Asthma is a chronic lung condition causing difficulty breathing. This post will cover asthma’s causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips. We’ll discuss how asthma affects daily life, recognize signs of an asthma attack, and create an asthma management plan. Additionally, we’ll review the latest asthma research, provide tips for living with asthma, and share effective home remedies, including lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and natural treatments. Lastly, we will offer resources for further information and support. Our goal is to help those with asthma find relief and improve their quality of life.
22 Natural Home Treatment To Control Asthma
Bronchial asthma, known as Dama (Hindi/Urdu/Marathi) and Astuma (Tamil), is a chronic inflammatory disease causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The term “asthma” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “panting or short breath.” Asthma patients experience frequent breathlessness attacks but are normal in between. Various factors, including allergies to dust, weather, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants, can cause asthma. Non-allergic factors like emotional tension, air pollution, infections, and hereditary factors also play a role. When both parents have asthma or hay fever, their children often have allergic reactions. There are natural treatments for asthma available.
- Cinnamon: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon trikatu (a mixture made from long pepper, ginger and black pepper) into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes, and add 1 teaspoon of honey before drinking. You can take this tea twice a day.
- Cloves: Insert about 7 cloves into a peeled banana, and keep it overnight. Next morning eat the banana and the cloves. Don’t eat anything for an hour, then drink 1 cup of hot water. This remedy is very helpful for chronic bronchial asthma.
- Sitopaladi Churna: Mix 1/2 teaspoon sitopaladi (a ready mixture of Tabasheer, Piper longum, Elettaria cardamomum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, sugar), 1/2 teaspoon punarnava (a powder made from a herb boerhavia diffusa), a pinch of pippali and a pinch of abrak bhasma (an Ayurvedic medicine, prepared from Mica). For immediate relief, take this entire mixture with honey, a little bit at a time.
- Figs: Soak 4 – 5 figs into warm water overnight. Eat figs in the morning and drink the same water. Repeat the procedure for at least 2 months.
- Mustard Oil: Rubbing a little brown mustard oil onto your chest will give some relief. In case of asthma attack try camphor mixed with mustard oil. Apply this mixture on chest to get relief, also helps to take out extra mucus from the chest. OR Mix 1 teaspoon of brown mustard oil with 1 teaspoon natural organic sugar. Take 2 or 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
- Onion: To relieve congestion and alleviate breathlessness take 1/4 cup onion juice with 1 teaspoon honey and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. This remedy will also be effective for immediate relief of asthma.
- Flax Seed: To minimize asthmatic attacks, in a pan bring water to boil. Add 1 tablespoon of flax seed powder and 1 piece of palm candy. Boil it for few more minutes. Drain the water. Drink this 1 big tablespoon of water along with a cup of milk to reduce extra mucus from the chest. Also minimize the chances of asthmatic attack.
- Amla – Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry (amla / phyllanthus emblica) are is very helpful for asthma patients. Take 5 gm of amla and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix and try this mixture everyday morning. If you do not have a fresh amla you may also try dry powder.
- Black Pepper: Make a tea by mixing ground mustard seeds and pippali (or black pepper if you don’t have pippali). Steep 1/4 teaspoon of each for 10 minutes in 1 cup hot water, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons honey. Drink 2 or 3 times a day, or for better results sip it every 15 minutes throughout the day. OR Try 1/2 teaspoon bay leaf and 1/4 teaspoon long pepper (pippali) mixed into 1 teaspoon honey. Take this mixture 2 or 3 times a day.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acid: The omega-3 fatty acids in high oil fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel, are anti inflammatory. Diets higher in the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may improve asthma. So try to include such fish in your daily recipes. Also try to include apples, grapes, and celery leaves which are high in flavonoids (water-soluble plant pigments that benefit health) and vitamin C. Both are antioxidant. People with asthma, often have low levels of antioxidants, perhaps because this inflammatory condition depletes them. Vitamin C supplementation helped protect against exercise-induced asthma.
- Turmeric: Heat the milk to your desired warmth, but do not boil it. Stir in the turmeric. Drink this mixture up to three times daily. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Concentrated extracts of turmeric and other anti-inflammatory herbs can improve some aspects of asthma. The fat in milk can improve intestinal absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.
- Licorice Root: To stop wheezing immediately, boil 1 teaspoon of licorice root (yashti madhu) in a cup of water for a couple of minutes to make a licorice tea. Just before drinking the tea, add 5 to 10 drops of mahanarayan oil if you have some, or use 1/2 teaspoon of plain ghee. Take one sip of this tea every 5 to 10 minutes. If the licorice tea induced vomiting. This is beneficial: It eliminates kapha and relieves the spasm of the bronchial tubes, and the person usually feels better immediately. You can save this tea for 72 hours without losing its effectiveness.
- Ajwain Leaves: Ajwain leaves (Karpooravalli / Indian Borage / Oregano) are considered as a very important herb for asthma. In a cup of butter milk add 1 tea spoon of carom seeds and drink. Repeat the same twice a day to reduce the extra mucus from the chest. Steam made with carom seeds is useful for respiratory system. Also you can boil ajwain seeds with water and use this water to fill in “Hot water bottle” to heat up your chest.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory, expectorant effects. It may also help open the airways by relaxing the encircling muscles. It is not safe to take eucalyptus essential oil by mouth as it is highly concentrated. Also many are toxic when taken internally. So try this simple message made with eucalyptus essential oil. Blend 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unscented lotion (OR olive oil, OR petroleum jelly) and 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil in a small, clean jar. Rub the mixture onto your chest. Start with a small amount to see how you respond to eucalyptus. Inhale deeply as you work. You’re drawing some of those aromatic, medicinal oils into your lungs. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes, nose, or other sensitive mucous membranes. If you have any remaining rub, store it in the jar and cap tightly.
- Garlic Clove: If you have started asthma very recently then try this one. Take 10 tablespoon of milk and 10 small cloves of garlic. Bring it to boil and drain the milk. Take this milk once a day. Also try inhaling steam made from water, crushed little ginger and crushed 2 garlic cloves. Inhaling must be done at least twice a day – morning and evening.
- Steam: Inhaling steam is a great way to relax airways, to increase circulation, and to thin respiratory mucus, which makes it easier to expel. Take 1 quart (946 ml) water, 1 to 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil, or 1/4 cup (6 g) crushed, dried eucalyptus leaves. Boil the water. Turn off the heat. Add 1 drop of eucalyptus oil and increase drops if the eucalyptus vapors don’t trigger coughing. If using dried eucalyptus leaves, add them to the pot, cover, and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the lid. If you no longer have steam, heat the liquid again just to the boiling point and remove from the burner. Lean over the steam and cover your head with a clean towel. Breathe slowly and deeply for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Ghee – Clarified Butter: An infection can cause asthmatic wheezing. In such cases putting 5 to 10 drops of warm clarified butter in each nostril will help.
- Coriander And Ginger: If you have a cough because asthma try this hot drink. Brown 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds in a frying pan, then boil with 4 cups of water, with 4 slices of root ginger. Reduce to 2 cups of liquid, strain, and drink.
- Soup: Soup lovers can try this soup. Bring a water to boil, add handful of drum stick tree leaves, steep for 10 minutes. Add pinch of salt, black pepper powder and lemon juice. Enjoy this soup at least once a day for better result.
- Healthy Tea: Instead of drinking normal milk tea in morning and evening time, try this strong healthy tea. Take 1 cup of water and boil it with 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds. After boiling for few minutes drain the water. In this water add 1 tablespoon of ginger juice and honey for taste. Enjoy drinking in morning and evening.
- Yoga Asanas: Breathing exercise increases the vital capacity of the lungs, relieves allergies and asthma, and helps make the lungs strong and healthy. Also try some effective yoga asanas such as the Bow and Cobra poses, sitting in the Vajrasana, and the inverted poses including Shoulder Stand and Plow. The patient should perform yogic kriyas such as jalneti, vamandhouti and yogic asanas such as ekpaduttanasana, yogamudra, sarvangasana, padmasana, bhujangasana, dhanurasana, vakrasana, ardh-matsyendrasan, shalabhasan, paschimottanasana and shavasana. Pranayamas like kapalbhati, anuloma-viloma, ujjayi, surbyabhedana and bhramari are also highly beneficial.
- Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd asthma home remedy is very popular since ancient times. Grind bitter gourd roots. Mix 1 tablespoon paste along with same amount of homey or same amount of bail leaves juice. Take this mixture once a day at night. Continue it for at least a month.
- Increase Carotenoids Intake: Orange-hued vegetables and fruits like pumpkins, yellow squash, carrots, and bell peppers contain carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and maintain respiratory linings. Carotene supplements can help prevent exercise-induced asthma, and more fresh fruit in the diet can improve asthma. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt promote gut health, as abnormal gut flora can predispose one to asthma and allergies. Some probiotic supplements improve airway responses. While it’s unclear if eating yogurt directly improves asthma, it does seem to boost immune function.
Asthma Prevention Tips
- Eat a handful of baby carrots every day for a carotenoid boost to help keep respiratory linings strong and counter inflammation.
- Keep living spaces, especially bedrooms, clean and dust-free. Use pillows filled with polyester, not feather or down, and cover them with dust mite proof pillow cases. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Vacuum or wipe down bedspreads once a week.
- Pine oil in the bath or a vaporizer will reduce the incidence of attacks.
- Breathe clean air. Steer clear of smoke filled rooms or of strong odors from perfume, air fresheners, or paint. On days of heavy pollen or outdoor pollution, stay indoors, close windows, and use air conditioning as necessary.
- Check out your allergic reactions. Eighty percent of people who suffer asthma attacks are allergic to airborne particles that come from mold, pollen, trees and grasses, animal dander, and cockroach droppings.
- Avoid most dairy products, including all cheeses. Avoid fermented foods and all hydrophilic food substances such as salty items, cucumber, and tuna sh. Some people need to avoid mushrooms, peanuts, walnuts and other nuts, and yeast. The reaction may be immediate, for people extremely sensitive to these substances, or it may take several hours to develop.
- Physical activity conditions the lungs, heart, muscle, bones, and brain. Enjoyable exercise is a great stress buster. Swimming is thought to be a good exercise for people with asthma because of the breathing patterns typical of that sport. If you have exercise induced asma, you may need to use your inhaler before you start. Check with your doctor about that. Cold, dry air can also aggravate asma.
- Increase your intake of vitamin B6, which is said to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
- Drink 1 cup of water and lemon mixture after each meal to reduce asthma intensity.
FAQs.
Q. If an adult with asthma has contact with a baby, can they pass asthma to the baby?
No, asthma is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
Q. Are allergies and asthma the same?
No, allergies and asthma are not the same. Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, while asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes difficulty breathing.
Q. Is asthma worse in higher elevations?
Yes, it can worsen in higher elevations due to decreased air pressure and lack of oxygen, which can cause airways to constrict. This can lead to more frequent and severe attacks.
Q. What do you call asthma that comes and goes?
Asthma that comes and goes is known as intermittent or episodic asthma.
Q. Does pet hair cause asthma?
No, pet hair does not cause asthma. However, pet dander (the tiny particles of skin and saliva that accumulate on pet fur) can trigger symptoms in people with asthma or allergies. It is also possible to develop an allergy to pet hair, which can trigger asthma symptoms.
Q. Who can get asthma?
It can affect people of any age, including children and adults. However, it is most common in children.
Q. My friend’s son wants to have a cat. He has severe asthma. Are there any cats that don’t shed hairs and are good for patients?
Yes, there are cats that don’t shed much hair and are good for asthma patients. The best breeds for people with asthma are the Sphynx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Balinese. These cats are known for their low-shedding coats and are considered hypoallergenic. All of these breeds are also very affectionate, so they make great companion cats for children.
Q. My asthma is pretty well controlled, except when I talk. It gets worse whenever I talk on the phone. Is that how asthma works?
Yes, it is possible for asthma to get worse when talking on the phone. Asthma is an inflammation of the airways which can be triggered by many things, including talking. If this happens often, it is important to speak to your doctor to find out what the best treatment is for your specific situation.
Q. My last asthma attack was when I was 12, now I am 16 and still haven’t had an attack. Is it possible that my asthma fully went away?
Yes, it is possible that your asthma has fully gone away. However, it is also possible that it is still present but you are not having symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor to get a full evaluation to determine what is going on. It is also possible that your asthma has become less severe over time and you are now better able to manage your symptoms.
Q. Can the asthma cause anybody to have difficulty working out?
Yes, asthma can cause difficulty working out. Symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath can make it difficult to engage in physical activity. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best approach for managing your asthma when it comes to working out.
Q. How do I smoke cigarettes with asthma? Any tips or breathing tricks?
Smoking cigarettes is not recommended as it can cause an asthma attack. If you must smoke, try not to inhale the smoke deeply and take shallow breaths. Also, try to limit your smoking to outdoors and away from other people to minimize second-hand smoke exposure. Additionally, it may be helpful to avoid smoking after exercise or when you are feeling stressed or anxious. Finally, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your problem.
Q. Do kids living in places with more trees have a lower chance of developing asthma?
There is some evidence to suggest that children who live in areas with more trees and vegetation have a lower risk of developing asthma. One study found that increasing the amount of vegetation in an area by 10 percent could reduce the prevalence of asthma in children by 6 percent. Studies have also shown that exposure to green spaces, such as parks and gardens, could reduce the risk of asthma in children. However, further research is needed to determine if there is a causal relationship between trees and asthma.
Q. Is chest tightness a part of asthma? I never had an asthma attack.
Chest tightness is a common symptom. Many people experience tightness in the chest during an asthma attack, but some may also experience it without having a full-blown attack. It is important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing chest tightness as it may be a sign of another medical condition.
Q. I have asthma and I smoke 10 cigarettes a day. How it can affect me?
Smoking cigarettes can have a serious negative impact. The smoke can irritate your airways and cause them to become inflamed, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks. Smoking can also make it more difficult for your asthma medications to be effective. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you quit smoking.
Q. I developed asthma at the age of 18. Is that normal?
Asthma is typically first diagnosed in childhood, although it can develop in adulthood. If you have recently developed asthma, it is important to speak to your doctor about the condition and any possible triggers.
Q. Is it safe to smoke cigarettes around my asthma inhaler?
No, it is not safe to smoke cigarettes around your inhaler. Cigarette smoke can trigger an asthma attack, and it can also reduce the effectiveness of an inhaler. Additionally, some of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can interact with the medications in an inhaler.
Q. Is there a way for someone with asthma to have a cat at home, can’t asthma be cured?
Yes, it is possible for someone with asthma to have a cat at home. Asthma cannot be cured, but there are ways to manage and reduce symptoms. It is important to talk to a doctor and allergist before getting a pet to see if the pet will trigger any allergies. Allergy medications and air purifiers can also help reduce symptoms.
Q. What are the misconceptions associated with asthma?
- Not a serious condition – It is a serious disease that can be life-threatening.
- Only affects children – While children are more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, it can affect anyone at any age.
- Caused by cold weather – It can be triggered by many different environmental factors, such as pollen, dust, mold, or cold weather.
- Can be cured – Asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with the right treatments.
- Contagious – It is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
Q. What is the emergency management of asthma?
- Establish an Action Plan: Work with your doctor to create a plan that outlines steps to take when your asthma is well-controlled, when it is getting worse, and when an asthma attack occurs.
- Take Control of Your Triggers: Identify and avoid the triggers that can make your situation worse.
- Keep Medications Handy: Make sure you have the right medications on hand to treat your condition.
- Track Your Symptoms: Use a peak flow meter or an asthma diary to track your symptoms and how well your medications are working.
- Get Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to your doctor can help you stay on top of your asthma.
- Know Your Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place in case of a severe attack.
Q. What is the last stage of asthma?
The last stage of asthma is called status asthmaticus. This is a severe, potentially life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to regular treatments. Symptoms can include extreme breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Treatment usually involves hospitalization and the use of strong medications to help control the attack.
Q. What is the difference between asthma and sinusitis?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation in the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, usually caused by allergies or a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, facial pain, and headache.
Q. Why do you get an asthma attack after drinking Coke? Does the cold drink trigger it ?
It is not known why drinking Coke can trigger an asthma attack in some people, but it is thought that the cold temperature of the drink can cause the airways to constrict, which can trigger an attack. Additionally, some research has suggested that caffeine can be a trigger.
Q. Is yoga much efficient to cure asthma?
Yoga can be helpful in managing asthmatic symptoms, but it is not a cure. Certain breathing exercises and postures can help reduce the intensity of attacks and make it easier to manage the condition. However, it is important to note that yoga should not be used to replace conventional treatments and medications prescribed by a doctor.
Q. I don’t have asthma but I do have a dog allergy. Can I get asthma from being with my pet?
No, you cannot get asma from being with your pet. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, not by contact with pets. However, if you have a pet allergy, it can cause the same symptoms as asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Q. How do I cure asthma through Ayurvedic medicine?
- Avoid exposure to allergens and cold air.
- Practice yogic breathing techniques such as pranayama.
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Consume herbs such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and licorice.
- Take ayurvedic herbs such as vasa, shirish, and guduchi.
- Drink warm water with honey and ginger in the morning.
- Use essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree.
- Perform oil massage or abhyanga regularly.
- Take warm baths with added Epsom salts.
- Avoid processed foods, fried foods, and foods with refined sugars.