Home Remedies and Herbs for Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that produces inflammation in the lungs. As a result, the airways narrow and swell and begin to produce mucous. This leads to difficulties breathing and can trigger severe attacks that include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. ^1,2 Asthma is named after the Greek word for “panting” which is what happens to asthma patients when they feel like they can’t get enough air into their lungs.¹ Asthma is one of the most common childhood illnesses whereby half of all asthma cases develop before the age of 10 years old. Children with asthma often experience other allergies.¹

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma can have two different causes: allergic and nonallergic. Allergic asthma occurs as a result of a reaction to inhaling an irritant such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites which triggers a reaction. This causes an immune system response that creates inflammation in the lungs.¹ Nonallergic asthma does not include an immune system response. Nonallergic asthma triggers include stress, anxiety, cold air, smoke or a virus. Other people may experience asthma symptoms when they exercise. This is known as asthma-induced exercise.¹ It isn’t clear what causes asthma although there are known asthma triggers. Developing asthma is thought to be caused by a genetic factor. Environmental conditions may also cause asthma to develop in certain people.

Asthma Symptoms

Primary asthma symptoms include:^1,2

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Dry consistent cough
• Trouble sleeping
• Whistling or wheezing when exhaling
• Coughing and wheezing fits that are worsened by a virus such as a cold or flu

Serious and emergency symptoms of asthma attacks include:¹

• Difficulty breathing or stopping breathing
• Lips and face turning blue in color (cyanosis)
• Severe anxiety including panic attacks
• Rapid pulse
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of consciousness including confusion and dizziness

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Asthma

Though asthma symptoms are typically treated using a breathing inhaler, there are a number of natural asthma treatments that patients can use. Here are the top asthma natural cures:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy to help restore pH levels which can treat symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Coffee - Coffee is a natural asthma treatment that helps to rebalance the body. Caffeine contained in coffee may also help to prevent future asthma attacks by opening up airways.
• Garlic - Garlic contains natural compounds that help to open up the airways. Take garlic during an asthma attack to help improve breathing.
• Honey and Cinnamon - The combination of honey and cinnamon taken together can help to open up airways and alleviate symptoms of asthma attacks.
• Licorice Root - Licorice root is used as a traditional remedy for treating respiratory conditions including asthma. Use licorice root to help alleviate asthma attack symptoms.
• Honey - Use honey to naturally help relieve symptoms of cough and tightness in the chest which are associated with asthma attacks.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/asthma
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/definition/con-20026992