Respiratory Problems

From early pregnancy, the lungs and diaphragm become compresses in order to accommodate the expanding uterus. Breathing becomes shallower, and any respiratory weakness, such as a tendency to hay fever, may worsen. You may also find yourself more prone to respiratory infections, which can be exacerbated by a poor diet that is full of additives. Symptoms of respiratory problems are streaming eyes, running or blocked nose, sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice, cough, breathing difficulties, fever, and pain.

Key tips on coping with respiratory problems:

Diet and Nutrition

– Eat plenty of oily fish, nuts and seeds which may alleviate inflammation and allergic reactions
– Vitamin E and Selenium are anti-inflammatory
– Vitamin C is an antihistamine
– Cut down on animal fats and dairy products
– Avoid foods laden with additives, preservatives, or artificial colorants

Complementary Treatments

Yoga
– Can improve breathing control, help expand lungs, reduce stress

Homeopathy
– For burning eyes, frequent sneezing, runny nose, puffy eyelids, and exhaustion, Arsen. Alb. 6c
– For burning nasal mucus, sneezing and eye inflammation, Allium cepa 6c
– For itchy ears, stuffy nose, inflames eyes, and watery mucus, Euphrasia 6c

– For chronic rhinitis, Nux vomica. 6c

Read More: Wei Jing Tang – clears Lung Heat, transforms Phlegm, moves Blood Stasis, discharges pus

Western Herbalism

– Asthma
Ginger, chamomile, elderflower, nettle or thyme tea ( steep 1-2tsp in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes)
Evening primrose oil

– Bronchitis
Thyme or ginger tea
Eat raw garlic and onions

– Hay fever

Chamomile, lavender, nettle tea
Dandelion root tincture

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