18 Popular Home Remedies for Asthma18 Popular Home Remedies for Asthma
Home remedies for asthma have been used for centuries. Although there is very little or no scientific proof for their effectiveness, they have stood the test of time. Considering that most of them are based on commonly consumed foods, any harm is unlikely unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients. These remedies can play a supporting role to the main line of treatment given by your doctor.
1. Coffee
Caffeine helps in opening up the airways. Due to its bronchodilating ability, it was a standard treatment for asthma in the 19th century. Research has shown that people who drink coffee regularly have fewer asthma symptoms. You can drink up to three cups a day to help relieve your symptoms. Coffee is beneficial in moderation, but don’t overdo it and avoid taking it before bedtime. It is a stimulant and may keep you awake at night. Coffee also causes dehydration and increases your heart rate. Coffee is also not recommended for small children.
2. Onion
Onion may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Some studies also support the theory that it reduces congestion in the windpipe. You can eat raw onions, but cooked onions are good enough. They are more palatable and won’t leave you with bad breath.
3. Capsicum
Spicy foods like chili peppers may help clear the airways. Researchers believe that this is a side-effect of their tendency to stimulate the release of fluids. Secretion of fluids makes mucus thinner, which is beneficial for people with asthma who have impaired mucous transport. This makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways. Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives capsicum its pungent flavor, is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Fruits containing Vitamin C
Citrus fruits like orange and lemon as well as fruits like Indian gooseberry are rich in Vitamin C. It is the main antioxidant in the lungs and people with asthma often have a Vitamin C deficiency. Researchers have found that foods rich in Vitamin C reduce wheezing by about 30% in some asthma patients.
5. Oily fish like tuna, salmon and mackerel
Fish that contains high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart, but they are also a great boon for the respiratory system. They seem to reduce asthma attacks in patients and also prevent the onset of asthma in healthy individuals. Omega-3 fatty acid reduces the sensitivity of the airways, which is often responsible for asthma flare-ups. Some researchers also believe that Omega-3 fatty acids block compounds that are necessary to create inflammation in the body. Fish-oil supplements containing omega-3 will also do the job.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt contains Vitamin B12, which is believed to help reduce the symptoms of asthma. A cup of yogurt contains about 1.4 microgram of Vitamin B12, which is about half the daily recommended allowance. Eat yogurt at room temperature and not straight from the fridge.
7. Turmeric and milk
Turmeric is a proven anti-inflammatory substance. Researchers believe that it inhibits the release of substances that are necessary for creating inflammation. Take one teaspoon of the yellow spice mixed in a cup of warm milk on an empty stomach. You can take this two to three times a day. Turmeric is also available in convenient capsule or tincture forms.
8. Soup of radish, honey and lemon juice
Blend equal amounts of grated radish, honey and lemon juice. Regular consumption of a teaspoon of this mixture is believed to help asthma patients clear mucus from the airways.
9. Ginger, fenugreek and honey
Boil a teaspoon of fenugreek in water and filter to extract the clear liquid. Add one teaspoon of ginger juice to a cup of this decoction. Adding honey will make the mixture more palatable. Take this twice a day. The mixture works like an expectorant and helps clear excess mucus from the airways.
10. Honey and olive oil
Mix a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey. Add this to a cup of warm milk and stir well. Take this mixture along with a few cloves of garlic before breakfast. It is believed to help prevent asthma flare-ups.
11. Indian gooseberry and honey
Deseed and crush a gooseberry. Mix five grams of the gooseberry paste and a tablespoon of honey. Taking this mixture regularly every morning is believed to help prevent the chronic symptoms of asthma.
12. Safflower seed powder and honey
Mix a teaspoon of dry safflower seed powder and a tablespoon of honey to make a natural expectorant. Taking this mixture twice a day is believed to ease the symptoms of asthma.
13. Soaked raisins
Clean and soak raisins in water. Soak them again in cold milk. Eat this in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also eat raisins and pomegranates boiled in milk. Regular consumption of raisins is believed to reduce asthma flare-ups.
14. Figs
Eating dried figs may help remove chest congestion by making it easier to remove phlegm. Soak three dried figs overnight in warm water and eat them in the morning.
15. Herbal tea
Herbal teas are believed to help ease asthma symptoms. Adding ground ginger and lime juice makes them more effective.
16. Honey, bitter gourd juice and basil
Mix equal portions of the ingredients. Consuming a teaspoon of the mixture regularly is believed to reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.
17. Drumstick leaf soup
Boil drumstick leaves in about 175 ml of water for about five minutes to prepare a soup. Once cooled, add salt to taste, pepper and lemon juice. The soup is considered beneficial for people with asthma.
18. Garlic and milk
Garlic is believed to be good for people with asthma. Boiling them with milk makes it easier to take them. Add about ten cloves of garlic to about 40 ml of milk and boil to prepare the remedy.
There are several home remedies for asthma and you can try some of them one at a time and see if they help. While there is very little scientific study to prove their effectiveness or otherwise, they have been used for centuries.
Home remedies can help, but they are no substitutes for your doctor. You should not deviate from your asthma action plan without consulting your doctor. One natural remedy that always works is to prevent conditions that trigger asthma. Download our free guide to green and healthier homeshttps://business.facebook.com/EbenezerGreenHealthierHomes/.