfrey, ephedrine (ephedra),
eucalyptus, garlic, ginkgo, gumplant, lobelia, peppermint, roman chamomile,
goldenseal, mullein, sage, saw palmetto, thyme, tobacco, uncaria tomentosa
(cat's claw), wild cherry bark, and Zizyphus spinosa (jujube).

The use of herbal supplements must be done with caution. Before using
supplements, notify your physician about what, how much, and for how long
you plan on taking them. Use capsulated supplements with known strength and
ingredients from reputable companies. Seek and follow your physician's
suggestions on the safe use of all medications and supplements.

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/arcana