It’s difficult to breathe when you’re suffering from asthma. From chest tightness to coughing to wheezing, the symptoms of asthma can leave you struggling every day just to keep your head above water, so to speak.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to ease your symptoms at home without resorting to expensive medications and treatments from the doctor’s office that can do more harm than good.
Here are 10 effective home remedies for asthma that will help you feel better in no time.
1) Honey
Honey has long been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including asthma. When taken orally, honey can help to soothe the throat and bronchial tubes, which can help to reduce asthma symptoms.
Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce congestion and inflammation in the lungs.
To use honey as a home remedy for asthma, simply take one tablespoon of raw honey daily or add a few drops of raw honey to a cup of warm water or tea.
You can also apply raw honey to your chest and inhale the vapors to help open up the airways.
2) Ginger
Ginger is one of the most effective home remedies for asthma. It helps to soothe the airways and reduce inflammation.
Drinking ginger tea or taking ginger supplements can help to ease asthma symptoms. You can also add ginger to your diet by cooking with it or using it in salads and stir-fries.
For the best results, use fresh ginger root rather than dried ginger powder. Additionally, if you want to avoid the flavor of raw ginger, try combining two teaspoons of grated ginger with a tablespoon of honey.
Stir until combined before eating on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
3) Lemon
Lemon is an excellent home remedy for asthma. The high Vitamin C content helps to boost the immune system, while the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the lungs.
To use lemon as a home remedy for asthma, simply add the juice of one lemon to a glass of warm water and drink it daily.
You can also add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapors throughout the day.
Other citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits are also beneficial in soothing symptoms associated with asthma.
Just peel and eat the fruit, or juice them if you want more concentrated benefits. Drink fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice mixed with cold water to enjoy these citrus fruits’ benefits without having to chew on them!
4) Garlic
This common kitchen ingredient is often used as a home remedy for asthma. Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which make it helpful in clearing the lungs and reducing mucus production.
It also helps to boost the immune system, making it less likely that you’ll have an asthma attack in the first place.
To use garlic as a home remedy for asthma, you can take a raw garlic clove and chew it slowly or add garlic to your cooking.
You can also take a garlic supplement daily. If you’re allergic to garlic, don’t use it as a home remedy.
5) Hot Water Bottle
If you’re looking for a simple home remedy for asthma, reach for a hot water bottle. Applying heat to the chest can help soothe muscle spasms and relieve congestion.
Just be careful not to burn yourself. Fill the bottle with warm, not hot, water and wrap it in a towel before applying it to your chest.
You can also try taking a hot bath or shower, which can have similar effects. Be sure to use plenty of soap when bathing, as this will clean away allergens that could trigger symptoms later on.
Similarly, cleaning your nose with salt water helps remove allergens and keeps mucus from building up too much inside.
Add one tablespoon of salt per cup of water into a small bowl and inhale deeply through the nose while holding one nostril closed.
6) Peppermint Tea
When it comes to home remedies for asthma, peppermint tea is a classic choice. The menthol in peppermint can help to open up the airways and clear out congestion.
Peppermint tea is also naturally soothing, which can help to calm an asthma attack. To make peppermint tea, simply steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for five minutes.
You can also add a bit of honey to sweeten the tea if you like. Drink three cups of peppermint tea per day during an asthma attack or when symptoms are particularly bad.
7) Cinnamon Stick
If you’re looking for a home remedy for asthma that is both effective and tasty, look no further than cinnamon.
This spice has been used to treat respiratory problems for centuries, and recent studies have shown that it can help reduce symptoms of asthma.
Just add a cinnamon stick to your cup of tea or coffee, or sprinkle some on your oatmeal or other breakfast cereal.
You can also try taking cinnamon supplements, but be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure they’re right for you.
8) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of conditions, including asthma. Proponents claim that it can help to ease symptoms by thinning mucus and balancing pH levels.
Apple cider vinegar is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system. To use apple cider vinegar for asthma, mix 1-2 tablespoons with water and drink 1-3 times per day.
You can also add a tablespoon to a cup of tea or another hot beverage. Be sure to start with small amounts and increase gradually, as too much apple cider vinegar can cause heartburn or other digestive issues.
9) Hydrogen Peroxide
When it comes to home remedies for asthma, hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective solutions. This substance helps to break down mucus and open up airways, making it easier to breathe.
To use hydrogen peroxide, simply mix 3% solution with an equal amount of water and drink it down. You can also inhale the vapors from a bowl of hot water mixed with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
10) Kava
Kava is an effective home remedy for asthma. This herb has been used to treat respiratory conditions for centuries.
Kava relaxes the muscles in the airways and reduces inflammation. It also has sedative effects that can help ease anxiety and stress, which can trigger an asthma attack.
Kava is available in supplement form or as tea. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried kava root in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times daily.