Living with asthma is not easy. You never know when the next attack is going to happen and what the trigger could be. Medically, there is no cure yet for asthma and it continues to be a chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways when an attack occurs. There are, however, several home remedies you can use that have been borrowed from various traditional medicinal practices from around the world. Here are 10 such remedies you can use to manage your asthma better and help reduce the symptoms.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
If you have asthma, always keep a bottle of eucalyptus essential oil handy. It can help clear the airways and get rid of the excess phlegm. Whenever your nose feels blocked, put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam. It will help in opening up the nasal passages. When inhaling, remember to keep your eyes closes and the steam and eucalyptus oil may irritate your eyes.
2. Ginger
Ginger is an amazing natural remedy for asthma because of its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Make a juice with equal quantities of ginger, pomegranate, and honey. Consume it 2-3 times a day for effective results. Alternatively, you can also take one tbsp of ginger juice and mix it with a tbsp of honey and two tbsp of dried fenugreek seeds. Soak it overnight and consume it every morning to detoxify your lungs.
3. Figs
This is not an instant relief remedy but more of a good practice. Figs have expectorant properties and help in draining the phlegm that is trapped in the respiratory tract that causes wheezing and cough. Soak some dried figs in water and keep them overnight. Eat them in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, drink the fig water for effective relief from the problem of asthma.
4. Clove
Take 5-6 cloves and boil them in half a glass of water. Add a tablespoon of honey and stir. This remedy can be sipped like tea to cure asthma and can be had two times a day.
5. Black Tea/Coffee
Caffeine helps clear your air passage and makes way for air to enter and exit easily through those passages. If you are not a coffee person, you can go for black tea instead. But, make sure that you consume no more than 3 cups a day.
6. Honey
Honey can lubricate your airways and ease your cough. Honey may also reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes and help break up mucus that is making it hard for you to breathe. Have a teaspoon of honey mixed in hot water at least 2-3 times a day or inhale the aroma of honey.
7. Parsley Leaf
Parsley leaf helps relieve coughing during asthma attacks and acts as an expectorant, enabling you to cough up mucus trapped in the airways. It relieves tightness in the muscles of the chest and soothes the throat and cough. Prepare tea with parsley leaves and have it every day.
8. Gooseberry
If you have asthma, adding gooseberries to your diet can help you get some relief. To make this remedy, crush a few gooseberries and add some honey to the paste. Have this every morning so that you don’t get asthma attack during the day.
9. Radish
Radish contains anti-congestive properties, which can be very useful in treating asthma. Blend radish into a paste and extract the juice. Mix it with some honey and lemon juice. Have a tbsp of this mixture once every day.
10. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil can be used to make a soothing rub that can help with asthma symptoms. Take some mustard oil and heat it till it’s slightly warm. Mix camphor in it. Massage with it all over the chest till you get relief from the asthma attack. Before applying, always make sure the oil is not too hot.
