Asthma is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing. Some common causes of asthma are allergies, air pollution, respiratory infections, sulfites in food and certain medications. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma, it’s important to see your doctor to be properly diagnosed. Asthma can occur in anyone but is very common in children and young adults. It is the number one cause of chronic illness in kids, affecting more than 5.5 million children. There are many medical treatments for asthma. Plus, there are a number of home remedies for asthma, you can try to ward off attacks and alleviate symptoms.
Steam
Using a steam room or humidifier can help decrease asthma symptoms and relieve them. The steam will open up your lungs and have you breathing easier within minutes. In a closed bathroom, add lavender essential oil to a tub of hot water. A lavender steam can be used by some asthmatics even during an attack. The steam opens airways, while the lavender quickly relaxes lung spasms. If you find that steaming only makes it more difficult to breathe, use an aromatherapy diffuser or a humidifier instead.
Honey
Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. Add 1 tsp of honey in very hot water and sip slowly. Take this just before sleeping to remove phlegm from the throat. You can also mix equal quantities of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Take one tablespoon of this mixture twice or three times a day. Just inhaling the smell of honey also produces positive results for some people.
Omega-3 fatty acid
Some studies suggests is that omega-3 supplementation may be beneficial for asthmatics, particularly those suffering from allergic asthma. Eat salmon 3 times a week and take salmon oil capsules. To reduce a fishy aftertaste after taking fish oil capsules, they should be taken just before meals.
Kiwi fruit
Earlier studies have suggested that eating fresh fruit containing vitamin C is associated with improved lung function in both adults and children. In the Italian diet citrus fruit (consumed largely in winter) is the most important source of vitamin C. Kiwifruit was included in the item because of its high vitamin C content and its widespread consumption in recent years. A study in Italy indicated that children had less trouble with wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing in the night when they consumed 5-7 servings of kiwi or citrus fruit a week.
Coffee
The caffeine in regular coffee can help prevent and control asthma attacks. Caffeine’s chemical structure is similar to common asthma medications, it can dilates the bronchial airways and relax the airways to help you to breathe easier. The stronger the coffee, the better the result. But try not to drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. You should not add milk or cream because this can cause phlegm to build up in your throat and make your asthma worse.
Eucalyptus Oil
Pure eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms. During an asthma attack, massage 1-2 drops over the chest. Also, just by breathing the Eucalyptus oil in can help relieve asthma symptoms as well as cold and respiratory ailments. You can also put two to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. Try to take deep breaths for faster results.
It’s important to understand that “these home remedies is not a cure for asthma.” But the good news is that they may help offset some symptoms, whether mild, moderate, or severe, allergic or nonallergic. Doctors who specialize in treating asthma can be very helpful.
