A plant-based compound significantly improves lung function in patients with moderate to severe asthma, producing results comparable to those of the steroid drug prednisone.

ASHMI

The mixture consists of the extracts of three herbs, and is called the anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI). ASHMI is a simplified version of a 14-herb medication used to treat asthma in Chinese hospitals.

First Controlled Study

It is the first time a controlled study has shown Chinese herbal medicine proving as effective as a corticosteroid for aiding asthma patients. The study was conducted on over 90 patients who were given either oral ASHMI, prednisone, or a placebo.

After four weeks, both the ASHMI and prednisone groups showed significant lung function improvement. There was a slight, but still measurable, greater improvement in the prednisone group.

Doesn't Impair Adrenal Function

ASHMI, however, unlike prednisone, also has the benefit of having no negative effects on adrenal function.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology September 2005; 116(3): 517-524MSNBC October 17, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment:There aren't many things that are important to do in life, but one of them for sure is breathing and when you can't get a full breath it is a major problem.

That is in large part why asthma can be such a frightening and frustrating condition, it's no wonder people will try anything -- including a toxic drug -- to stop it. Although steroids clearly work for asthma and many other conditions, they do so at great risk to your health.

Aside from their considerable toxicities though, steroids in no way shape or form treat the underlying cause which, if left untreated, will continue to devastate your health.

Although most supplements also fall into the category of not treating the underlying cause, especially herbs, they are typically far less toxic.It appearsthis novel natural, plant-based compoundwill prove to befar saferthan dangerousthe corticosteroid drug prednisone.

But if you're looking to reduce your dependence on any asthma crutch, here aresome simple lifestyle changes you can make:

• Eat a healthy diet, being especially careful to reduce or avoid sugar, fruit juices, most grains and pasteurized dairy products.
  
  
• Replacing commercial milk with raw milk from grass-fed cows is also usually well tolerated and highly health promoting. However, even raw milk may worsen asthma so you will need to be careful here.
  
  
• Include generous amounts of omega-3 fats in your diet. I find Carlson fish oil and cod liver oil to be one of the most superior brands available as it conforms to the strictest guidelines for purity and freshness.