Found this on an herbal tribe in tribe.net.. thought it should be shared

"Asthma is a disease in which the airways of the lungs swell and tighten, restricting airflow and making it hard to breathe. During an asthma attack, the smallest airways (the bronchioles) constrict. This causes the release of chemicals such as histamine and leukotrienes that increase inflammation and swelling and produce excess mucus. Though many asthma attacks are mild and easily controlled at home, severe ones can cause sufferers to begin to suffocate.

External or internal factors can provoke asthma attacks, and some people are sensitive to both. Outside triggers usually involve an allergen, such as pet dander, a food, dust and dust mites, insects, pollen, and many environmental pollutants. Internal triggers, which are usually less obvious and can be harder to avoid, include stress, anxiety, temperature changes, exercise, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis. If you develop asthma symptoms for the first time, call your doctor for proper advice.

Supplements and herbs

The supplements are meant to complement conventional asthma therapy. Never stop taking medication prescribed for asthma without consulting your doctor. People with asthma are often deficient in key nutrients, especially vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C, the major antioxidant present in the lining of the respiratory tract, appears to act immediately to combat inhaled oxidants. In addition, it may halt an allergic reaction by preventing the cells from releasing histamine. Furthermore, vitamin C is very effective for exercise induced asthma; according to various studies, taking 2,000 mg before a workout may even thwart an asthma attack. As for the mineral magnesium, it can prevent attacks by inhibiting the contraction of the bronchial muscles. Other studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements reduce wheezing and other asthma symptoms.

The flavonoid quercetin has two main effects: If inhibits the release of histamine, and as an antioxidant, it neutralizes unstable oxygen molecules, which can cause bronchial inflammation. The herb ephedra (also called Ma huang) can widen respiratory passages. It appears to work best when used with herbal products that bring up phlegm, such as licorice or horehound. (Don't use licorice for longer than a month.) But ephedra has many side effects; for asthma, it is best taken under a doctor's care.
More useful herbs

Acorus, Agrimony, American Spikenard, Anise, Baical Skullcap, Balsam Fir, Basil, Benzoin Gum, Bittersweet, Black Cohosh, Bloodroot, Butterbur, Cabbage, Camphor, Cardamom, Catnip, Cat's Claw, Celery, Chamomile, Coca, Codonopsis, Cocoa, Coleus, Coltsfoot, Cowslip, Crampbark, Echinacea, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Fireweed, Garlic, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Grindelia, Ground Ivy, Henbane, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hops, Hyssop, Kava Kava, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lobelia, Lungwort, Maidenhair Fern, Marijuana, Marshmallow, Mormon Tea, Mouse-ear, Mulberry, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettle, Opium Poppy, Oregano, Osha, Passion Flower, Pau d'Arco, Peony, Peppermint, Peruvian Balsam, Pill-Bearing Spurge, Plantain, Prickly Poppy, Red Clover, Red Poppy, Reishi, Rosemary, Sage, Saw Palmetto, Scotch Pine, Senega Root, Soapwort, Squill, Sundew, Thorn Apple, Thyme, Turmeric, Valerian, Vervain, Visnaga, Watercress, Wild Black Cherry, Wormseed, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yellow Jessamine, Yerba Santa.
Homeopathy

Depending on the intensity of symptoms, remedies can be taken every half hour initially, cutting back to hourly, then every two hours or less. If the remedy is correct, results should be seen within 30 minutes. For longer term management, remedies may be used one to three times daily.

* Arsenicum album
Asthma after colds, bronchitis or allergy to dust, smoke, animals, etc.
Wheezing, tightness of chest. Short of breath, with sweating. Very chilly.
Thirst for small sips. Burning in chest. Anxious, restless, fear of death.
Worse: after midnight or 1-2 a.m., lying, cold, motion, every 2 weeks.
Better: sitting upright or bent forward, heat, warm drinks, hot compress.
* Ipecac
Rattling cough, hard to hawk up mucus. Retching or vomiting. Bronchitis.
Wheezing, heavy and constricted chest. Short of breath, suffocation.
Anxious, pale; cold and clammy. No thirst. Nausea-but clean tongue.
Worse: heat, damp, humidity, motion or exertion, night, overeating, lying, rich food. Better: open air, rest, sitting up, standing, expectoration.
* Kall carb
Difficult, wheezing breathing. Stitching pains in chest, through to back.
Asthma with nausea or headache. Sweaty, weak. Children or elderly.
Asthma alternates with diarrhea or vertigo. Aversion to solitude.
Worse: 2-4 a.m., cold air, drafts, least motion, walking, at menses, lying, open air, touch Better: sitting up or bending forward, rocking, warmth.
* Lobelia
Constricted chest, short of breath. Hyperventilation. Much rattling mucus.
Attacks with faint feeling in pit of stomach, prickling allover. Yawning.
Nausea, constant salivation, faintness, cold sweats. Extremely fearful.
Worse: exertion, after sleep, tobacco, touch, cold bathing, alcohol, tea.
Better: warmth, towards evening, eating a little, rapid walking, beer.
* Nat sulph
Wheezing, shortness of breath, heavy pressure in chest. Sore, raw chest.
Cough with thick yellow-green mucus, rattling in chest. Empty feeling.
Stitching chest pains. Diarrhea with asthma. Depressed, suicidal moods.
Worse: damp in all forms (weather, houses, locations), slight exertion 4-5 a.m., pressure. Better: dry, open air, sitting up, holding chest, rest.

What else you can do

* Keep your home clear of dust and pollen. Avoid cigarette smoke.
* Stay away from cats; their dander is highly allergenic.
* Remain calm. Managing stress helps fight asthma.
* Treat colds and the flu promptly to reduce the chances of an attack.
* Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the cold winter air.
* Keep an asthma diary to help you determine your asthma triggers.
* Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep mucus loose.