text: how can i prevent my asthma from acting up so frequently while still on my regular medication? the question is sort of self-explanitory hi sentaka  here are some ideas on how to heal your condition.  cause:  asthma is caused by malnutrition. only by diligent and consistent effort to change embedded habits will one get permanent relief. the cough is a result of nature's effort to expectorate mucus from the lungs, after which breathing becomes easier. ofttimes the cause of asthma is basically a nervous condition because the nerves are irritated   herbal aids:  1. convulsions: when a person is in a convulsion there are certain herbs that will give very fast relief. one of these is tincture of lobelia, and a valerian decoction with a little cayenne added to relieve spasms. if such an attack comes after a meal one should use an emetic, such as a large dose of lobelia or use the yoga finger method. (see # 2 below)   2. yoga finger method: drink several cups of warm water, then place the middle finger deep down the throat and press the tongue until regurgitation starts. mustard is also good to clean the stomach and lungs. prior to the emetic a peppermint or spearmint tea should be used to soothe the area and alleviate the discomfort of continual vomiting. hot fomentation of castor oil, comfrey, lobelia, mullein, etc., may be placed over the stomach, liver, spleen and lung areas. frequent hydrotherapy baths or lengthy sweat baths are beneficial, followed by a cold shower or sponging.   3. vapor bath: another helpful method is to take a vapor bath twice a week, inhaling steam from a decoction of cudweed ragwort, wormwood, or a decoction of the following herbs, taken warm, (equal parts) will prove very beneficial: elecampane root, horehounds, hyssop, skunk cabbage root, vervain, wild cherry bark (and to this preparation add tincture of lobelia or antispasmodic tincture. clear the bowels with an injection of catnip or barberry bark. this affliction also calls for plenty of outdoor exercise, deep breathing, and good ventilation while sleeping. the whole body system should be built up with tonic herbs such as chickweed, comfrey, marshmallow, mullein, etc. diet should be mostly fruits and vegetables, avoiding all processed devitalized foods.   4. dr. christopher's herbal respiratory formula: (resp-free) it is wonderful for asthma. this combination of herbs in tablet, tea and capsule form is an aid to relieve irritation in the respiratory tract--lungs and bronchial. this is an aid in emphysema as well as other bronchial and lung congestion such as bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, etc. suggested amount for an adult is a cup two or three times a day, or 2 or 3 capsules or tablets two or three times a day with a cup of comfrey tea. for additional help in the program, it is good to add three to six drops of tincture of lobelia to each cup of tea. this formula consists of comfrey root, mullein, chickweed, marshmallow root and lobelia.   5. dr. christopher's hay fever formula: (sha tea) it is good for asthma also. this combination is a natural herbal aid working as a decongestant and antihistamine to dry up sinuses and expel from the head and broncho pulmonary tubes and passages the offending stoppage and mucus. combine this with the respiratory combination to speed up the process. the wise person will turn to fresh wholesome food and beverages to keep the body in a perfect state. this will guarantee permanent relief, by going to the cause.   6. elder: the inner bark is used, although it should be aged before used. the fresh bark is violently irritating and poisonous to children. it is specifically used for spasmodic asthma with copious phlegm and stringy mucus. for asthma, take a tablespoonful whenever an attack threatens. powdered cloves can alleviate excessive vomiting when using the bark. to avoid bowel cramps, add a tablespoonful of powdered ginger to the infusion. (shoa:58).   7 lobelia: most people agree that lobelia is a specific treatment for asthma, as well as other bronchial or spasmodic troubles. because the herb removes obstructions, g