Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by difficulty in breathing. Disruption in the air flow within the lungs, because of any reason, is a serious ailment. Patients suffering from asthma often need immediate medical attention. However, there are simple home remedies that can help reduce the severity of the asthma ailment.
Note: These measures are best adopted after a thorough consultation with your doctor.
Symptoms That Could Be Pointing to Asthma
Though asthma is a medical condition that needs proper diagnosis, there are few telltale signs to alert you.
- Tightness in the chest
- Breathing through mouth instead of nose
- Mild to severe cough, especially at night
- Phlegm and mucous build up
- Throat irritation
The Most Common Causes of Asthma To Watch Out For
- Allergies
- Tobacco smoke
- Environmental factors like air pollution, cold temperature & nitrogen oxide
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Atopy
- Airway hyper reactivity
Time Tested And Super Simple Home Remedies for Asthma
There are, literally, dozens of natural remedies that you can use to keep asthma symptoms at bay. Let’s know more about a few of them.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil helps to treat the ailment because of its decongestant properties. It contains eucalyptol, a chemical that can break the mucus down, enabling ease of air flow within the lungs of the person affected. Apply the chemical on a towel and then put it on the patient’s head as they sleep, or add this in boiling water and make them breathe the fumes in.
2. Coffee
The use of coffee is another way to overcome asthma. Coffee acts as a bronchodilator, a property that makes it effective for treatment of asthma. The drink helps to open up the airways making the process of breathing easy for the patient. Consume strong coffee for better results.
3. Garlic
Garlic helps to reduce the congestion within the lungs as well as to give relief to the patient. Boil cloves of garlic in a half cup of milk and drink at least once a day.
4. Mustard Oil
Using mustard oil to massage the respiratory organs greatly remedies the effect of the ailment. To use the oil in treatment, warm it with a little camphor and then apply on the chest and the back part of the neck.
5. Ginger
Backed by research, ginger is a well-known remedy for asthma among other ailments. It reduces airway contraction and inflammation. Mix it with honey and consume a tablespoonful between two to three spoonfuls in a day. Ginger is among the leading remedies because it has compounds that enhance muscle relaxation.
6. Fig
Figs’ nutritional properties help them effectively treat asthma. Soak dried figs in water and let them sit overnight. Eat the soaked figs and drink the water on an empty stomach.
7. Parsley Leaves
Another best herbal treatment for asthma is parsley leaves. These leaves help in the reduction of the congestion within the lungs along with relaxation of the entire breathing system. Tea prepared from the leaves soothes the throat and allows easy breathing for the asthma patient.
8. Fennel Seeds
Frequent consumption of fennel seeds is a very effective way to reduce the asthma attack. Individuals should use the seeds even when they are not sick to prevent possible attacks.
9. Gooseberries
Consumption of a mixture of gooseberries and honey plays a vital role in the treatment of asthma. Application involves the crushing of the berries together with honey, and consuming at regular intervals.
10. Fish Consumption
Individuals who consume fish are less prone to the disease. Fish such as Tilapia, Tuna and Sardines are considered good for protection against the disease. Fish consumption makes lungs stronger and healthier.
11. Lemons
It is advisable that patients of asthma eat fruits frequently. Fruits such as lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Eat fruits in addition with water and sugar at least once a day in to help cure the ailment.
12. Onions
Onions have anti inflammatory properties that help reduce the effect of asthma on the individual. They clear the air passages, enabling the patient to breathe with minimal strain. It is recommended to use onions in small quantities regularly in order to avoid causing health problems. Raw onions are preferred in order to clear your air passage effectively. If you can’t have them raw, then you can also consume cooked onions.
13. Cloves
Cloves help relax the chest of the person affected by the disease. They contain compounds that help the muscles to relax and allow free flow of air within the breathing system of a person. For this, all you have to do is take 5 to 6 cloves and boil them in half cup water. Add one spoon honey to it after boiling. For effective treatment, consume a teaspoonful twice a day.
14. Bitter gourd
A mixture of bitter gourd juice, honey and lemon helps to cure asthma. Those who are already affected need to drink the mixture twice every day to recover.
15. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is a herb with hard brown seeds and white flowers. Fenugreek seeds are flavorful and aromatic. The seeds taste bitter but it goes away after being slightly roasted. Fenugreek seeds are quite rich in vitamins such as folic acid, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin C, A and B6. Fenugreek seeds have many health benefits, one of them being a good way to treat asthma. Boil a few fenugreek seed in a cup of water and add one tablespoon of honey and ginger juice to it. Drink this concoction 1-2 times a day to effectively treat asthma.
16. Honey
Honey is a natural home-made remedy to quickly overcome asthma. You can use honey in more than one ways to bring out its effectiveness. One option is to mix one tablespoon of honey in a cup of lukewarm water and drinking it twice or thrice a day. Another option is to mix one tablespoon of camphor powder with one tablespoon of honey and drinking this before going to bed. This will help you sleep well as it effectively removes the phlegm from the throat.
17. Carom seeds
Carom seed is a plant which originated in Pakistan and India. The best way to make use of carom seeds is to boil one tablespoon of these seeds in a cup of water and then drink the mix. You can also opt to inhale the vapor. It works like magic by clearing the air passage. Carom seeds can also be used alternatively. Take a handful of carom seeds and wrap them in a cloth. Heat the cloth in a microwave and put it on your neck and chest till it cools down. Repeat the procedure till you start feeling better. Other way of using carom seeds to treat asthma is to first paste some seeds, heating the paste and then adding jaggery to it. All you have to do is eat one to two tablespoon of this mix daily till you start getting some relief.
18. Radish Juice
Radish juice is an effective natural remedy to cure asthma. It is extremely easy to use as well. Extract the juice from grated radishes and add some lemon juice and honey to it. Drink this mix once or twice a day depending on the severity of asthma. This juice will help in clearing your respiratory tract.
19. Lukewarm milk
Drinking milk is beneficial to your health in many ways. For getting relief from asthma, heat a glass of milk and add one tablespoon of honey and olive oil to it. You need to drink the milk with a few pieces of garlic cloves in the morning before breakfast.
20. Turmeric
Turmeric is an effective home remedy to treat various kinds of ailment. Turmeric will help you get respite from throat blockage. Heat a glass of milk and mix one tablespoon of turmeric in it. You need to drink the milk twice a day for immediate relief.
21. Apple Cider Vinegar
Take some water and add one to two tablespoon apple cider vinegar to it. You can also choose to add a tablespoon of honey to the mix and drink it before meals on a regular basis. This will help strengthen your immunity and digestive system along with your lungs.
22. Licorice Root Tea
Take a glass of water and add some licorice root to it. Boil the water for a few minutes and then add honey and lemon juice. Drink this quite a few times in a day to get relief from throat blockages.
Preventive Measures for Asthma – Must Know for Everyone With An Asthmatic Person At Home
- Get regular asthma checkups and monitor your asthma symptoms.
- Keep away from pets, stuffed toys and carpet’s dust.
- Avoid allergic things.
- Maintain allergy-proof environment.
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid consuming cold products, beverage etc.
- Reduce stress
- Regular exercise indoors.
- Keep your asthma medicines and device nearby