Natural Remedies to Treat Asthma
Breathing is a life-giving process. Proper inhaling and exhaling keep us going. The level of discomfort when you cannot breathe properly makes you restless and irritated. This is absolutely what Asthma patients often feel. When the airways become narrow and very sensitive due to inflammation, it causes a long term lung disease called Asthma.
Table of Contents
Did You Know!
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How To Treat Asthma Using Natural Remedies
CURE 1: Essential Oils for Asthma
While there are several types of asthma that might affect you, also there is no actual cure for the condition only controlled management of the disease. Furthermore, our exposure to polluted air and the degrading environmental conditional only tends to increase our chances of contracting the diseases and worsens the symptoms of an individual affected with mild asthma.
It is to be noted that treating this disease is actually time taking and any natural remedies. Essential oils actually could be one of the most effective methods to help you reduce your inflammation and it may also help in promoting the robust nature of the immune system and in turn help in controlling the breathing rate.
Essential oils are a concentrated variety of oils extracted from plants that are effective in treating asthma effectively.
1. CBD Oil for Asthma
CBD Oil has bronchodilatory effects. CBD Oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the symptoms of Asthma very significantly.
How to use
Ingredients
- Vaporizer
- CBD Oil
Procedure
- Add 4 to 5 drops of CBD Oil to your Vapourizer
- Inhale the steam taking deep breaths for at least 2 minutes
How many times:
Do this once a day just before going to bed.
Benefits:
The THC in cannabis dilates the respiratory air passages and inhibits bronchoconstriction, which is the major problem of asthma patients. In addition, CBD also protects the lungs – When orally ingested or inhaled, It helps in clearing the mucus, opening the air passages and makes breathing easier.
2. Eucalyptus Oil for Asthma
It is a great choice for treating Asthma as it can help open up the airways, thereby reducing restriction.
How to use
Ingredients
- A Hand Towel
- Few drops of Eucalyptus Oil
Procedure
- Put 4 to 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil on a hand towel
- Place it beside you while sleeping
- Make sure you place close enough for you to breathe the aroma
How Often
Use this remedy every night as a preventive measure for asthma attacks.
Benefits
It is an effective remedy for relieving congestion and blocked nose. It also helps in breaking down mucus.
3. Peppermint oil for Asthma
It is extracted from a hybrid plant of watering and spearmint which is native to Europe and the Middle East, and effective in treating asthma.
How To Use
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 1 liter of distilled water
- A clean towel
- A bowl
Procedure
- Add 1 liter of distilled water to a bowl
- Heat the water till it boils
- Turn off the heat
- Add 4 to 5 drops of Peppermint essential oil to it
- Mix well
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel with your head inside it
- Inhale the aroma without touching the bowl
Benefits
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of an asthma attack. Menthol in peppermint acts as an antihistamine and helps relieve blocked noses and a stuffy respiratory tract which results in a more natural way to breathe for patients under attack.
Precautions
Essential oils for asthma have massive health benefits, but they are also concentrated derivatives from different plants which may not always be compatible with the normal function of the human body. Make sure that it is diluted with a carrier oil for maximum effect and benefits.
Also Read: Essential oils for neuropathic pain relief
CURE 2: Foods for Asthma
1. Kale
Kale is rich in vitamin C than an orange, which is an excellent remedy to treat muscle contraction in our airway passages. It is also a rich source of an antioxidant called beta-carotene which alleviates asthma symptoms. It also has packed levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, B6, manganese and more.
2. Banana
Bananas are rich sources of fiber and potassium and that is why they reduce the symptoms of asthma. They also regulate blood pressure and fight against cancer. They also prevent the formation of free radicals.Just have 1 banana a day and that’s enough.
3. Apple
A study revealed that pregnant mothers who ate apples have prevented the possibility of asthma and wheezing in their newborns (2).
Also Read: Top 5 Best Foods For Healthy Heart
CURE 3: Supplements for Asthma
1. Magnesium for Asthma
Magnesium Sulphate is a great bronchodilator as it expands the airways by relaxing the bronchial muscles, thus allowing free air flow in and out of the lungs. Symptoms like shortness of breath is also relieved.
However, Magnesium Sulphate is used to treat patients who have severe flare-ups..
It is given to the patient in the form of either infusion, injection or inhalation through a nebulizer. Magnesium is administered to the patients only when other treatments do not work.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D which is very vital for bone health is commonly found in dairy products. Vitamin D impacts the levels of certain cells in the immune system and decreases inflammation of the respiratory infection. .
Research shows that there is a relation between Vitamin D and Asthma. Higher vitamin D levels have found to be a protective shield against Asthma and wheezing in children and also in their later part of life(3).
Multiple cases of Asthmatics yielded that the symptoms of poor asthma control and increased airway hyperactivity were seen in people with Vitamin D deficiency.
Mackerel, Salmon, Milk, Cheese, Mushrooms and Yogurt are the foods which are high in Vitamin D
3. Vitamin C
Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C is also good for Asthma treatment..
The damaging effects of oxidative stress can be prevented by the antioxidant properties present in Vitamin C. Vitamin C cools down the inflammation of the cells in the lungs. Low intake of Vitamin C leads to higher symptoms of Asthma.
This says that Vitamin C supplements can be considered to improve your condition against Asthma.
Also Read: Are fish oil supplements healthy in pregnancy?
CURE 4: Home Remedies for Asthma
1. Honey for Asthma
How to use
Ingredients
- Honey – 2 teaspoons
- Warm Water – 1 glass
- Cinnamon Powder – ½ teaspoon
Procedure – 1
- Take a glass of warm water
- Add 2 tablespoons of Honey to it
- Stir well
- Sip this solution slowly
Procedure – 2
- Mix ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a teaspoon of Honey and swallow just before going to bed.
- How many times: Drink the solution of warm water and Honey three times a day. Swallow the mixture of Honey and Cinnamon powder only once a day before going to bed.
Benefits:
Honey has oil content and some alcohol that help in alleviating symptoms of Asthma. It promotes better sleep by getting rid of phlegm.
2. Ginger For Asthma
How to use
Ingredients
- Ginger – 1 inch (Grated into small pieces)
- A pot or Kettle
- Half litre distilled water
Procedure
- Boil half a litre in a pot or a kettle.
- Add the grated ginger pieces to it
- Let it seep for about 5 to 7 minutes
- Drink this solution
How many times
You can drink this solution 2 times a day. Once in the morning and once before going to bed. You can even add honey to this solution.
Benefits
Ginger has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that lessen allergic responses by decreasing IgE levels. Ginger also has direct activity in providing smooth airway, relaxing muscles and breaking down mucus.
Tea For Asthma Treatment
How to Use
Drink those varieties of tea which have caffeine like Green Tea, Stash Tea or Black Tea as caffeine promotes improved airway function upto nearly 4 hours.
Preparing and drinking tea made from traditional chinese herbs like ding chang tang alleviate bronchospasms and decrease inflammation. The eosinophil present in the herb dilates the bronchial air passageways.
Also Read: Top 6 amazing home remedies to remove tartar from teeth
CURE 5: Alternative Treatments for Asthma
1. Yoga for Asthma
Intense physical exercises may be very challenging during Asthma. However, Yoga is a treatment which is a combination of slow body movements and deep breathing. It is very soothing and is of great help for people with Asthma. Yoga is an effective way of controlling Asthma.
Sukhasana
Sukhasana, the easy sitting pose (the style of sitting when you meditate). Do this every early morning for as long as you can sit in that position. Inhale slowly and exhale the same way.
Benefits
As this pose focuses on breath, it controls stress. Apart from broadening your chest, it gives great relaxation to your brain and makes you strong and steady. It helps you avoid circumstances that can trigger Asthma when you are in stress and tension.
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana is a half spine twist sitting where you sit and twist your spine sideways. Practice this every morning on an empty stomach and hold the position for 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat this the other side too. Do it at least 3 times on both sides.
Benefits
This asana stretches the chest and opens the airways for more oxygen to pass through and enter your lungs. It considerably reduces the possibility of asthma attack.
Sethu bandhasana
Sethu bandhasana, the bridge pose works wonderfully, when it is done early in the morning on an empty stomach. Be in this position for 40 to 60 seconds.
Benefits
This is an effective pose to keep Asthma at bay. It helps to maintain better body balance by opening the airways leading to the lungs, improves digestion and also checks on your thyroid glands.
Also Read: How To Relieve Sinus Infection With Apple Cider Vinegar
CURE 6: Herbs for Asthma
1. Turmeric for Asthma
It has a compound called Curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes Turmeric one of the effective and ‘easy to lay hands on’ herbal remedy for treating Asthma. Let us see how Is turmeric used to treat asthma.
How to use
Ingredients
- Turmeric – 1 Tablespoon
- Hot water – 1 glass
- Salt – As per taste
Procedure
- Take a glass of hot water
- Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to it
- Add Salt as per your taste
- Stir well to form a uniform solution
- Drink this like tea
How many times
You can have this solution 2 times a day.
Benefits
- Having this just before going to bed relieves congestion very effectively.
- For Getting Rid Of Phlegm
How to use
Ingredients
- Turmeric Powder – ½ Teaspoon
- Banana peel Ash – ½ Teaspoon
- Barley Powder – ½ Teaspoon
- Honey – 1 Teaspoon
Procedure
- Mix all the above ingredients.
- Make a thick paste
- Eat the paste
How many times:
Take this paste 4 times a day.
Benefits
Having this paste breaks down the mucus and gets rid of phlegm, which is the main reason for congestion.
Burning Turmeric till it turns red hot and inhale the smoke. This acts like an expectorant.
Mix turmeric powder, black pepper powder and some ghee. Make it to a thick paste and apply this all over your chest area. This reduces bronchioles irritation.
Slightly roast Turmeric and have a spoon of it 2 times a day with hot water. This relieves you from breathing problem.
Herbal Tea For Asthma Treatment
Ginkgo-Thyme Tea
How to use
- 1 cup boiling water
- I teaspoon dried ginkgo biloba
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Procedure
- Pour the boiling water into a large mug
- Add the dried herbs,
- Cover the mug
- Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes.
- Relax and drink the tea slowly while inhaling the steam.
How many times
You can drink this up to four times per day.
Benefits
Ginkgo biloba and thyme help open your airways and relax the muscles in your chest so that you can breathe easier. If you dislike the flavor of this tea, you can add a teaspoon of honey or dried peppermint to the blend to improve its taste.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is used as an effective remedy for treating Asthma. It is said to reduce the problem of breathing to a considerable extent.
How to use
Ingredients
- Mustard Oil – 2 Tablespoons
- Camphor – 1 tablespoon
- A small container to mix both
Procedure
- Add 2 tablespoons mustard oil to a small bowl
- Add 1 tablespoon of camphor to it
- Mix well
- Ensure that it forms an even consistency
- Apply this mixture on your chest.
How many times
You can apply this mixture to your chest just before going to bed to have better quality sleep.
Dos & Don’ts when you have Asthma
DOs
Follow Proper Medicine Dosages
Following timely medicines, dosage keeps your Asthma in control. Just follow your doctor’s recommendations properly
Know Your Symptoms
If you pay attention to the warning signs of Asthma-like tightness in the chest and shortness in breath, you can take quick and early action in treating it.
Prepare an Asthma Action Plan
Discussing your action plan with your doctor will allow you to have good control in dealing with Asthma.
Stay Calm
As far as possible, stay calm when you have an asthma attack
Avoid Triggers
You must be well aware of what might trigger an asthma attack. So, stay away from those triggers that make your situation worse.
Don’ts
Don’t Delay
When your asthma condition is getting worse, acting fast will give you control and save you from making your condition worse.
Be Smoke-free
Stay away from people when they are smoking and when you get exposed to smoke, cover your nose and mouth with a napkin or a handkerchief.
Exercise Regularly
Be sure to check with your doctor about exercising, sports, and other activities. Staying fit will help to keep you healthy. As staying fit keeps you healthy, take proper advice from your doctor about sports and physical exercises.
As far as possible, keep the windows of your office and home closed.
Stay indoors when the pollen count in the atmosphere is high. (10:00AM to 04:00PM)
Also avoid grass that is freshly cut
FAQs
1. Is a humidifier good for asthma?
Humidifiers can help in treating many respiratory conditions like dry sinuses, symptoms of asthma & cold, cracked lips or a bloody nose. These ailments are caused because of the dry indoor air.
But, humidifiers can also make you more sick, if they are not maintained properly. It is not good for you if the humidity levels go beyond the required levels. So, keep a close watch on the levels of humidity. Whenever you use a humidifier, use a clean one because a dirty one can be the cause of worsening your problem. If you want to use a humidifier for allergies or Asthma, speak to your doctor.
2. Why is asthma worse during nights?
Nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma is a condition where you wake up from sleep in the middle of the night due to wheezing, coughing and feeling breathless. It is not unusual for symptoms of Asthma to get worse during nights.
During the wee hours of mornings, the hormonal production of the body that fight with the symptoms of Asthma are low. This is the reason for waking up due to cough during the early hours of morning.
3. What triggers Asthma?
- Viral infections
- Allergens like pollen, pets or dust mites
- Physical exercise in cold weather
- Fear, anger, and excitement
- Air pollution
- Smoking tobacco
- Weather changes
- Chest pressure
- Food allergens, Peanuts
- Certain medications
Prolonged inflammation of the airways makes it extra sensitive. This makes them react stronger and faster to triggers like viruses, smoke, allergens, and dust.
