Asthma is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing. Asthma can be either acute or chronic. Asthma attacks occur when there is an obstruction in the flow of air in the lungs. Some common causes of asthma are allergies, air pollution, respiratory infections, sulfites in food and certain medications. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
There are many medical treatments for asthma. These simple natural remedies can also provide relief from symptoms.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for asthma.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known natural treatment for various ailments including asthma.
- Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Take one tablespoon of this mixture twice or three times a day.
- Alternatively, you could mix one teaspoon ground ginger in one and a half cups of water and take one tablespoon of this mixture at bedtime.
- Cut one inch of ginger into small pieces and add it to a pot of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes, allow it to cool down and then drink it.
- To detoxify your lungs, mix one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Drink this solution every morning and evening.
You can also eat raw ginger mixed with salt.
2. Mustard Oil
When having an asthma attack, massing with mustard oil will help clear the respiratory passages and restore normal breathing.
- Heat some mustard oil with a little camphor and gently massage it into the chest and upper back.
- Do this several times a day until the symptoms subside.
3. Figs
The nutritional properties of figs promote respiratory health and help drain phlegm and alleviate breathing difficulties.
- Wash three dried figs and soak them in a cup of water overnight.
- In the morning, eat the soaked figs and drink the fig water on an empty stomach.
This method helps the nutrients quickly enter your bloodstream and provide relief from asthma symptoms.
4. Garlic
The following garlic remedies will clear congestion in your lungs, giving you quick relief from asthma symptoms.
- Boil 10 to 15 cloves of garlic in one-half cup of milk. Drink this once a day.
- You can also make garlic tea by adding three to four cloves of garlic to a pot of hot water and letting it steep for five minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then drink it.
5. Coffee
The caffeine in regular coffee can help prevent and control asthma attacks. Hot coffee also will relax and clear the airways to help you to breathe easier. The stronger the coffee, the better the result. But try not to drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. If you do not like coffee, you can opt for a cup of hot black tea.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Pure eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms.
- Just put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a paper towel and keep it by your head when sleeping so that you breathe in the aroma.
- You can also put two to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. Try to take deep breaths for faster results.
7. Honey
Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. The alcohol and ethereal oils in honey help reduce asthma symptoms.
- Just inhaling the smell of honey produces positive results for some people.
- You can also mix one teaspoon of honey into a glass of hot water and drink it slowly at least three times a day.
- Before going to bed, swallow one teaspoon of honey with one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This will help remove phlegm from your throat and allow you to sleep better.
8. Onions
Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma. Also, the sulfur content in onions help decrease inflammation in the lungs. Simply eat raw onions to clear your air passage ways for better breathing. If you cannot bear the taste of raw onions, try eating cooked onions.
9. Lemon
People with asthma often have low levels of vitamin C. Lemons are rich in this vitamin and antioxidants that can help reduce asthma symptoms. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and add some sugar according to your taste. Drink this when you are suffering from an asthma attack. Oranges, papayas, blueberries and strawberries are also rich in nutrients that help minimize asthma symptoms.
10. Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help your lungs react better to irritants that cause asthma symptoms. It can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation. Along with salmon, you can eat other fishes such as cod, sardines, mackerel and tuna. If raw salmon is not readily available, you can try salmon oil.
The next time you suffer from an asthma attack, try these natural treatments. When followed in a proper manner, you’ll breathe easier and get relief from other symptoms of asthma.
Diet for Asthma
Certain foods are known to help in easing an asthma attack. These include:
- Caffeine dilates the bronchial passages and thus alleviates the symptoms of an asthma attack.
- Pungent foods help in thinning the mucus and this prevents the air passages from becoming narrow. These foods include onions, garlic and chili.
- Foods such as tuna, sardines and other fatty fish contain anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce inflammation. Onions and foods which contain vitamin C also help in this regard.
- The B vitamins are beneficial for asthmatic individuals. They are contained in foods such as pulses, leafy green vegetables, dried figs, millets, green banana and bitter gourd. Fruits such as green papaya and grapes are also helpful in keeping asthma in check.
- Vitamins C and E are known to reduce inflammation in the lungs and air passages which usually occurs during asthma attacks. A diet rich in these vitamins will help to protect from colds and respiratory infections which are asthma triggers.
