10 Home Remedies for Asthma

If you have trouble breathing, you may have asthma. It’s a lung disease that occurs when the airflow to and from the lungs is blocked. Either acute or chronic, the obstruction can be caused by allergies, respiratory infections, air pollution, and other weather conditions. Asthma symptoms range from coughing and wheezing to shortness of breath and chest tightness. Luckily, there are medical options that help treat asthma. However, there are at-home remedies that will provide relief from asthma.

Ginger

This natural treatment helps reduce inflammation, which inhibits airway contraction. Further, it can also assist the effects of asthma drugs as a muscle relaxant. There are a variety of ways to consume ginger by mixing equal parts of ginger juice, pomegranate juice, and honey. Drink one tablespoon of the mixture up to three times a day.

Mustard Oil

During an asthma attack, rubbing mustard oil will assist in clearing the respiratory passage. Simply heat the mustard oil with camphor. Put the liquid in a bowl and massage the warm oil on your chest and upper back. Complete the process multiple times a day until the symptoms cease.

Figs

Did you know figs promote respiratory health? They alleviate breathing problems by draining phlegm. All you have to do is wash three dried figs and let them soak in a cup of water overnight. The next morning, eat the figs, drink the water, and it will help with your asthma symptoms. Be sure to consume the figs on an empty stomach and repeat it for several weeks.

Garlic

If you are suffering from the early stages of asthma, you can clear chest congestion with garlic. Boil three garlic cloves in a quarter cup of milk. Drink the concoction after it cools to room temperature.

Coffee

Caffeine acts as a bronchodilator; therefore, hot coffee can relax the muscles and help clear the airways. The stronger your coffee is, the easier you can breathe. However, avoid consuming more than three cups a day. Tea is another option if cannot stand the taste of coffee.

Eucalyptus Oil

In its pure form, eucalyptus oil possesses decongestant properties because of its active chemical eucalyptol. Since it breaks up mucus, it is an ideal at-home remedy for asthma. Keep a paper towel with a few drops of eucalyptus oil by your head as you sleep. Inhaling the aroma will help, and you can also do so by putting three drops of oil in boiling water and taking deep breaths in the steam.

Honey

Ethereal oils and alcohol in honey provide asthma symptom relief. In fact, honey is one of the oldest, most natural remedies for lung disease. Besides inhaling it, you can mix one teaspoon of honey in hot water and sip it slowly three times a day. Another way to remove phlegm from your throat is by eating one teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder before falling asleep.

Onions

The anti-inflammatory properties of onions assist with opening the airways. If you can stomach it, you can eat a raw onion to breathe better. Cooked onions can do the trick, too. In both forms, onions have sulfur that decreases inflammation in the lungs.

Lemons

Rich with vitamins and antioxidants, lemons reduce asthma symptoms. People who have asthma also tend to have lower levels of vitamin C, so lemons are a perfect at-home remedy. To reduce asthma attacks, you can drink a glass of water, sugar, and lemon juice. Freshly squeezed fruit tends to work better than bottled lemon juice. Oranges, strawberries, blueberries, and papayas can also provide relief.

Carom Seeds

Another bronchodilator, carom seeds dilate the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Also referred to as Bishop’s weed and ajwain, you can boil a teaspoon of carom seeds in water and inhale the steam. If you prefer, you can drink the mixture. Besides consuming the seeds, you have the option to wrap them in a paper towel and heat them for a few seconds in the microwave. Put the wrapped seeds on your chest and neck directly until it cools; repeat this daily.

Adding natural spices and herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and turmeric into your cooking will help your symptoms on a regular basis. Eating cold-water fish including salmon, cod, herring, or mackerel once a week can provide you relief, too. Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in magnesium, selenium, and beta-carotene will improve lung functions. Likewise, artificial foods that are processed will cause further breathing problems. Adding nutritious foods to your diet will promote an overall boost in your health. However, before you consume at-home remedies, make sure you consult with your doctor. Depending on your asthma triggers, some seasonings or citrus drinks can make symptoms worse. Further, you should never substitute at-home remedies for symptom-relieving medications. The combination of both pharmaceutical and natural drugs can almost alleviate your symptoms altogether.