For ASTHMA, a blend of ashwagandha, eleutherococcus and rhodiola supports our innate adrenal hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, which encourage bronchial muscles to relax and airways to open. Adrenal hormones may be low in asthmatics and function can be gently supported with the herbs ashwagandha and eleutherococcus. This is especially effective since better adrenal activity can calm inflammation, leading to easier breathing, less wheezing and mucus, and reduced spasms in the bronchi of the lungs. Recent studies show that adrenal insufficiency is a significant problem in asthma as is too much cortisol, which is released by the body during stressful situations. These botanical adaptogens stabilize cortisol and corticosteroids, hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which influence lung function, inflammation, optimal tissue repair, protection, and growth.

Ashwagandha, eleutherococcus, and rhodiola are adaptogens, which are plant-derived compounds that normalize endocrine function and support adaptation to environmental stress. They can either reverse and improve a deficiency or calm overactivity, depending upon what the target organ needs: an example of the intelligence of nature. These botanicals offer potent adrenal support, which then brings major lung benefits. The purpose of any natural ‘adrenal support’ is to restore the body’s ability to make just the right amount of cortisol, adrenaline, and many other hormones that cope with stress, and also to calm down any excessive production. Adrenal adaptogenic herbs can significantly help to reduce tight chest, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and acute asthma attacks.

Optimal adrenal gland function and asthma

The hypothesis that the adrenal and pituitary glands play an important role in bronchial asthma has been put forward by many researchers from as far back as the 1940s. This led to the use of inhaled corticosteroids as the first-line treatment of asthma for many decades.

However, even low-dose treatment courses of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma can lead to adrenal suppression including fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and mental health symptoms. In a recent article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers evaluated the relationship between steroid exposure — both inhaled and oral corticosteroids — and the risk of adrenal insufficiency in a population of patients with severe asthma. Over 8 months, 25% of the patients with severe asthma had a morning cortisol level consistent with undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency; those who were prescribed regular maintenance oral steroids had the highest risk at 60%. Most concerning, patients with adrenal insufficiency reported worse asthma control indicating a vicious cycle in steroid treatment.¹

In contrast, with the very safe long-term use of this botanical blend, many patients experience steadily increasing improvements in both energy levels and healthy lung function without side effects.

The role of adaptogens in asthma

Ashwagandha is one of the most important medicinal herbs in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian holistic medical system based on body type. Ashwagandha has long been used as a “Rasayana” or rejuvenator. Classified as an adaptogen, it has been valued for over 3,000 years for its adrenal and stress support benefits and deep immune-boosting abilities. Ashwagandha gently boosts reserves and stamina and helps stress management. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it is also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The root smells like horse or “ashwa” which gives this herb its name: Consuming it is said to imbue one with the power of a horse. Extracts from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions including adrenal depletion, poor immune responses, low thyroid and related immune impairment, and inflammation. These herbs also modulate stress responses, enhancing energy production and sleep quality.

This adrenal support herb brings important lung benefits to asthmatics: Several studies have shown that ashwagandha can increase VO2 max levels, which is the maximum amount of oxygen you take in while physically exerting yourself. These levels are used in measuring cardiorespiratory endurance — how well the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles during physical activity. In athletes with asthma and more severe airflow obstruction, the maximum ventilation rate is reduced and so VO2 max is impaired. In a recent study with 114 subjects, the 57 participants who received the ashwagandha intervention over 60 days showed significantly improved cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2 max), reduced oxidative stress, and an improved level of diverse antioxidants.²

Levels of VO2 max are not only important in the realm of sports performance; there is special interest in the health field as low levels of VO2 max are associated with an increased risk of mortality and loss of independent lifestyle in adults and elderly, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and reduced aerobic capacity in asthmatics. A subsequent meta-analysis of 5 studies with more than 300 participants concluded that since ashwagandha exhibits little or no associated toxicity, it can be safely used for improving cardiovascular fitness to enhance VO2 max.³

Eleutherococcus, or Siberian ginseng, can improve pulmonary function and oxygen uptake, and reduce wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath for asthma patients by normalizing cortisol and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis which oversees cortisol production. In this way eleutherococcus, a traditional adaptogen, can optimize the body’s steroid levels to support lung health, while also encouraging healthy adrenal function as research shows. It also has actions to increase endurance, memory, and immune function, and reduce anxiety, mental exhaustion, fatigue, and the harmful effects of stress, and emotional, chemical, or physical trauma. Research studies confirm that eleutherococcus can support healthy cortisol production under stress. In clinical studies, it binds to steroid receptors, and data suggests that the biphasic effects on stress may be explained by inhibition of specific enzymes, such as catechol-methyl transferase, involved in the control of receptor occupancy for stress hormones.⁴

Note that Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) specifically has lung and asthma benefits and positive research findings. It is an entirely different plant than Panax ginseng (Korean or Chinese, in common parlance) which may have no benefit to the lungs.

Rhodiola is a traditional adaptogen, an agent that works at a cellular level to normalize organ function and reverse adrenal depletion, thereby stimulating healing processes. It also acts as an important asthma remedy and lung tonic. Salidroside, a biologically active component extracted from Rhodiola rosea, has been reported to inhibit allergic asthma. In studies, salidroside reduces allergic airway inflammation.⁵

In its capacity as an adrenal adaptogen, rhodiola also helps prevent fatigue and enhances physical and mental performance. It plays an important role in supporting optimal thyroid function, which in turn enhances optimal lung function, healthy immune activity, and energy. Rhodiola root has been used for centuries in cold climates to enhance endurance. Studies show it can reduce fatigue following sleep deprivation and offset stress-induced increases in appetite and weight gain. Rhodiola also has gentle anti-depressant and mood-elevating effects.

As recently as 2021, the National Institutes of Health published an article titled “Plant Adaptogens — History and Future Perspectives” showing the rich history of natural plant extracts used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. The data from their meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection, with a call to incorporate plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.⁶

Our patients’ experience with ashwagandha, eleutherococcus, and rhodiola

Using adrenal adaptogenic herbs, our patients report a significant reduction in breathing distress including tight chest, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and acute asthma attacks. They experience additional benefits using this herbal remedy as it helps modulate their stress responses, enhances energy production, and they enjoy better sleep quality. With long-term use, many patients experience steadily increasing improvements in both energy levels and healthy lung function without side effects.

Recommendation: A formula including a daily dose of: Ashwagandha root extract (3.5% with anolides) 100 mg; Eleutherococcus senticosus (20:1) 50 mg; Rhodiola rosea extract (3% rosavins, 1% salidroside) 200 mg; with Vitamin C, buffered (ascorbate) 500 mg; Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate) 100 mg; Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 50 mg. Optional supportive ingredients could include: Astragalus root 150 mg, Panax Ginseng extract (10% ginsenosides) 100 mg, and Schizandra berry 75 mg. This formula should be taken with breakfast or lunch, or divided between each of these meals, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

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