Home remedies aswell as medication

[ash160808]

Good morning all

I was curious to know if anyone takes any herbal or home remedies to help with their asthma?

Aswell as using normal medication of course

Thanks

[ChrissieMons]

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that any complementary/ herbal/home remedies have a significant effect on asthma. Some help in mild cases such as steam inhaling or things to relax generally, but much depends on why a person is having an attack - allergy, stress, infection or whatever. On the other hand if you believe in the remedy, it could work for you!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Just to add that some things people may use as 'natural remedies' could actually trigger asthma so be careful. For example, though some asthmatics are fine with this, eucalyptus and inhaling steam actually make me worse -so I can't use those to decongest! Many scents and essential oils can be triggers for some people too - so be aware of this if you plan to use any.

I believe the only 'alternative' remedy approved for use on the NHS with asthma is the Buteyko breathing method. Some people can find this helpful for asthma alongside medications, so you may want to look into it. However, don't believe the 'cult-like' claims you see in some places that it can cure asthma and all asthma is just poor breathing. Asthma can give you bad breathing habits yes, and working on these can help you but Buteyko is not a cure - just s warning as I have seen some ridiculous claims about it.

Hope this helps - in general I agree with ChrissieMons on this, natural remedies in general are not shown to do much for asthma, but the harmless ones might help if you have a particular trigger and you are able to minimise this with them.

[Elspe]

What I have found over decades of asthma is that a hot drink can help - whether that's tea, coffee, or a herb tea. Never found anything that works better than a decent cup of tea. I don't have "regular" (a la Tetleys) tea any more because for some reason it gives me headaches. But coffee, or even just fruit juice and hot water, or something gentle in the herbals such as camomile, sipped, helps me - I think it helps with the mucous.

[Hidden]

PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR!

People love to recommend strong coffee, or tea. Tea has theophylline in it. Tea plus my standard meds put me in the ER with a heart rate of 150!

Strong coffee was recommended DECADES ago before we had all the effective meds we have now.

If your meds aren’t doing it, don’t go to your kitchen Go to your doctor. About a year ago, an out of control asthma exacerbation started shutting down my kidneys.

You can’t know everything that’s going on with your body no matter how familiar you are with your asthma. If your treatment plan isn’t working, that’s a big red flag to go to your medical care provider—not to the alternatives aisle or your kitchen.

Fortunately my kidneys are slowly recovering, but now I’ve had to add a nephrologist to my medical team.

[Kitty2823]

Hi ash

I eat omega 3 foods, ginger and honey

[Michalbaner]

I don't have aone specific remedy but here are few dietary tips that can help you

A lot of evidence is pointing out towards whole foods plant based diet rich in fruits and vegetables as helpful.

Meat and dairy activate pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. This is because they are rich in Arachidonic Acid which gets stored around cell membranes. When released from the cell membrane, Arachidonic Acid triggers something called Lypooxygenase and Cyclooxygenase pathways that often result in inflammation. Paracetamol or neurofen blocks these for example. (not suggesting you take it

Trying to replace some of your animal protein sources with legumes, tofu, wholegrains etc may help you. Best sources of animal food for people with asthma are Omega-3 rich oily fish such as salmon, mackrel, sardines and anchovies. There is not much benefit to eating other meats.

It may also be worthy investigating your gluten sensitivity. In certain people it causes temporarily increased intestinal permeabiliity which may launch an immune response

Omega 3 fatty acids and their ratio in Omega 6 fatty acids needs to be in balance no worse than 1:3. Getting in flax seeds, chia, walnuts and oily fish can help.

Sugar is highly pro-inflammatory so careful with any added sources. This doe snot include fruit. You should aim for at leats 10-15 pieces of fruit per day ideally more of the ones with low glycemic index such as berries, apples, pears, plums etc and less banas and dried fruits.

Another thing to look for is mold, dust, dustmites, old carpets, curtains and things in environment that will trigger your symptoms.

Most spices and herbs are highly antiinflammatory so use lot of green herbal spices (rosemary, oregano, parsley, corriander..) in dishes as well as the heavy ones like turmeric, ginger, curry etc.

Regarding any supplements you can look into things such as: fish/algae oil , quertcitin, bromelain, curcumin (with pepperine)

Good luck !