10 Best Home Remedies for Asthma...
Here's a potent emergency home remedy for an asthma attack that works fast, along with other natural remedies for asthma that give excellent long term (and even permanent) relief for both adults and children...
A lot of money indeed.
And asthma is also responsible for over 10 million missed work days each year and 12.8 million missed school days. So this health problem has definitely reached what we would label as an “epidemic”. 1
There are several reasons for the incredible spike in asthma over the years, and no, none of them have to do with the genetics/family history theory (yes it’s still just a “theory” so don’t take it as gospel just yet).
Here’s the top 4…
#1. Lowered Immunity in Adults and Children: This is actually the main cause of asthma attacks (your doctor probably won’t agree with this but it’s true). When the immune system has been compromised (lowered) it reacts by producing an auto-immune response such as inflammation in the body, which in the case of asthma, causes airway constriction and then an asthma attack. Inflammation is a sure sign of a poor functioning immune system (asthma is actually classed as an auto-immune disease). The bottom line? Fix your immune system and you fix your asthma.
#2. More Pollutants: Of course, more pollutants, contaminants and toxins in our food, water and air nowadays is going to have a big bearing on inflammation and asthma attacks in the body. So cutting out chemicals and artificial additives (or as many as possible) from the diet, along with reducing levels of dust, smoke, damp air, etc, within the home will also make a huge difference to asthma symptoms and breathing difficulties.
#3. Asthma Medications: This is another one that your doctor won’t agree with but the facts don’t lie. Asthma medications disrupt the body’s crucial endocrine system and significantly lower the immune system. Regular use of these medications can produce the opposite desired effect, and instead, actually cause asthmatic reactions and make breathing worse!
As Dr Joseph Mercola explains…
Advair, for example, contains the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) salmeterol. A 2006 analysis found that regular use of LABAs can increase the severity of an asthma attack. Researchers estimate that salmeterol may contribute to as many as 5,000 asthma-related deaths in the United States each year. Conventional asthma treatments can also increase your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and cataracts, just to name a few. 2
Studies have also found the asthma inhalant Albuterol alters genes in children, making asthma attacks 30% more likely. Dr. John Mills, chief of infectious diseases at San Francisco General, says…
Conventional drugs used for treating asthma, particularly steroids, can impair immune function and lead to more serious health problems. Doctors tell you that steroids (cortisone, prednisone) only cause side effects after many years. But new research shows that permanent damage is immediate and devastating. Studies show that steroids cause permanent, debilitating effects after a single dosage. Steroids are probably the most sleazy of modern day medications. 1
So reducing dependence on pharmaceutical asthma medications (by using natural alternatives) will go a long way to reducing the harmful side effects of these unhealthy, and potentially deadly drugs.
#4. Obesity: Being overweight definitely affects your breathing and will contribute to asthma symptoms. Overweight individuals have reduced lung volumes and elasticity due to the narrowing of their peripheral airways. Excess stored body fat can also press against the lungs causing breathing difficulties. So losing weight and increasing lung capacity is also vital to reducing and eventually curing asthma.
So What Exactly is Asthma and it's Symptoms?
The word “asthma” comes from the Greek word aazein, which literally means sharp
breath or to pant. It was first recognized and officially named as a respiratory
disorder by Hippocrates over 2 ½ thousand years ago. Asthma is classed as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes breathing to become constricted, often resulting in acute coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This condition primarily occurs when the airways spasm and swell causing them to narrow and secrete mucus. This swelling and mucus plays havoc with the respiratory system, particularly the bronchial tubes, resulting in an asthma attack.
The severity of an attack can range from minor to serious to life-threatening. Many people experience asthma as nothing more than a minor nuisance, while others can have severe attacks that greatly affect and disrupt their daily lives. Depending on the severity, an asthma sufferer may experience shortness of breath, chest pain and tightness, uncontrollable coughing, and whistling or wheezing as they breathe.
The three common forms of asthma are…
Child-Onset Asthma
Adult-Onset Asthma
Exercise Induced Asthma (Caused by Rigorous Physical Activity)
Common Triggers for an Asthma Attack…
In most cases, asthma is caused by inhaling an allergen
that sets off a chain of biochemical reactions and changes leading to airway
inflammation, constriction and wheezing. The most common triggers for an asthma
attack include pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches, and dust mites. Other
factors such as allergic reactions, air pollution, cold air, humidity,
respiratory infections, stress, rigorous physical activity, and certain
medications, along with sulfites and preservatives in food, can also trigger
and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Natural and Home Remedies for Asthma Are Your
Best Option for Successfully Treating and Curing This Problem…
Over 3 ½ thousand people die from an asthmatic episode
each year in the U.S. alone, so this condition is definitely not one to be
taken lightly. Suffering an asthma attack and having your breathing severely
restricted can be a very frightening experience, to say the least. Having your
child or toddler, or other loved one, suffer a serious attack is even worse and
can quickly turn a nervousness situation into overwhelming panic!Thankfully, there are some excellent natural and home remedies for asthma that work extremely well. We list 10 of the best here, including a powerful emergency asthma remedy you can have at the ready just in case of an unexpected attack. It works a treat!
So here’s our top 10 in order of importance…
Home Remedy for Asthma #1… Salt and Water (Suitable for
Children, Toddlers and Adults):
Yes, this emergency protocol sounds almost too simplistic,
but it definitely works and works very quickly. If you or a loved one is in the
middle of an asthma attack and you have no inhaler, then you need something to stop it right now. This
remedy is it.Simply take a good sized pinch of ground up sea salt or Himalayan pink rock salt (do not use standard table salt) and place under the tongue. While the salt is dissolving, drink an 8-10 ounce glass of clean, filtered water. For children, just get them to drink as much water as they can. And that’s it!
Now with this remedy, you must make sure the drinking water is at room temperature (cold water can worsen breathing) and the sea salt is unprocessed and organic if possible. If the pink rock salt is Himalayan, it will already be unprocessed and organic. Placing the salt under the tongue stops you from inhaling it so you don’t further complicate your asthma attack.
You may have read that salt can actually make asthma worse, but the research that’s been carried out on this was done using standard table salt, which does in fact make asthma symptoms worse. However, organic sea salt or pink rock salt combined with water and taken the right way, does the exact opposite and actually helps to quickly calm and open up the airways.
If you’re still not convinced about this asthma remedy then consider this… Philanthropist and advocate of this cure, Bob Butts, decided to put up a $50,000 reward (on live radio), agreeing to pay any family $50,000 if this remedy failed to help or even cure their child of childhood asthma. To date, no one has taken him up on the challenge.
You can read more about this remedy here… watercures.org
Natural Remedy for Asthma #2… Apple Cider Vinegar
(Suitable for Children, Toddlers and Adults):
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an old
folk remedy for
asthma - particularly for the wheezing and coughing - that really does
give incredible results. In fact, it works so well that you’ll
start to see an improvement in your asthma symptoms in as little as one
hour! ACV is not only a very powerful immune booster, it also helps to balance out the body’s acid/alkaline levels (pH) to quickly reduce inflammation in the airways and break up phlegm. ACV contains some potent nutrients as well including potassium, B group vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium, which all help to support and heal the respiratory system.
In addition, because apple cider vinegar contains some of the strongest anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties known to man, it’s excellent for quickly relieving viral-induced asthma along with the related symptoms including sinus infections and sore throat. ACV also helps relieve allergy related asthma symptoms quite rapidly as well, but with none of the side effects you get with prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications (ACV is safe for everyone to take!)
Many people who suffer from asthma regularly suffer from acid reflux or GERD (over 75% in fact). Acid reflux is also a prime culprit for bringing on an asthma attack as it causes the airways to constrict and narrow. Apple cider vinegar is extremely good for relieving GERD symptoms, which of course then helps to relieve your asthma symptoms.
So folks, if there’s only one home remedy for asthma (and for overall good health) you decide to use as a permanent fix, this is definitely it. Even the great man, Hippocrates, way back in 500 BC regularly used apple cider vinegar on his patients and considered it his #1 “cure all” medicine!
Best Way to Take Your ACV…
So there are basically two ways to get your apple cider
vinegar every day. You can either take the liquid ACV or the capsules. The
liquid is much more cost effective, however, some people simply cannot stand
the taste of the liquid and actually gag on it. If this is you then go with the
ACV capsules instead (for dosages, take the maximum amount listed on the bottle). If
you don’t mind the taste of the liquid then simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of
organic ACV in a glass of warm, filtered water and drink down (half the amount
for kids and half again for toddlers). Or if you prefer, you can take it
straight up in a shot glass. Do this 3 times a day, 10 minutes before each main
meal (on an empty stomach). You should also try adding a teaspoon of
natural or Manuka honey to the mix for extra benefit and taste. Honey is a
terrific remedy for asthma as well. One of the oldest known cures for this
condition in fact! Now, if you’re going to try and administer this remedy to a child or toddler, what you’ll quickly discover is that they’ll probably hate it! The taste puts them right off. So here’s a couple of ways to get around this…
First, try mixing the ACV in with some apple juice or normal cider, along with a little water (if need be). This helps to hide the taste of the apple cider vinegar and most kids will happily drink it. Or, if that doesn’t work, try this ACV and Cranberry Cocktail…
Mix 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice, 1-1 ½ cups of water and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or natural honey in a mock tail pitcher, then serve.
Make Sure You Buy the Right Type of Apple Cider Vinegar…
This is extremely crucial. The ACV you buy MUST still
contain the “mother” apple (it will tell you on the bottle) and must be organic.
Processed ACV’s of any kind are useless and will not work. Here’s some
of the best ACV’s on the market if you’re interested… Apple Cider Vinegar
Liquid & Capsules. Oh and finally, remember this… You don’t take ACV like you do a prescription. If you want to keep your asthma away, you must take the apple cider vinegar every day for the rest of your life! And the great thing is by doing this, you will not only cure your asthma for good, you'll also be much healthier and rarely ever get sick again!
Home Remedy for Asthma #3… Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Inhalation Therapy (For Adults and Children):
The hydrogen peroxide inhalation (inhaler) therapy is also a very
powerful - and dirt cheap – natural remedy for asthma. In fact, this one works
so well that you’ll usually start to feel better and start breathing easier (reduced
wheezing and coughing) in just a few minutes! It really does work that quickly.
What the hydrogen peroxide does is basically “oxygenates” the lungs. And of course, more oxygen in the lungs means much better and easier breathing.
Thankfully, this treatment is now even being recommended to asthma and emphysema (COPD) patients by many doctors. When something works so well for so many people, how can you deny it!
What’s surprizing about this asthma remedy is it’s actually been around since the 1800’s, but has been made famous more recently by a guy named Bill Munro. Bill has helped thousands (including himself) restore their health through the use of his H2O2 treatment. And don’t be scared off by using this remedy either (no matter what “scare tactic” articles you may have read). Hydrogen peroxide is very safe as long as you use the 3% food grade variety such as this one... Essential Oxygen+ Hydrogen Peroxide. You can also buy hydrogen peroxide from most pharmacies and drug stores. Just make sure it’s 3% food grade though.
How to Use the Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Method…
To use the H2O2 therapy successfully and get the most out
of it, we recommend you take the time to watch this short 6 minute video. It
explains it all very simply. And remember, if you administer this remedy to
children, the dose should be ¼ to ½ of that of an adult. But like we said, it’s
safe to use when the correct type of hydrogen peroxide is used (3% food grade)
so there really is no exact rule…
Home Remedy for Asthma #4… Vitamin D (Crucial for Infants,
Toddlers and Adults):
According to vitamin D expert, Dr Joseph Mercola, a
vitamin D deficiency is one of the root causes of asthma, especially childhood
asthma. There have been several in-depth and well documented studies proving
that a lack of vitamin D causes respiratory disorders such as asthma (you can
read about them here) and by rectifying vitamin D deficiencies
within the body, you can almost completely eliminate this health problem. When
you consider that asthma is primarily caused by inflammation and low immunity,
and vitamin D fights inflammation and significantly boosts immunity within the
body, you can understand why this nutrient is so crucial for the prevention and
treatment of asthma and its related symptoms.
You Actually Need More Daily Vitamin D Than You Think!
The current RDA for vitamin D of 600 IU per day for both
children and adults is a joke. Health experts believe we need up to 8-10
times this amount. Here’s the correct amount of vitamin D you should be
receiving every day based on age and weight… VITAMIN D DOSE RECOMMENDATIONS
AGE DOSAGE
Below 5 35 international units per pound of bodyweight per day
Age 5 - 10 2500 international units
Age 18 – 30 5000 international units
Pregnant Women 5000 international units
You can read more about correct vitamin D dosages here… Mercola.com.
So to receive the required amount of vitamin D each day you and/or your child will need to get some regular sunshine (roughly 20 minutes per day) and take vitamin D3 supplements. The great thing about this is they now make vitamin D liquid drops for infants/toddlers and older children, so there’s no problem getting the required amount into your child every day (and they taste good too so there’s no kicking and screaming to go with it!) For adults and teenagers, the vitamin D3 capsules are the easiest and most cost effective to use.
Natural Remedy for Asthma #5… Animal Sourced Omega-3
Fatty Acids (Crucial for Children, Toddlers and Adults):
Krill oil and cod liver oil are definitely the best sources of omega-3. And they contain extra natural vitamin D too! You can also purchase krill oil for kids and even cod liver oil for kids. For adults and teenagers, you’ll need the high strength formulas.
Home Remedy for Asthma #6… Magnesium (Crucial for
Children, Toddlers, Babies and Adults):
According to world renowned magnesium expert, Dr Carolyn
Dean, magnesium is 100% vital for the prevention and treatment of asthma. Here's what she
says… Research shows that many patients with asthma and other bronchial diseases are low on magnesium. Many drugs used in the treatment of asthma (bronchodilators, steroids, beta blockers) cause a loss of magnesium, only making symptoms worse. Patients treated with simple magnesium supplementation report marked improvement in their symptoms.
Magnesium is a very strong bronchodilator and antihistamine. So what it does is it reduces histamine levels in the body and also has a calming effect on the muscles of the bronchial tubes so they naturally open up and dilate. Both histamine production and bronchial spasms and tightening increase significantly when you have a magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium is also the most basic of all anti-inflammatories, yet doctors rarely prescribe it to their patients, and virtually never to their asthma patients. A recent study published in the Journal of Asthma (Kazaks et al, 2010) looked at the effect of 6 months of magnesium supplementation (170 mg's taken twice daily with food) on pulmonary function tests, asthma control, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate asthma. Researchers reported magnesium significantly improved the rate of asthma attacks, along with improving their symptoms and quality of life.
Other studies have also revealed that virtually everyone is severely deficient in this important mineral, particularly children. Research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2002 found that when the diets of 2,566 kids aged between 11 and 19 years of age were analyzed, less than 14 percent of boys and 12 percent of girls were actually receiving even the bare minimum of magnesium per day! 5
Best Ways to Get Your Magnesium…
Because magnesium has now been almost completely leached
from our food crops and soils (and therefore our foods), supplementation is absolutely necessary.
However, the magnesium contained in most supplements on the market is a cheap form and is not highly
absorbable. The two best options are these…
a. Transdermal Magnesium Spray: Magnesium is easily absorbed through the pores of the skin and a transdermal oil spray is the best way to do this. The magnesium in magnesium oil is 100% absorbable by the body! Here’s what these sprays look like… Transdermal Magnesium Spray.
b. Natural Calm: If you or your little one doesn’t like the feel of the oil on your skin then a wonderful product called Natural Calm is the next option. This stuff is amazing and the magnesium it contains is highly absorbable. And not only will you be able to rid yourself of your asthma with this food, you’ll find yourself much more relaxed and you’ll start sleeping like a baby! You can check it out here… Natural Calm.
Natural Remedy for Asthma #7… Probiotics (Crucial for
Children, Toddlers, Babies, Teenagers and Adults):
Having a healthy supply of good gut bacteria is essential
for the prevention and treatment of asthma in all adults and children,
regardless of age.The reason?
Over 70% of the body’s immune system and immune response is actually located in the gut! So a healthy digestive system means a healthy immune system. And of course, boosting the immune system and keeping it strong is essential for preventing inflammation in the body and successfully treating auto-immune diseases such as asthma and allergies. In fact, replenishing the daily supply of probiotics and pre-biotics in the gut (yes this must be done daily) will make such a massive difference to you and your child’s overall health, and asthma symptoms, you’ll scarcely believe it!
Here’s what author, Allison Tannis, in her book Probiotic Rescue, has to say about the link between probiotics and the immune system for asthma…
“Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and one of the most common causes of school absenteeism. Asthma is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It causes obstruction of the airway, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. If probiotics are primarily in the intestinal tract, how would probiotics aid the lungs and help to fight asthma? Remember that probiotics have a great influence on the immune system”. 3
Where to Get Your Probiotics…
Culturing and fermenting foods such as sauerkraut, kefir,
kombucha, and yogurt has now become a very popular pastime. Fermented foods are
loaded with healthy gut probiotics that are all in a highly usable and absorbable form.
And what’s great about culturing your own foods is it’s very easy to do (once
you get the hang of it) and the food tastes terrific! All you need to do is
follow a few basics.The hardest part though can be getting the kids to eat or drink cultured foods if they’ve never had them before (they can taste quite bitter). To get around this, you can make simular food and drinks to what they’re already having right now, but make them “probiotic friendly”. They’ll hardly know the difference and will actually grow to love these more than the old stuff! Here’s a great website on how to make some kid friendly fermented foods… The Nourished Kitchen.
In addition to this, it’s also a good idea to take a good quality probiotic supplement every day just to make sure you’re giving your gut the healthy bacteria it needs. Remember this… Your gut can never have too many probiotics. Ever! In fact, the more the merrier!
There are loads of probiotic supplements out there now and you can easily get them from most health food stores, pharmacies (drug stores) or online. There are also plenty of children’s formulas available. Just make sure you go with a reputable brand and not one of the cheaper brands. When it comes to probiotic supplements, you really do get what you pay for.
Natural Remedy for Asthma #8… Herbs and Spices That Help
With Asthma (Suitable for Children and Adults):
If you’re a regular asthma suffer then
there are some very worthy and effective herbs and spices that
definitely belong in your pantry (and more importantly, in your belly!)
Here’s some of the top ones you may want to consider…
Licorice: Licorice contains some potent immune-boosting properties. It also reduces inflammation of the bronchial tubes due to the anti-inflammatory effect it has on the lungs. When suffering an asthma attack, make yourself a nice hot licorice root tea with a teaspoon of honey. It works extremely well.
Skullcap: Two particular chemicals in skullcap, baicalen and baicalein, have demonstrated powerful anti-asthmatic activity. They help to inhibit histamine release from mast cells in the lungs, making breathing easier. Scullcap is available in capsule, liquid or tea form.
Ginseng: In laboratory studies, ginseng has been found to repair damaged lung tissue. It also contains excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties and is routinely recommended by herbalists for treating asthma wheezing and shortness of breath. Red ginseng is definitely more effective than the white versions. You will usually find this herb in most formulated asthma herbal remedies.
Oregano: Oregano contains lung-cleansing agents, along with some strong anti-inflammatory chemicals. It’s renowned for quickly reducing the swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and respiratory tract, making breathing much easier. When suffering from asthma, drink oregano tea twice daily by steeping 3 teaspoons of oregano in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes before straining. Add some natural or manuka honey. Drink slowly.
Stinging Nettle: This herb is particularly good for treating allergy related asthma. The naturally occurring anti-inflammatories and antihistamines contained in stinging nettle help dilate bronchial tubes and clear the nasal passages to reduce wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It’s also a very good immune booster. You can buy stinging nettle tea from most health food stores or online.
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbal remedies used in Asia. A study performed back in 2007, and published in the Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, found that the extracts of ginkgo biloba helped to relieve airway inflammation and mucus build up. Ginkgo appears to block the action of a substance called 'platelet activating factor' (PAF), which is believed to be a prime suspect in the onset of asthma and asthma related symptoms. The normal dose for ginkgo biloba is 120-240 mg's of the standardized extract each day.
Butterbur: This age old remedy is one that Dr Mercola regularly recommends for treating asthma. There’s even evidence to suggest that butterbur was being used to treat asthma and colds as far back as the 17th century!
Along with inflammation, two substances - leukotrienes and histamines - are primarily responsible for the onset and escalation of asthma. Butterbur has been found to inhibit these compounds, and in turn, provide quick relief from asthma symptoms.
In a recent study, asthma patients were given butterbur root extract every day. 40% of participants were able to reduce their pharmaceutical asthma medications. In the review paper it was stated… “This study suggests the Petasites hybridus extract (butterbur) is an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of asthma”. 5
Because turmeric works so well at reducing inflammation, it’s considered a standard herb/spice for all asthmatics. You can buy high strength turmeric (curcumin) extract capsules from most health food stores. Quality tumeric powder (not the cheap rubbish) can be bought from most well stocked herbal vendors. Use it in your cooking as much as possible, along with making yourself a nice turmeric tea to drink every day (here’s an easy recipe).
Mustard: Mustard is antimicrobial, so it helps fight bacterial infections (which can trigger an asthma attack). It also contains a substance called quercetin, which has been found to inhibit inflammation in the body. It’s a good idea to use organic mustard in your cooking as much as you can, and if you or your child has an asthma attack, you can use the oil to help clear the respiratory passages. Here’s what you do…
Heat 1 teaspoon of mustard oil with a little camphor, then place in a bowl. While it’s warm (but not too hot), gently rub and massage on the chest and upper back. Do this 2-3 times daily to further help relieve the symptoms.
Garlic: Garlic is one of the most popular medicinal herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine for asthma. Its powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic compounds help to clear congestion in the lungs, nose and throat. Garlic is also an excellent immunity booster and helps fight the infections and allergy symptoms known to trigger asthma attacks.
Eat 1-2 raw garlic cloves each day to boost immunity, along with using this great tasting herb in your foods as much as possible. The only down side to eating garlic is too much of it can make you smell like a garlic factory (at least the vampires will stay away!) The alternative is of course to take the “odourless” garlic capsules instead.
Onions: Onions also contain high amounts of quercetin along with sulphur, both of which help to inhibit constriction of the airways and inflammation of the lungs. So be sure to eat plenty of cooked and raw onions (purple onions are the best eaten raw) to help keep your asthma symptoms and attacks away.
Lavender Oil: A study published in June of 2014 showed that lavender essential oil can be beneficial for asthmatics. Its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties were found to be especially helpful for asthma attacks caused by bronchial allergic inflammation. The best way to use lavender essential oil for asthma (and relaxation) is to rub 2-3 drops on your palms, then cup your palms and place over your nose and mouth. Spend 5-10 minutes breathing in the wonderful scent and aroma. You’ll be breathing easier and feeling more relaxed in no time!
Cayenne pepper contains a potent substance called capsaicin, which stimulates phlegm secretion to quickly clear mucus from the lungs and sinuses. It’s also a strong immune booster and is excellent for curing the common cold or flu (it can be added to warm water and gargled for remedying sore throats as well). This is definitely one of the best herbs for relieving difficult breathing caused by an asthma attack. It’s also one of the hottest herbs you’ll find, so if you’re not use to having cayenne, our advice is to start off small and slowly build up!
Begin by mixing ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a warm to hot (but drinkable) glass of filtered water. Scull down and have another glass of cool water ready to drink afterwards. Do this twice daily and straight away when you get an asthma attack. Slowly build up to 1 full teaspoon 2-3 times per day to keep your asthma away.
Because this remedy works so well, it’s definitely worth persevering with. You do get use to the heat of the cayenne pepper over time. And it works even better when it’s combined with the buteyko breathing method (see below).
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