Asthma is a chronic respiratory problem that causes episodic constrictions and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which in turn, results in difficulty breathing and narrowing of airways in the lungs. Whenever there is an obstruction of air flow in the lungs then it leads to an asthma attack.
However there is no exact reason for this problem but there are many factors that increase the risk of developing asthma such as allergies, genetics, air pollution, respiratory infections, stress, smoking, certain medications, etc.
Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, etc. are some symptoms of asthma. Although there is no complete cure for asthma, we can control its symptoms and the frequency of its attacks by following some diet and lifestyle changes, herbs and over the counter medications.
Here in this article, we are going to know the herbs used to treat asthma. Let’s get started.
Herbs for Treating Asthma:
The listed below are the best herbal remedies that provide relief from asthma and its symptoms.
1. Ginger:
Ginger treats asthma with its oleoresins content that removes excess mucus in the airways and lungs to prevent the infection. It has certain compounds like gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones that exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to inhibit the contraction of airways and reduce inflammation.
- Cut a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger into slices and pour it in a pot filled with 1 cup of water.
- Simmer for 5 – 7 minutes and strain it.
- Sip this warm tea to get rid of respiratory problems.
- Regular intake will give the best relief against asthma.
Note:
- Or mix equal quantities of fresh pomegranate juice, ginger juice, and honey. Stir well and consume 1 tablespoon of this mix for 2 – 3 times daily.
- Also, take ginger or its supplements after consulting your doctor, as it interacts with certain medications.
2. Oregano:
Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and respiratory tract which in turn inhibits the airways contraction and results in normal breathing.
It also contains lung cleansing elements like flavonoids, terpenes, and carvacrol that remove mucus and prevent the blockage of airways.
- Mix 3 teaspoons of oregano herb in 1 cup of hot water.
- Stir well and steep it for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink this tea by adding some honey to it.
- Continue drinking this oregano tea for 2 – 3 times daily will reduce the asthma attacks.
Note: Or extract some juice from fresh oregano leaves and consume 1 tablespoon of this juice for few times daily to relieve from your asthma and chronic cough.
3. Garlic:
Garlic treats this inflammatory problem with its anti-inflammatory property. It has antibiotic and antiviral properties that boost up the immunity to fight against the infections causing asthma and also clears congestion in your lungs.
- Pour 2 – 3 cloves of garlic in a pan filled with 1/4 cup of milk.
- Bring it to a boil and let it cool to reach room temperature.
- Drink it once daily to get control over your asthma attacks and symptoms.
Note:
- Or mix 2 garlic cloves in 1 teaspoon each of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and raw honey and consume it in every morning before breakfast.
- Or simply, consume 1 – 2 crushed garlic cloves daily to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
4. Lemongrass:
Lemongrass exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections, strengthen immunity (rich in vitamin C) and reduce inflammation to treat asthma.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger, a small piece of cinnamon stick, 2 cloves and 2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass in 2 cups of water.
- Bring it to a boil and simmer for 5 – 7 minutes.
- Strain it and stir by adding some fresh lemon juice and honey.
- Drink this lemongrass tea for once daily when suffering from asthma to get relief from the problem.
5. Turmeric:
Curcumin in turmeric exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that clear mucus and soothes the inflammation. It dilates blood vessels, relaxes the muscle spasms and thins the blood to give relief from asthmatic inflammation.
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 glass of warm milk and mix well.
- Drink it twice daily to treat asthma and its attack.
Note: Or mix 1/4 teaspoon each of turmeric powder, grated ginger, and pepper in 1 glass of water and bring it to a boil. Let it reach room temperature and drink it regularly to get rid of respiratory disorders.
6. Licorice:
Licorice treats asthma with its systemic anti-inflammatory effect that reduces inflammation of the bronchial tubes and calms down the airways to create a way for normal breathing. It also exhibits immune stimulant properties that boost up your immunity to prevent any infection.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder to 1 cup of hot water.
- Steep it for 10 minutes with a proper cover on it.
- After that, strain the tea and stir by adding honey in it.
- Drink it once daily to get relief from asthma.
Note: People who are suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, reduce liver or kidney functioning or adrenal diseases should not take licorice.
7. Slippery Elm:
Slippery elm contains anti-inflammation and anti-irritant properties that used to treat lung disorders, including asthma. It reduces inflammation that thins the mucus clogging airways. It also gives effective relief from the chest tightness and cough.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of slippery elm (inner bark) to 2 cups of boiling water.
- Cover it and simmer for about 5 minutes and strain it.
- Stir some honey and drink it when you’re suffering from asthma.
- Regular intake of this tea for twice daily will prevent asthma attacks.
Note:
- Or have some slippery elm lozenges to reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Make sure that pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking this slippery elm herb.
8. Stinging Nettle:
Stinging nettle treats allergy related asthma with its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It opens up the constricted bronchial and nasal passages to get relief from asthma symptoms. It also helps to maintain a healthy metabolism and immunity with its butyric acid content.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried stinging nettle leaves (or root) in 1 cup of hot water and cover it.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes and strain it.
- Drink this tea by adding some honey for few times on daily basis to get relief from asthma attacks.
Note: This herb is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.
9. Bishop’s Weed:
Bishop’s weed (or carom seeds) has a strong antispasmodic effect that relieves asthma symptoms and inflamed bronchioles, whooping cough, cardiovascular disorder, and emphysema.
- Add 1 teaspoon each of carom seeds and jaggery and stir well.
- Consume this mix for twice daily.
- Or simply chew some roasted bishop’s weed seeds followed with water to get relief from asthma.
Tips and Precautions:
- Ginkgo Biloba has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that reduce the asthma attacks. But consult your doctor before taking its supplements, as it may interact with certain medications.
- Avoid exposure to indoor or outdoor pollution, cigarette smoke and other allergens that cause asthma.
- Wear a mask while cleaning your home or other places and also its must to cover your nose and mouth while going out in cold. If you are confused which asthma mask is best for filtering the impurities and allergens, you can know them “HERE”.
- Run a humidifier, if you’re in dry air and use a dehumidifier to prevent over humidity and to maintain optimal humidity levels.
- Drink plenty of water and consume a healthy food (that include omega – 3, vitamins (B5, B12, C & E) and antioxidants rich foods). Try to avoid certain foods (like food additives, refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners or processed foods) which trigger an asthma attack.
- Do some exercises like aerobic, stretches, yoga or resistance training as a part of your daily routine but avoid doing exercise in the cold or dry air.
- You can pour few drops of any essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile, pine needle, rose absolute or clary sage) in the bath or in a diffuser or in a steam inhalation to ease inflammation and prevent blockage of airways.
- Consult your doctor if you suffer from frequent attacks and be sure that these herbs are to be used as an adjunct treatment for asthma.
Use these natural herbs to get relief from asthma and share your experience with us in the below comments box.
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