Can antidepressants induce suicidal thoughts?

Do Antidepressants trigger suicide?

Over the past 30 years, there have been many isolated reports that certain anti depressants may induce suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors. Almost all manufacturers who make anti depressants even add warnings to the packages about worsening of depression and triggering of suicides. The question that has always been difficult to answer is whether antidepressants actually induce suicidal thoughts or these thoughts are just a part of under treated depression.

One recent large study from Europe suggests that antidepressants infrequently trigger suicidal thoughts or destructive behaviors. This large study covering more than 300,000 patients treated in psychiatric hospitals in several European countries.

The researchers only discovered 33 patients who had thoughts of wanting to commit suicide that doctors thought were "possibly" or "probably" related to the anti depressant medication.

Moreover, many experts caution against reading too much into this study. The majority of European drug surveillance programs are funded by pharmaceutical companies and there is always a question about reliability of such studies. In fact, many researchers often tend to minimize harmful effects of drugs, especially when the study is paid by the drug company. 

Said Dr Healy, “Whether antidepressant drugs trigger any suicidal behavior is not in question. This is a problem that is caused by the drugs and the study confirms that the link exists. The only argument is about how frequently it's happening.”

Something natural for depression-SAMe

Finally, something natural for Depression: Part 2

SAMe is well tolerated and the labels in health food stores do carry a warning that it may induce mania in bipolar patients. Even though SAMe is readily available as a dietary supplement, its synthesis is not easy. The majority of formulations of SAMe tested in the last decade have shown that many products contain less than the stated amount of the supplement.

Additionally SAMe is also prohibitively expensive. A month's supply can cost anywhere from $140-$200 and there is no guarantee that it contains the right dosage. Moreover, SAMe is not covered by Medicare or medical insurance.
Long-term data on safety of SAMe are not available but from what is known over the past 30 years, the supplement appears to be safe. SAMe has also been shown to have moderate pain relieving activities. There are countless reports from arthritic patients that the supplement does work well for pain relief. For depression, the dose of SAMe is between 800-1600 mg per day. Optimal dosage or the safe upper limits have not yet been determined.

The era of making novel pharmaceutical drugs based on amine uptake inhibition appears to have come to an end. The focus now is to search for natural supplements that may help boost the effects of the available drugs. Even though this study showed that SAMe may help reverse resistant depression, more studies are required to confirm these findings. Individuals who are thinking of buying SAMe from health stores need to make sure that they buy from a reputable store because fakes and counterfeit supplies continue to infiltrate the health supplement market. In fact, many supplements are often spiked with real drugs- so buyer beware.

Something natural for depression

Is there something natural for treatment of depression. i am fed up with the side effects of the medications? Part 1

Depression is a common mental health disorder and even though medications are available for treatment, the majority of patients develop either disturbing side effects or resistance. So far, treatment of resistant depression has been a challenge. Many drugs and supplements have been tried out in the past but the results have been abysmal. 

Now finally there is a study that shows that use of S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) with an SSRI can help improve outcome in chronically depressed patients. SAMe has been around for more than 30 years and is well known for its long term anti depressant effects. However, its short-term benefits were known until recently.

A recent trial with SAMe showed significant improvements in depression compared to previous therapies. SAMe was also found to be well tolerated. Of the side effects, a few patients did develop slightly elevated blood pressure that researchers felt was of medical significance.

Prevention of nail biting

I am always biting my nails. Is there any way to stop this?

There is no specific therapy to stop nail biting. First the facts. Nail biting is both unsanitary and can cause severe damage to the nail and surround skin. More important, it can lead to infections and be quite painful. If the activity is prolonged, the nail and skin can become unappealing and look deformed.

Some patients bite their nails because of anxiety, stress or an underlying mental health problem. To stop nail biting, some patients may benefit from the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. There are some who advocate behavior therapy to stop nail biting- I am not sure how simply taking bullshit for an hour for many weeks can do that-in any case, behavior therapy is also expensive. 

I would suggest keep your hands occupied all the time. Applying stinking foul smelling solutions and creams on the fingers does not work.

Elastin3 for stretch marks

Recently I heard that a product called elastin3 can help remove my stretch marks. Is this true?

Elastin3 is a bogus product. The company claims that if you apply it to you skin, the stretch marks will disappear. If you believe this crap, then you deserve to be scammed. Please, this expensive product does jackshit. It is worthless and won’t do a thing.  Please read the online reviews and you will see that is does absolutely nothing. There is no pill, lotion, potion, cream, ointment, paste or drug that can get rid of stretch marks. Most disappear spontaneously.

Selecting a good surgeon

I am thinking of having a breast augmentation. How do I know who is a good surgeon?

This is a real tough question. There are some great plastic surgeons but there are also many bad surgeons. I would not ask other doctors as to who is good-they always lie. Ask other patients and go online to search for reviews about the doctors. Mind you, many reviews about doctors are also fake. Speaking to another patient is the best way to select a good surgeon. Do not speak to just one person, speak to several. If a surgeon says he/she has never had a complication.-it just means that they are liars. Anyone who demands money upfront is another scammer and should be avoided. Because medical malpractice data are not available to the public, it is very hard for the layperson to know the surgeon’s background. In the end, use your judgment. If there is any doubt, get a second opinion.

Belly button surgery

I do not like my belly button. Is there a surgery procedure to revise it?

Yes, plastic surgeons will do anything for a buck. First, belly button surgery is usually done when a person undergoes an umbilical hernia repair, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty or for a protruding belly button after pregnancy.  Surgery on the umbilicus does not always produce great results. In addition, if the surgeon messes, up, you will at risk for an incision hernia-which can trap your bowel in future. The final thing you should know is that surgery on the belly button is not only expensive but also very painful. The surgery is not long. Surgery for cosmetic reasons is all a matter of personal choice and affordability.

Prevelle for lip augmentation

Can you tell me if Prevelle works well for lip augmentation?

Prevelle is a hyaluronic based dermal filler. It is often used to erase fine lines, creases and augment the lips. The injections are done in a clinic and only take a few minutes. If the doctor does not use a numbing medication, the injections are painful. So far, most women indicate that they are satisfied with this product. Unfortunately there are two downsides to Prevelle. One is that the results do not last long. In most cases, the results last a few months. In some cases-only a few weeks. Second, prevelle is quite expensive.   

One session may cost anywhere from $300-$1,000, depending on what is being done. You will need repeat sessions to maintain the sexy look. Finally i should warn you that there are some women who have also had terrible results- so use your judgment and be careful whom you select as your provider.

Aromatherapy for depression

Recently my alternative healthcare practitioner recommended aromatherapy for my depression. Does it work?

There are many therapies in alternative healthcare that are downright scams and aromatherapy is one of them. There is ZERO proof that this therapy has any medical benefits, except for a soothing massage. Business minded people now prey on desperately ill patients offering them false hopes and scamming them of their hard earned money. Aromatherapy is simply the use of oils extracted from a variety of plants. These oils are then massaged on your skin. There is no doubt that the massage will make you feel great but as far as its healing properties are concerned-that is BS.

Be prepared to pay a big bundle for these sessions because these therapists will give you some bogus reason for enrolling in multiple sessions for many months. In addition, you may also develop an allergic reaction to these products. By the time you are done with aromatherapy, you will have paid enough money for a down payment on a new car for the therapist-and your depression will be worse.

Infra red sauna

My doctor recently recommended I try out infra red sauna to regain my health? I am a 39 year old female and always tired. Does this sauna help?

Infra red sauna is fast catching on in north america. Unlike the traditional sauna which uses heat and water, the infra red sauna uses light to warm up your body. You also sweat with this treatment. As far as its health benefits are concerned, this is questionable. There are no studies to show that health can be improved by going to an infra red sauna regularly. Plus, infra red saunas are also much more expensive than regular saunas. My best advice is walk, eat right and do not smoke. All these are gimmicks designed to steal your money.

chocolates and kidney stones

 Can eating chocolates cause kidney stones?

Yes, most kidney stones are made of calcium bound to oxalate. High levels of oxalate are common in certain vegetables and fruits as well as chocolates. So if you have an oxalate kidney stone, you should not eat too many chocolates. of if you do, better drink lots of water for a few days.

What causes kidney stones?

 

What causes kidney stones? This is my 3^rd episode in the past 3 years.

There is no single cause why one develops kidney stones. In most cases, there are several factors, which create conditions making it favorable for stones to develop.

Kidney stones generally occur when certain minerals start to precipitate in the urine as crystals. The most common minerals that cause kidney stones include calcium, oxalate and uric acid. Dehydration is a common cause for formation of kidney stones. A major factor for most medical disease is simply BAD LUCK.

see doctor for kidney stone?

 

Do I have to see a doctor if I think I may have a kidney stone?

No, you do not have to see a doctor if you already know that you have a kidney stone. Most stones pass if you drink ample water, and take pain medications. However, most people are not able to tolerate the pain and thus a visit to the ER is very common. If you develop chills and fevers, it is recommended you see a doctor. Most infected stones need antibiotics.

Fever with kidney stone

Can one have a fever with a kidney stone?

Sure, besides pain, kidneys stones can cause difficulty in urination, you may see some blood in the urine, develop nausea and vomiting and develop an urge to urinate. Certain kidney stones do get infected and present with fevers and chills. You can feel pretty awful when you have an infected stone. The majority of infected stones are made of magnesium and tend to be very big.

kidney stones

 Do kidney stones cause permanent damage?

The majority of small kidney stones pass through without any problems. However, you do need to drink a lot of fluids and you will definitely need something a lot stronger than Tylenol. If you have recurrent stones, you should see a doctor and determine what is causing them. However, large kidney stones can block the ureter and even damage the kidney. Some even get infected and cause severe complications.

Pain on my left side

 I have been having severe spasms of pain on the left side of my abdomen. The pain often comes in waves and radiates to the pubis. The pain is excruciating and I have to lie down drenched in sweat. Do you think I may have colitis?

I think you may have kidney stones. Kidney stones are common and often present with pain, which starts in the flank and moves to the pubis. Most people cannot tolerate the pain- it is very painful. The stones may be big and when they pass through the ureter it can be downright painful. You may see some blood in the urine.

Best advice, drink lots of water, take some pain medications and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Weight gain after weight loss surgery

 I recently had bypass surgery for weight loss. I did lose some weight initially but have regained it all back in 4 months. What now?

Well you are in tough shit. Once weight loss surgery fails, it means two things- either the surgeon did a terrible job or that you did not stop eating. What you have to understand is that weight loss surgery does not suppress the appetite center and thus, almost every one does regain weight. The only way to prevent weight gain is to enter into an exercise program. I do not recommend undergoing revision surgery- it is fraught with complications and you could be worse off. Best advice, start to walk and if you remain motivated and determined, you will lose the weight. That just goes to show you that paying 30K for surgery does not mean it will be successful.

Adalapene for acne

I have moderate acne and have been prescribed adapalene by my doctor. Doses this medication work?

Adalapene is a relatively newer topical vitamin A derivative, which is used to treat mild to moderate acne. First it will not work if you have acne scars or severe acne. For those who have mild to moderate acne, the drug is excellent. Do not expect results in a few days. It often takes a few weeks for the maximal benefit.

The product is also sold as Differin and Epiduo. You need to apply the gel once a day. If you apply it more often, you will develop severe skin dryness and peeling of skin.

All people who use Adalapene should understand that initially the drug will make your skin look worse, but with time, the damaged skin cells will fall and be replaced by newer, smoother and younger looking skin. Avoid going out in the sun when using this medication.

Can a diabetic go for a pedicure? Part 1

Well, the answer to this question deserves some explanation but in general the answer is NO.

Most people ignore their feet. Individuals brush their teeth, comb their hair, take care of their pimples, wash their back side after pooping; but when it comes to their feet most individuals just could not care less. Feet may not be attractive, but if you are a diabetic, feet are a blessing. Hundreds of diabetics develop severe and life-threatening infections from minor skin trauma in the toes or foot and end up getting leg amputation.

For diabetics, taking care of their feet should be the highest priority. Once an amputation of even the small toe has taken place, your lifestyle is forever altered (most diabetics who end up losing one toe, usually lose more in the future). Diabetics have two major problems. One is that the blood supply gradually decreases due to atherosclerosis. In this scenario, the blood vessels narrow and after 10-20 years of diabetes, there is no blood supply to the foot. Some diabetics have excellent blood supply to their feet but they develop severe damage to their nerves (neuropathy). These individuals are unable to sense any trauma.  In both cases, any breaks in the skin, even an ingrown toenail can develop into a major infection. 

Before you rush off for a pedicure, go and see your health care provider. Let the doctor first assess your feet to ensure that you have no acute infection, reduced sensation, broken skin, nail infection or decreased blood supply. If any of these conditions exist then it is best not to go to a pedicurist.  The other person a diabetic should never see is a podiatrist. These healthcare professionals are clueless about the importance of blood supply to the leg and almost never examine the pulses. There are countless lawsuits against podiatrists for gross negligence in managing diabetic feet.

Podiatrists are not bona fide surgeons and have little or no training in vascular surgery. One should never let a podiatrist cut or excise any part of your toe or foot without a prior clearance from a vascular surgeon- this advice may sound drastic but it can be limb saving. Cyberspace is full of such cases where podiatrists have done more harm than good and there have been many litigations against podiatrists.

Can a diabetic go for a pedicure? Part 2

All diabetics have to understand that any small infection can become dangerous so going to a pedicurist is always a risk. Manicurist and pedicurist are not healthcare workers and have no idea what diabetes is or how dangerous it can be. Any time there is a cut in the skin, bacteria can grow. In addition, bacteria thrive when the sugar levels are high.

Therefore, whether to use a pedicure is personal choice but it is definitely not recommended. If you do use one, then check out the place for sanitation and make sure the instruments are clean. Recycling of equipment is a common method of saving money at the expense of the patient.

If you have no abnormality in your feet, and your diabetes is suitable well controlled, a pedicure is safe as long as the technician/podiatrist is competent. Unfortunately, most are not.

Can a diabetic go for a pedicure? Part 3

Remember you are the patient paying for a service, so speak up. If you are visiting a spa where you do not know anyone, ask them if they know how to look after a diabetic. If the answer is no or there is hesitancy, go elsewhere.

Never allow the technician/podiatrists to stick sharp objects or cut anything besides the toenails and perhaps the callus-and tell them to be gentle.

Check out the salon or spa for sanitation and hygiene.

Determine how they clean their equipments. Look at the conditions of the tools.  Commons sense approach will immediately tell you if the place is clean or dirty.

Some saloons even allow you to buy your own equipment, which are only used on you

If  you have diabetes, the onus is on you to tell the technicians what you want. Tell them to avoid very cold or very hot water. Avoid very sharp razors, apply cotton in-between each toe web space and be gentle.

If you plan to have a pedicure do not shave for at least 48 hrs prior to the procedure. Shaving can sometimes cause injury or lacerate the skin thus making it easier for bacteria to enter the skin during a pedicure

In the final analysis, whether you have a pedicure or not depends to whom you listen and what you believe. In any case, wear proper shoes, keep the skin well hydrated, protect your feet at all times, and exercise on a regular basis. If you smoke, rest assured, you will end up losing not only your toes but also your feet. For the diabetic, the only way to prevent feet complications is by being proactive. Make it a habit of examining your feet regularly for skin breaks and infections. Moreover, try and keep your sugars on the low side.

Selecting the best skin toner

How does one select a skin toner?

The best way to buy a toner is to talk to people first. Never buy gallons of any skin product. Always get a sample and determine if that works for you. Many people buy dozens of jars of jellies, creams, lotions and ointments and then hide them underneath the bed. Skincare is not easy but a common sense approach can help you save money and improve your aesthetic appearance. To know what will work for you, it is important to go a store and try and sample first. do not fall for the sweet fragrance- that is only for suckers. Wait and see if it works and cleans your skin before you buy and product. More expensive does not mean it is better.

Toner versus skin refreshner

What is the difference between a toner and a skin freshener?

Essentially they are the same thing. Skin freshener is a subtype of a toner and is very gentle on skin. These products contain very little alcohol, no synthetic agents but do contain water and humectants like glycerin. Humectants help clean and moisturize skin. The best example of a skin refreshener is rose water. Skin refresheners are soothing, help moisturize and are useful for individuals with dry and sensitive skin. People who have fragile skin should use skin freshners. They also tend to be a bit more expensive than toners.

The best skin toner

How does skin feel after application of a toner?

Toners can immediately cleanse skin and make it look bright and clean. However, in the long run toners can make the skin look tight, firm, younger looking and more aesthetically pleasing. You have to be realistic-toners just clean skin and make you look pretty, but they will NOT erase your lines or wrinkles. Some toners also smell nice.

Can one use toners for a long time?

Sure, toners can be used for a long time. Regular use of toners results in a cleaner skin and toners also protect the skin from environmental dust and toxins.

Which is the best toner for me?

Because there are hundreds of toners on the market, consumers have a difficult time knowing what is good for them and what actually works. However, one should always select a toner which has fewer synthetic chemicals, so read the label. Choose a toner to match your skin type. Moreover, do not select a product with a lot of alcohol because too much alcohol will dry and irritate your skin. Experts in skincare recommend toners made from natural products like aromatic oils, herbs and fruit juices. Some good toners include those made from herbal tea, witch hazel, sage or essential oils.

How should i use a skin toner?

On what part of a body are toners used?

Toners can be used on any part of the body, but in the field of cosmesis, Toners are typically used on the face, particularly on the forehead, chin and nose. you cant drink this stuff nor can you use it for an enema (this is for all the people with crazy ideas).

How is a toner usually applied?

Gently wash your face with a soap first. There is no need to use medicated or any type of expensive soap. A bland non fragrant soap is the best. Gently dry skin and then apply the toner. Depending on the alcohol concentration of the toner, one may feel a cooling sensation. The toner will start to work immediately. you can use the toner several times a day, but frequent application can make the skin dry.

Skin toners

Why do people use toners?

Toners have the ability to clean skin and shrink pores. No matter how much you wash your face, some tiny particles always remain. Toners can remove these tiny particles and then narrow the pores so that dirt can no longer get back inside. Toners can also remove residual make-up and other debris. The latest toners are made of delicate substances that can also gently peel superficial layers of skin and maintain normal pH.

What is a skin toner?

Can you tell me what exactly is a toner?

Toners are very similar to astringents, except that the concentration of alcohol is much less. In general, a toner may contain an alcohol concentration of 5-10 percent and the rest is all water. Astringents on the other hand have 90 percent alcohol and the rest is water. Thus, astringents are more potent than toners.

Green tea and breast cancer

Does drinking green tea decrease breast cancer?

The zeal with which North Americans are drinking green tea should be re-analyzed. Green tea and its extracts have been hyped up to cure everything underneath the sun (including the current economic woes). There are hundreds of green tea products on the market- some you can drink, others you can smell, some you can apply on your skin, others you can take a bath and yet others you can add to your regular enema.

Well, the latest study from Japan indicates that Green tea is Junk when it comes to breast cancer. The widely held belief that green tea can prevent breast cancer is just a myth according to a recent study.

So for all green tea maniacs out there, listen up. Green tea is a great social beverage but as far as it medical healing properties are concerned- all that is a load of bunk and more about profits. The green tea business in North America alone is estimated to be worth close to $7 billion dollars. For reasonable people, green tea is a good social beverage. For those who still believe in miracles with green tea- there is a name for you in the food industry-suckers.

Laser resurfacing for an asian female

I am an asian female and have been thinking about undergoing fractional laser resurfacing for my wrinkles. Will it work for me?

Fractional laser resurfacing is fast becoming the procedure of choice to reverse some signs of aged skin. There are several laser devices which are available today which can be used for fractional resurfacing.

The essential premise of this technology is that unlike previous lasers, the latest generation of lasers can treat selective areas of the skin without damaging the nearby skin.  

Although different lasers vary in their depth of skin penetration, the overall results of all these latest lasers are comparable. You have to be realistic because lasers are over hyped. Doctors are always looking to scam patients with bogus treatments. These lasers only remove mild skin blemishes. If you have deep creases and wrinkles, there is no laser that will reverse that. What you see on the internet are photoshoped images to sell the therapy. The Hollywood celebs in the ads are paid millions of dollars with altered images to sell products.

Laser resurfacing is not for everyone. There are some individuals who definitely should not undergo laser resurfacing. Dark skinned individuals generally tend to have poorer results and a higher chance of complications.

Individuals who have a flare up of acne or a herpes infection should wait until the condition is over before undergoing laser resurfacing.
Individuals with burn scars, psoriasis or active skin infection should not undergo laser resurfacing.

In any cases, the skin smoothening affect of all lasers only last a few months at most. To prolong the benefits of laser resurfacing, one should avoid smoking and excessive sun exposure Plus, fractional laser is not cheap. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for each session. There is ZERO guarantee that the laser will produce good results but high probability that it can cause complications. 

Brain surgery for diabetes

I have heard that there is brain surgery to prevent progression of type 2 diabetes. Is this true?

Yes, there was one bullshit study done by a neurosurgeon in Pittsburg. Trust me, you should forget about this surgery. You may partially cure some symptoms of diabetes, but will most likely end up blind, deaf, mute or paralyzed. Neurosurgical procedures are associated with severe complications. You should not take a study on 10 people with anything more than a grain of salt.

Except for a pancreas transplant, there is no other surgery which can sure diabetes. Not only is this brain surgery not paid by any insurers, there is ZERO guarantee it will work.  It is also experimental and very expensive. Please do not get worked up about this surgery, as the only thing you will get from it is disappointment.

acupuncture for back pain

I have had severe back pain for many years and want to try out acupuncture. Do you recommend it?

Acupuncture is never the first treatment for any medical disorder. In most cases, it does not even work. Many studies have shown that acupuncture is no more effective for back pain than sham acupuncture- that means it is useless. Acupuncture may relieve mild acute back pain but almost never works if you have had back pain of longer duration.

Before you decide to waste money on this expensive therapy, go and see a bona fide doctor and find out what is causing the back pain. Acupuncture does not work if you have prolapsed discs, arthritis, or muscle pull. Even if you decide to undergo acupuncture, remember you have to go for at least 12-20 sessions for many weeks and each session can cost anywhere from $75-$100-and that is a lot of money to spend on a treatment that may not even work. Best advice, save your hard earned money from this unproven therapy. Most healthcare practitioners who perform acupuncture are rejects from bona fide medical school.

Spider veins on the face

Are the spider veins that occur on the face the same as spider veins on the legs?
 
Yes, they are the same. Millions of women and men are troubled by unattractive spider veins on their faces and legs. Spider veins are called as such because they resemble a “star” with numerous small veins radiating from a center point. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, a web-like maze, or as “branches” from a single “tree trunk.” It is estimated that more than 75% of females over the age of 18 have spider veins. These red, blue or purple thread-like lines may develop on any part of the body, including the face, but most often appear on the thighs, calves, or buttocks. The condition is associated with increased pressure to the veins. Except for poor cosmesis, these veins are harmless. if you have any symptoms, then it is most likely from something else and not the spider vein.


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Spider veins on the leg

I have spider veins  on my leg. Do I need to do something about them?

Spider veins are always superficial to the skin and much smaller than the varicose veins. Because the spider veins are dark and visible from  the skin, they are a major source of embarrassment for most females.

One thing to note about these veins is that they are harmless and not associated with any symptoms. The disfigurement is only of a cosmetic concern. While we do not have a cure for spider veins, one can protect against these unsightly veins by wearing support hose stocking and maintaining a normal weight. For facial spider veins, the ideal treatment does not exist. One may use camouflage or laser therapy. It does not matter what therapy you undergo, spider veins will come back.

Is MRI risky?

Is MRI risky? I am about to undergo a diagnostic MRI.

No, MRI is very safe. The major problem most people have with MRI is lying down in the enclosed chamber for 10-20 minutes. There is small risk of an allergic reaction if the dye is used. But this risk is much less than the dye used for a Ct scan. People who have metal plates, wires, screws, pacemakers and other hardware should first speak to a physician before undergoing MRI. The strong magnetic field may interfere with these devices. However, the latest generation of MRI scanners are compatible with many metallic devices. The biggest disadvantage of MRI is the cost- which is anywhere from $2,000-$3,000.

Elevated ESR

Recently I had some blood work and my ESR was elevated. Is this bad?

ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rare is a very non specific blood test. I personally think the test is overused. If the ESR is high, it indicates presence of an infection or inflammation. However, I would not worry too much about it. In a few weeks, you should get another blood test to see the level of ESR. There are many things that can affect ESR. In your case, if all the other labs were ok, I would just get the test repeated in a few weeks. to be honest, it is a BS test.

Herbal treatment for asthma

Are there any herbal treatments for asthma? I am tired of using inhalers.

Asthma is a life long disorder and is treated with a variety of medications. These medications can help prevent and relieve the narrowing in the airways.  I am not aware of any herbal medications that are used to treat asthma. I should warn you- asthma is not a disorder that you want to fool around with some bogus herbal therapy or some crappy plant like extracts. Asthma kills hundreds of patients each year. I think you should seriously discuss this issue with your doctor. Do not stop any medication until you have spoken to your doctor first.