Herb
Treatment Support
lung tonic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Breath, shortness of
Etiologic and Other Contributing Factors
- Respiratory Causes
- Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) or pleural effusion.
- Lung infections or chronic conditions like interstitial lung disease.
- Cardiac Causes
- Heart failure or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- Arrhythmias or pericardial effusion.
- Metabolic/Other Causes
- Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Hyperthyroidism or metabolic acidosis.
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Obesity or deconditioning.
- Severe Causes
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Severe infections like sepsis.
When to Seek Professional Help
Look for red flags that indicate the need for immediate medical care:
- Sudden or severe onset of shortness of breath.
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness.
- Cyanosis (blue lips or fingers).
- Confusion, dizziness, or fainting.
- Swelling in the legs (suggesting heart or clot-related issues).
- A history of heart or lung disease with worsening symptoms.
Treatment Plan for Breath, shortness of
When Home Remedies or Herbs Might Be Appropriate
Shortness of breath from mild, non-life-threatening causes (e.g., anxiety, mild asthma, or nasal congestion) may be eased with:
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or turmeric (Curcuma longa) tea: Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) or eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Opens airways and improves nasal congestion.
- Honey and warm water: Soothes irritation in mild respiratory infections.
- Steam inhalation: Loosens mucus.
- Magnesium-rich foods: Helps relax bronchial muscles.
Precautions with Herbs:
- Avoid self-treatment if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Herbs can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.
- Consult a healthcare provider before using alternative treatments.
If symptoms are persistent or worsening, always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
Christopher Hobbs:
“Also called dyspnea, shortness of breath or labored breathing is a symptom of several serious diseases, such as heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. This disease is becoming more common, especially among the elderly, and is known to occur more frequently in smokers. If the shortness of breath is marked and of sudden onset, it is best to consult a physician.
An herbal program can include lung tonics like mullein (Verbascum thapsus); warming expectorants like yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), grindelia (Grindelia squarrosa), and elecampane (Inula helenium); cooling expectorants such as Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), wild cherry (Prunus serotina) bark, and pleurisy (Asclepias tuberosa) root; and antispasmodics for the bronchi including lobelia (Lobelia inflata), grindelia (Grindelia squarrosa), and khella (Amni visnaga).”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Herbal Remedies for Breath, shortness of
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
bronchial antispasmodic
Application
tincture
Herb
Treatment Support
warming expectorant
Application
tea, tincture
Related Breath, shortness of conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
