What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease that causes intolerable breathing problems. It affects the lungs directly and blocks the air supply, which cause swelling and narrowing the airways. Most of the time, asthma can occur due to weather conditions, food, some medications, air pollution or allergies. Asthma can be divided into 4 different categories:

• Mild intermittent – Asthma symptoms last up to two days a week and up to two nights a month.
• Mild persistent – Asthma symptoms remain more than twice a week but no more than once a day.
• Moderate persistent – Asthma symptoms remain more than one night a week and once a day
• Severe persistent – Asthma remains throughout the day on most days and frequently at night.

The last 3 categories are considered as persistent, and any patient in the last category “Severe Persistent” should be dealt with immediate and proper medical care.
You can try some homemade remedies for asthma listed below to get relief until you visit a doctor.

1. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is one of the most powerful influences against asthma. Extracted by pressing mustard seeds, mustard oil is different from mustard essential oil, of which you should avoid direct contact with the skin. Applying mustard oil all over the chest area will improve breathing by clearing airways.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

You can use Eucalyptus oil as a natural remedy for asthma by inhaling the steam from boiling water mixed with a few drops of oil. This helps to breathe by preventing blockages. Other essential oils that show promise are lavender and basil. Because essential oils are not monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s important that you research the brands you choose for purity, safety, and quality. Impure essential oils may actually cause an asthma attack for those whose symptoms are easily triggered by chemical smells.

3. Caffeinated Tea or Coffee

This works similar to theophylline which is a popular asthma medication, helping to clear blockages in the respiratory tract. Caffeine improves breathing in asthma patients. However maximum consumption is limited to 3 cups per day.

4. Ginger

Ginger is very effective for asthma patients and it gives a great relief as well. A mixture of equal amounts of ginger, honey, and pomegranate is to be made and taken 2-3 times per day.

5. Figs

One of the best home remedies for asthma is dried figs. Figs are soaked in water overnight and consumed empty stomach in the morning along with the residue to bring relief to patients with asthma symptoms.

6. Omega – 3 Fatty Acid

When we consider fats that are good for the body, omega-3 fatty acids comes in the first place. The 3 most important omega-3 acids are EPA, DHA, and ALA; EPA and DHA comes with certain types of fish and seaweed, and ALA fatty acid comes with plant sources such as seeds and nuts. This helps to reduce asthma by improving the lung functions and controlling inflammation in the body. Omega-3 is helpful in preventing heart disease as well.

7. Evening Primrose Oil 

Evening primrose oil is taken from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. This oil contains some good fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, so it will help to reduce blocked airways in the lungs.

8. Breathing Techniques and Exercises

a. Belly Breathing Technique

This helps to distribute air throughout the lungs. You can follow the steps below to get quick relief from asthma:
Step 1 : Sit upright or lie down.
Step 2 : Concentrate on breathing.
Step 3 : Inhale slowly through the nose and lifting chest upward and forward, opposite to abdomen.
Step 4 : Exhale twice slowly as inhale, pushing abdomen inwards.

b. Buteyko Breathing Exercise

The objective of this breathing exercise is to reduce respiratory rate or volume. This is practised in an upright sitting position. Both chest and abdomen muscles should be relaxed while breathing. Breathe in slowly by the nose with eyes and mouth closed. Breathe out slowly by maintaining a slow shallow breathing pattern.

c. Pursed Lip Breathing Pattern

This breathing technique can be used in an asthma attack to increase air intake and remove blockage. This follows slow breathing through the nose with the mouth closed, and exhaling through pursed-lips as though you are going to blow out a candle gently or whistle. Repeating this will help bring breathing back to normal.

Make sure to take slow deep breaths when you are having an asthma attack. It will be a challenge to practice while having an actual asthma attack. Doing this prevents over breathing by maintaining a calm breathing pattern which results in less oxygen intake. And try to sit upright while having asthma as it helps to open airways effectively and improve breathing without difficulty.

If you are unable to control asthma by using the above techniques and remedies, seek medical help as soon as possible.

If you are unable to control asthma by using the above techniques and remedies, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Asthma FAQ