Natural Remedies For Asthma
Many things get credit for being natural asthma remedies. But because studies on complementary and alternative treatments for asthma have been limited, itâs not clear how safe and effective all of them are.
These natural remedies have been studied:
Acupuncture. This traditional Chinese treatment involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. While some people with asthma say acupuncture eases their symptoms, thereâs little proof that it works as an asthma treatment.
Biofeedback. Learning to control your heart rate may help you manage your asthma, but more studies are needed to confirm a benefit.
Herbs and natural dietary supplements. Many people use herbs, plants, and supplements, especially Chinese herbs, to treat asthma. Itâs not clear how well many of them work. More research is needed on supplements like magnesium and fish oil . But vitamins C, D, and E may help lower your risk of symptoms.
Asthma diet. If you have a food allergy, avoiding trigger foods may also help with some asthma symptoms.
Plant-based diet. Several studies have found benefits for people with asthma who follow the Mediterranean diet.It involves lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil. You eat more fatty fish and poultry than red meat. Experts think this diet helps with asthma symptoms because it helps fight inflammation in your body. A similar eating plan called DASH may also improve asthma control.
Are There Complementary And Alternative Medicines To Treat Asthma
There are many complementary and alternative treatments that claim to treat asthma. However, because there have been few or no research studies on most of them, the effectiveness and safety of many are unknown.
Here are some examples of complementary and alternative treatments for asthma:
- Herbs and vitamins. It is believed that some Chinese herbs, like ding-chan tang , can decrease inflammation and relieve bronchospasm. Ma Huang , a common herb used in dietary supplements, has been used for years as a bronchodilator. Ephedra has been banned by the United States Food and Drug Administration . Some studies have also shown that vitamin C improves asthma symptoms.
- Yoga. Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some asthmatics control breathing and relieve stress, a common asthma trigger. Current research does not prove that yoga eases asthma symptoms, but if asthmatics feel that yoga helps them feel and breathe better, there is no reason they should not continue to practice it.
- Acupuncture. There are some reports that acupuncture can help in the treatment of asthma, but this has not been proven.
- Biofeedback. Learning to increase the amount of air inhaled has reduced fear and anxiety during an asthma attack for some asthmatics.
Best Foods For Treating Asthma
Carotenoid Foods
Do you like oranges? Well, those foods that reflect the reds, oranges, and yellows of the rainbow contain carotenoids. A study of 68,000 women showed that those who ate more tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens had much lower rates of asthma, and that people prone to asthma tended to have low levels of circulating carotenoids in their blood. And yes, salad leaves tend to be green, but the color under the green chlorophyll are the carotenoids. Think of a leaf turning color in autumn.
Foods with folate .
Do you want another reason to eat your greens? Dark green leaves are also high in folate the water-soluble vitamin B9. High-folate foods include green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.
Folate reduces allergic reactions and inflammation. Furthermore, it might be capable of reducing wheezing by regulating inflammatory processes.
Vitamin C and vitamin E
Another natural remedy for asthma wheezing, according to some research, is consuming more vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants and help detoxify the body.
For vitamin C, consume leafy greens, citrus fruits, cruciferous veggies, and berries. Vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, is found in nuts, seeds, and healthy plant oils.
Magnesium
For magnesium, consume greens, nuts, seeds, beans, cocoa, and certain ancient grains.
Cruciferous vegetables
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Cbd Fights Asthma Related Inflammation
This method for controlling asthma symptoms is probably one of the least talked about, but its also one of the most effective.
Cannabidiol, or CBD comes from the hemp plant and it has amazing bronchodilatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Over time and with the right dosage, its possible to see a great reduction in the severity of your asthma symptoms by taking a CBD supplement every day.
CBD treats inflammation naturally, including the kinds asthmatics suffer from. There are dozens of scientific studies from real health boards that attest to its MANY health benefits.
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I take between 20-40mg of CBD a day either in an oil tincture or as an isolate powder . And Ive been amazed at the results. In fact, I havent experienced any real asthma symptoms in the many months Ive been taking it.
If youve done the research and are ready to take the plunge, then I recommend buying from a reputable distributor like Direct Hemp. Thats because their products are high quality, reasonably price and this is key they are third party lab tested. One of the main risks with CBD is that there are lots of new unscrupulous companies out there, even ones that label products CBD that have no CBD in them. With Pure Spectrum, you can be sure youre getting the real, asthma-fighting deal.
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Natural Products From Plants
The use of natural products obtained from plants by the traditional medicine has been reported from centuries, especially in countries as China, Japan, and India . Thus, the topics below concern these products or bioactive compounds originated from the most studied plants used on asthma therapy.
2.1.1. Flavonoids
Flavonoids are natural compounds from plants, nuts, and fruits that are chemically characterized by the presence of two benzene rings linked through a heterocyclic pyrene ring . They represent a large group of polyphenolic secondary metabolites with more than 8,000 different compounds already identified . Considering their chemical structure, they can be classified as flavans, flavanones, isoflavanones, flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanidins, and flavonolignans . Flavans or isoflavans possess a heterocyclic hydrocarbon skeleton, chromane, and a substitution on its C ring, in carbons 2 or 3, by a phenyl group . Flavanones and isoflavanones show an oxo-group in position 4. The presence of a double bond between C2 and C3 indicates flavones and isoflavones, and the addition of a C1 to C2 double bond represents anthocyanidins .
2.1.2. Resveratrol
2.1.3. Boswellia
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Alternative Therapy To Help Manage Asthma
At present, acupuncture is one of the most popular alternative therapies for asthma and is performed by competent practitioners.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specified locations to regulate the flow of energy that is believed to control psychophysical function.
How Effective Is Prednisone For Asthma
A review article in American Journal of Medicine evaluated six different trials for adults with acute asthma episodes. In these trials, people received corticosteroid treatment within 90 minutes of arriving at the emergency room. Researchers found that these groups had lower hospital admittance rates than people who received a placebo instead.
Additionally, a review on management of acute asthma attacks in American Family Physician found that people sent home with a 5- to 10-day prescription of 50 to 100 milligrams of oral prednisone had a decreased risk of relapse of asthma symptoms. The same review states that in children 2 to 15 years old, three days of prednisone therapy at 1 mg per kilogram of body weight can be as effective as five days of prednisone therapy.
Side effects of prednisone can include:
- fluid retention
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Natural Supplements For Asthma Attacks
Along with natural remedies, you want to make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet! Letâs take a look at some of the nutrients you want to include in your food:
- Antioxidants: People who have asthma tend to have lower levels of antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium are just some of the antioxidants that you can find in fruits and vegetablesâso make sure to include fruits and vegetables in your diet. These antioxidants are said to help decrease the symptoms of asthma, but more research is needed to actually prove it.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish and healthy oils, omega-3 is said to decrease the inflammation that naturally leads to asthma symptoms.
- Vitamin D: Some studies have linked asthma patients to vitamin D deficiency. Whether or not a lack of vitamin D can cause asthma symptoms is still being researched, but itâs still imperative to include the âsunshine vitaminâ in your diet.
Practice Breathing Exercises And Mindfulness
Learn breathing techniques like belly breathing and pursed-lip breathing. These techniques help you regulate your breathing and prevent an asthma attack even while engaging in activities that cause asthma. Meditating and practicing yogadaily, help you focus on your breathing, and improve your overall fitness.
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Can Home Remedies Help With Asthma
Asthma is a serious illness, affecting over 25 million Americans. It can range in severity from mildly inconvenient to completely disabling and, rarely, can end in death.
Even moderate asthma can have a big impact on your life, limiting your ability to work, take care of your family, or enjoy your hobbies.
It makes sense that people are looking for any way to help manage their asthma, including using home remedies.
There is no cure for asthma so when we talk about home remedies, were really talking about lifestyle changes you can make to prevent triggering an attack and to manage asthma symptoms when it does flare up, says Anthony Gerber, MD, a pulmonologist and professor of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at National Jewish Health and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Denver.
Before you make any changes, however, you should have a talk with your doctor about your medical treatment plan. Most asthma is managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, and either one alone isnt as effective, Dr. Gerber says.
Medications, including oral and inhaled steroids, are an important and life-saving part of treating asthma. There are no home substitutes for your asthma medications, and you should follow your doctors instructions for how and when to take them.
The goal is to get your asthma under daily control, Dr. Gerber says, adding that you should always carry your rescue inhaler in case of an acute attack.
The Best Home Remedy For An Asthma Attack
If youre one of the roughly 25 million people who have been diagnosed with asthma, its only natural that youd want to seek out home remedies to help you manage your condition on your own. This respiratory illness can interfere with daily activities and there is no cure known. So whats a sufferer to do?
If you do a quick internet search for ways to treat your asthma on your own, youll find no shortage of solutions for sale. Some may help slightly, others are little more than snake oil remedies. Because asthma can be a very serious, life-threatening illness, its really best to seek qualified medical help rather than attempting to handle your condition on your own.
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Asthma Attack Home Remedies
Caffeine
Caffeine in tea and coffee can very well help a person during an asthma attack. The caffeine in these drinks can help the lungs open up its airways, similar to the usual asthma medication theophylline. Caffeine could improve the patient suffering from asthma attack breathe easily for up to four hours at maximum. So the next time you forget your inhaler, its good to know that you can substitute tea or coffee furthermore, the drink should be warm for quicker relief. But still, always remember to bring your inhaler.
Eucalyptus essential oil
If youve heard of eucalyptus essential oil, where Im betting you have at least heard of it once, you can also use it during an asthma attack. This type of treatment has been around for a very long time and is still used to cure a lot of illnesses.
To use eucalyptus oil properly, you need to inhale its vapor. To do this, you need to put a few drops into an oil diffuser and let the person having an asthma attack sit near it for him/her to inhale the vapors from the oil. However, when you dont have an oil diffuser, one thing that you can do is to boil a pot of water. Put a few drops of eucalyptus into the hot water and let the person inhale its vapor. What the gas from the oil does is it relaxes your airways, reducing the inflammation that is happening in your lungs. Once the swelling is over, you can now breathe properly.
Takeaway
Natural Home Remedies For Asthma Attacks In Adults
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world that no medicine can cure completely. Therefore, it is essential to find out the appropriate treatments to control the disease. To reduce the risk of asthma, prevent asthma attacks, enhance the quality of life, and reduce the dependence on medicines, you should use natural home remedies for asthma attacks.
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Top Home Remedies For Asthma: Do They Actually Work
Living with asthma can be demanding, between recognizing potential asthma attack triggers to managing day-to-day symptoms. Those suffering from asthma are often looking for more tips and solutions beyond their physicians office to manage their condition.
Many online organizations and forums list different herbs, fruits and other natural substances that are supposed to relieve asthma symptoms, but do some of these actually work? In this post, we take a look at the scientific evidence behind some of the internets most popular natural asthma remedies.
Is It Safe To Use Complementary And Alternative Asthma Treatments
Most people think of herbs as being natural and therefore safe to take. However, many herbs have not been thoroughly tested, and the FDA does not regulate them. This means that the purity and amount of herb in each doseand therefore its safetycannot be guaranteed.
Some herbs used to treat asthma have been found to interact with other medicines. For example, Gingko biloba, used to decrease inflammation in the lungs, could cause bleeding problems in people who are also taking the blood thinner warfarin . Licorice root, used to soothe the lungs of asthmatics, can increase blood pressure. Ephedra has been used as a bronchodilator but has also been linked to some unexplained deaths.
It is very important that you always inform your doctor if you are taking any herbs or dietary supplements. Some herbs may worsen your asthma or other medical condition, or they may interfere with prescribed medicines you are taking.
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What Are The Different Types Of Asthma Medicines And Treatments
There are four types of asthma medicines and treatments:
The difference between these asthma treatments can be confusing. It is important to understand what each treatment does and how they help your asthma. Learning how to use each correctly can you help keep your asthma well-controlled. Always take your medicines as directed by your doctor and follow your Asthma Action Plan.
When To See A Doctor
If your asthma is uncontrolled, seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent a dangerous breathing problem. If youre having warning signs such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain, especially at night or on exertion, its important to see a board-certified allergist or pulmonologist, Dr. Parikh says. Then, check back in with your provider any time you have a change in symptoms. Your treatment plan can be adjusted as needed.
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Yoga And Practising Mindfulness
The benefits of yoga are manifold. If you want to get relief from your asthma symptoms, make sure you do yoga every single day. Yoga incorporates breathing and stretching exercises. It will help to increase your flexibility and also boost your overall fitness. Some yoga poses that can help open your throat and chest are the bound angle pose, bow pose, bridge pose, camel pose, cat pose, cobra pose, cow pose, and cat pose among many others. Meditate every day and increase focus on your mind and body. The focus on breath and stress control from yoga and meditation will help you a lot in breathing easily.
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Treatment Options For Managing Cat Asthma
There are two types of medications used to treat cat asthma: corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Corticosteroids are used daily to manage asthma. These medications help improve symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by reducing the inflammation in the lungs.
If your cat is in distress , bronchodilators help open the airways so they can breathe. Bronchodilators are often referred to as rescue medications because they provide quick relief and are only used when needed.
Both of these medications are most effective when administered by an inhaler and a spacer device rather than taken orally or by injection. Inhaled medications directly target the lungs and significantly reduce the risk of side effects because they dont affect other organs in the body.
Over-the-counter medications may be indicated under the direction of your vet, such as antihistamines, but are not to be used in place of corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
There are several natural remedies for feline asthma you can implement at home that may help manage your cats condition and could reduce asthma attack triggers.
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