Over 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, 7 million of which are children [1].
This chronic respiratory condition is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing [2].
Although it can be a minor problem for some, for others, it can be a major obstacle that can interfere with daily activities [3].
Luckily, we have a list of 12 effective home remedies that will help you to keep asthma at bay.
It is also a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that cannot be ignored [3].
Because of this, asthma should be treated immediately.
You can rely on these excellent home remedies for asthma, but if symptoms persist, make sure that you consult your doctor for treatment.
1. Honey
Honey is said to be one of the oldest herbal medicines in the world [4].
For thousands of years, it has been used for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties [4].
Today, it remains a popular remedy for a multitude of ailments, including asthma.
In a 2013 study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, it was stated that honey alleviates symptoms of asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways [5].
In this clinical trial, 40 New Zealand rabbits were administered with either 25 percent or 50 percent honey solutions [5].
It was found that the honey solutions in both dosages were enough to reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchial tubes, as well as inhibit goblet cell hyperplasia [5].
Although the study was done on rabbits, these findings show that honey can be a promising treatment for cases of asthma in humans but further trials should be performed [5].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 glass of hot water
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve honey in hot water.
- Drink slowly.
- Do this three times a day for one week.
Also Read: 10+ Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
2. Ginger
Nausea, muscle pain and soreness, indigestion, cancer, cough and sore throat are just a few of the many issues that can be alleviated with ginger.
If you’re going to take a close look, you’ll see that many of these are related to inflammation.
Ginger’s broad anti-inflammatory effects have been in fact the subject of numerous studies in the last 25 years [6].
It has been confirmed that ginger tones down swelling by suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandin by inhibiting cyclooxygenase- 1 and cyclooxygenase-2 [6].
So it doesn’t come as a surprise that ginger also works for asthma.
Researchers reveal that this herbal remedy is highly effective in alleviating chest tightness and wheezing among asthmatic patients [7].
A total of 92 patients diagnosed with asthma participated in this study published in the Pakistan Journal of Nutrition [7].
During the first phase of treatment, everyone was given spirometry [7].
After one month, the participants were given either 150 mg of ginger or a placebo every eight hours for two months [7].
The healing rates for wheezing (19.5 percent) and chest tightness (52 percent) were much higher for those who belong to the ginger group [7].
In addition to its efficacy, ginger also had fewer side effects compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of ginger juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of pomegranate juice
Recommended Directions:
- Combine the three ingredients.
- Take one tablespoon of this concoction a day.
- Use this remedy for up to five days.
3. Onions
Organosulphur compounds give onions multiple functions for the health—anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial [8].
Onions have also been found superior in improving the function of the red blood cells, lowering the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, reducing inflammation in the body, and fighting off bacterial infections.
A study that can be found in the European Journal of Pharmacology reports that onions contained anti-asthmatic compounds that can reduce bronchial obstruction [9].
German researchers explain that onions inhibited the allergic reactions not only in the bronchial tubes but also on the skin of both humans and animal subjects [9].
Intake of onions whether raw or cooked can do so much in relieving asthma symptoms.
If you don’t like the taste, you can try adding natural sweeteners such as honey or cooking in olive oil.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 onion, minced
Recommended Directions:
- Eat onion slices throughout the day.
- If you don’t like the taste, cook first in olive oil.
- Mix minced onion and honey.
- Put in a glass jar and chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- The next day, take one teaspoon of the onion and honey juice.
- Repeat once a day for one week.
4. Mustard Oil
Many people are not aware that mustard oil is a versatile home remedy that offers multifaceted protective effects on the body.
It works as an anti-irritant, antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, stimulant and tonic.
It’s another efficient way to reduce asthma symptoms.
A Chinese study found that mustard oil can control asthma attack, reduce its severity, and shorten the duration of the attack [10].
It has also been found effective in strengthening the lung tissues [10].
Moreover, mustard oil can help ease chest tightness and restore proper breathing.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon of camphor
Recommended Directions:
- Mix mustard oil and camphor.
- Warm in a pan over low heat.
- Let it cool a little and then apply to the chest and upper back.
- Gently massage these areas.
- Repeat several times a day for three to five days.
5. Lemon Juice
When life hands you lemons, use the juice to reduce asthma attacks.
Organic Facts reports that lemon juice is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial, clearing the mucus and harmful microorganisms in the airways.
In addition, vitamin C in lemons can help strengthen immune defense and prevent the occurrence of asthma, according to Medical News Today.
It’s not only a potent remedy for asthma attacks but also an effective preventive measure.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 half lemon
- 1 glass of water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Squeeze juice from the lemon.
- Add lemon juice to the water.
- Add honey to sweeten the mixture.
- Drink this once a day for one to two weeks.
Also Read: Lemon Juice for Acne : 8 Simple Home Remedies
6. Figs
A member of the mulberry plant family, figs abound in helpful nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, and manganese.
Since the early times, figs have been utilized for their array of curative purposes [11].
A series of studies point out that figs have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial functions [12, 13, 14].
These are due to the presence of flavonoids and steroids in figs [13].
In one study, figs have been found to produce over 75 percent reduction in both acute and chronic inflammation [14].
Figs are also said to have expectorant actions that help in draining phlegm trapped in the respiratory tract.
By getting rid of the phlegm that causes coughing and wheezing, figs help you experience great relief when you use this as a remedy for asthma.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 dried figs
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Soak figs in water for 24 hours.
- Eat figs in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Then, drink the water.
- Do this every day for one month.
7. Carom Seeds
The medicinal value of carom seeds has long been recognized in India and many parts of the world [15].
Kidney disorders, liver problems, common cold, boils, eczema, and mouth infections are just a few of the many problems that can be treated with carom seeds.
For those suffering from asthma, these seeds can also come to your aid.
Carom seeds work as an anti-asthma treatment by getting rid of mucus from the airways, and alleviating breathing problems and chest tightness [16].
Otherwise known as Bishop’s weed, this herbal remedy provides immediate relief for mild asthma attacks.
This natural treatment is also highly effective for other types of respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, as reported in a 2014 study [16].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of carom seeds
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil carom seeds in water.
- Remove from heat.
- Inhale the steam.
- Drink the tea after a few minutes.
- Do this every day for one to two weeks.
8. Garlic
Garlic has always been known as the “wonder healer”.
Throughout history, it has been an ace ally in combating countless health problems.
It’s no surprise that it’s also included in the list of useful remedies for asthma.
This herb contains strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help reduce airway inflammation, and therefore, relieve chest congestion [17, 18].
According to American scientists, the organosulphur compounds in garlic work to scavenge the oxidizing agents and at the same time prevent the oxidation of fatty acids [17].
By doing so, it suppresses the formation of pro-inflammatory messengers and inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria [17].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 glass of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Boil three cloves of garlic in milk.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it cool a little.
- Drink concoction once a day for one to two weeks.
- Crush two cloves of garlic to extract the juice.
- Put garlic juice in a glass of warm water.
- Mix in honey.
- Stir well.
- Drink the solution once a day until condition improves.
9. Eucalyptus Oil
The soothing properties of eucalyptus oil do more than just relax your senses.
It’s also a quick-acting solution for asthma thanks to it active compound called eucalyptol, according to a study in the Respiratory Medicine Journal [19].
This conclusion was reached after 32 patients with steroid-dependent asthma participated in a double-blind trial, in which they were given either 200 mg eucalyptol or a placebo for 12 weeks [19].
The use of eucalyptol reduced the usage of steroid prednisone by up to 36 percent [19].
This suggests that eucalyptol indeed has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and should be considered as a mucolytic agent for various types of upper and lower respiratory disorders [19].
Moreover, various studies indicate that eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulatory, and antibacterial effects that can help in patients with asthma [20, 21].
Not only does it tone down the swelling in the airways, it also helps boost the immune system to make it easier for the body to combat bacteria and allergens that trigger respiratory problems.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 1 pot of hot water
- 4 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
Recommended Directions:
- Add five drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water.
- Inhale the steam.
- Do this every night before sleeping.
- Combine four drops of eucalyptus oil and jojoba oil.
- Apply oil blend on the chest.
- Massage gently.
- Inhale deeply as you do.
- Repeat procedure each time you’re having difficulty in breathing.
10. Peppermint Oil
The most popular use of peppermint oil is for treating irritable bowel syndrome.
Many studies have been done on this topic, and most have yielded positive results.
Of course, this is just one of the many disorders that can be treated with a medicinal oil like peppermint.
Asthma sufferers can also get immediate relief from this.
According to research released by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-congestive and expectorant actions that work well for asthma patients [22].
It also has anti-spasmodic effects, which means that it can help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, as reported in Live Strong.
Its antispasmodic properties have something to do with its ability to suppress prostaglandins as well as nitric oxide synthase [22].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
Recommended Directions:
- Put peppermint in a towel.
- Place towel above your head or on your pillow before you sleep.
- Do this every night for one to two weeks.
Also Read: 8 Reasons to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair
11. Lavender
When you’re stressed out, lavender can help calm you down.
It can also do the same thing for you when you’re panicking about an asthma attack.
However, it does more than keep you relaxed.
It mainly helps by reducing inflammation in the airways.
In a study conducted in Okayama, Japan, mice subjects induced with asthma were administered with lavender oil [23].
After the trial, it was discovered that lavender dramatically reduced pro-inflammatory enzymes and inhibited airway resistance, indicating that this oil is a promising treatment for bronchial asthma [23].
What You’ll Need:
- 4 drops of lavender oil
- 1 bowl of hot water
Recommended Directions:
- Add lavender oil to a bowl of hot water.
- Inhale the steam every night before sleeping until asthma improves.
Also Read: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
12. Coffee
As it turns out, there’s more to coffee than simply being a morning energy drink.
It can also relieve breathing difficulties in asthma patients.
Coffee contains caffeine, which is considered a bronchodilator that’s also useful in reducing fatigue in the respiratory muscles [24].
A total of six trials involving 55 asthmatic patients were analyzed, and results showed that caffeine indeed boosted the lung function within one to two hours of consumption [24].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of coffee
Recommended Directions:
- Drink coffee in the morning and after lunch.
Bottom Line
Experience relief from asthma symptoms with the help of these home remedies.
If the condition does not improve, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
Hope this article was helpful. For any queries, feel free to ask us.
Read Next: 17 Useful Home Remedies for Asthma Wheezing
