Is it safe to use complementary and alternative asthma treatments?
Most people think of herbs as being natural and therefore safe to take. However, many herbs have not been thoroughly tested, and the FDA does not regulate them. This means that the purity and amount of herb in each dose–and therefore its safety–cannot be guaranteed. Some herbs used to treat asthma have been found to interact with other medicines. For example, Gingko biloba, used to decrease inflammation in the lungs, could cause bleeding problems in people who are also taking the blood thinner Coumadin. Licorice root, used to soothe the lungs of asthmatics, can increase blood pressure. Ephedra has been used as a bronchodilator but has also been linked to some unexplained deaths. It is very important that you always inform your doctor if you are taking any herbs or dietary supplements. Some herbs may worsen your asthma or other medical condition, or they may interfere with prescribed medicines you are taking.How do I know which products are safe? Because most alternative and complemen
