Can patients with asthma take Sedum sarmentosum?

Patients with asthma may cautiously use Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) as an adjunct for regulation if a physician assesses the presence of symptoms indicating damp-heat in the respiratory tract. However, it should not be consumed if there is no relevant indication or if the individual's constitution is unsuitable. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For asthma attacks accompanied by respiratory tract infections manifesting as yellow, viscous phlegm, fever, and sore throat—symptoms of damp-heat—Sedum sarmentosum may be prescribed by a TCM practitioner in combination with other herbs as a decoction. Its heat-clearing, detoxifying, and dampness-resolving properties may help alleviate respiratory inflammation and relieve symptoms such as coughing and fever. However, this is only an adjunctive approach and cannot replace standard asthma medications.

If asthma patients do not exhibit the above damp-heat symptoms or have a constitution characterized by deficiency-cold, taking Sedum sarmentosum will not improve asthma symptoms. Its cold nature may instead impair the spleen and stomach's yang energy, potentially causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions, or even trigger asthma attacks. Furthermore, using Sedum sarmentosum without medical guidance as a treatment for asthma may delay proper treatment and endanger respiratory health.

Asthma patients must consult a qualified physician before using Sedum sarmentosum. Suitability should be determined based on individual medical conditions and constitution, and dosage and duration of use must strictly follow medical advice. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if any discomfort occurs.