How do you know if you’re having an asthma attack? Symptoms of an asthma attack include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the airways of the lungs and make it difficult to breathe normally.
Luckily, there are natural home remedies that can help relieve these symptoms as well as prevent an asthma attack from happening in the first place. In this article we look at 9 home remedies for treating an asthma attack, so you can reduce your reliance on asthma medication and control your symptoms naturally.
1) Onions
One of my favorite home remedies for treating an asthma attack is onions. This seems a little strange, but basically, all you need to do is slice up a few onions, put them in boiling water, and inhale the steam. It’s so simple that you won’t believe it works! And best of all, it’s completely natural. Just make sure to clean your nose afterward because you might get some onion juice on there... that would be gross!
2) Garlic
One of garlic’s benefits is its effectiveness in treating asthma. Garlic works as an expectorant and has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections that cause asthma attacks. Consume fresh garlic every day. In addition, boil some fresh crushed garlic in a glass of water for about five minutes; drink it throughout the day.
3) Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a known immune booster, and it’s been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat asthma attacks. A 2008 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that asthmatics who took one dose of cayenne saw improvement within just 20 minutes. If you have an asthma attack, try taking half a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper, adding it to hot water (don’t drink too much), and then drinking up.
4) Lime Juice
Inhaling lime’s aroma and inhaling a mist of lime juice can help reduce your asthma attack. Just take a glass of water, add some lime juice to it and inhale for 5-10 minutes. Do not swallow it. You can also try putting a few drops of lime oil on a handkerchief, inhale from it for a few minutes, and put it away until the next inhalation is required.
5) Ginger
According to a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, ginger can be used as an effective home remedy for treating asthma. It can be used as a spray or in tea form. Studies also suggest that it lowers inflammation associated with asthma. Put half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in boiling water and simmer for ten minutes. Add honey to taste and drink twice daily before meals. Another option is to add ginger paste or powder to boiling water and inhale through a steamy shower.
6) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antihistamine, making it an effective treatment for asthma. Mix 5–10 drops of tea tree oil into 1 tablespoon of honey and take in small doses every 30 minutes until symptoms subside.
7) Slippery Elm Bark Powder
This herb has soothing, mucilaginous properties that can be used to treat various conditions such as ulcers, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids. It can also soothe inflammation and reduce asthma symptoms. To treat an asthma attack with slippery elm bark powder, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of powder and 1 cup of water. Put these two ingredients in a blender and blend them until they form a paste. Drink it immediately for the best results!
8) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients. This is what makes it so effective for treating asthma and other inflammatory diseases. You can try drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water three times per day, or you can take a capsule that contains 500 mg of acetic acid to treat asthma attacks. (If you do opt for capsules, be aware that some brands include honey, which can actually increase inflammation.)
9) Oils/Hydrosols/Baths/Suppositories
Vaporizing essential oils around your house and putting them in a bath may help you breathe better. Lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, and peppermint are some of our favorites (you can buy many different blends at Whole Foods). Adding hydrosols to an inhaler or nebulizer is another great option. You can also get these hydrosols directly into your lungs by making a home remedy suppository.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.