How to Use Natural Asthma Remedies

Minimize inhaler use with natural asthma remedies.

Whether you need to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack, or simply want to find ways to control your day-to-day asthma symptoms, there are many natural asthma remedies that can provide non-pharmaceutical relief.

Use the following natural asthma remedies to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.

Instructions

1. Drink water. Water is one of the most overlooked natural asthma remedies. Suboptimal water intake can cause mild dehydration, resulting in higher blood levels of histamine; histamine is associated with asthma symptoms. Water dilutes levels of histamine in the bloodstream.

2. Inhale steam. Just like steam can open the pores of your skin, it can also help open up tight airways. Try draping a towel over your head with your face over a bowl of steaming water, or take a hot shower.

3. Have some hot tea (or coffee). This provides three natural asthma remedies in one: the steam will help open your airways, the liquid will help dilute the histamine in your system, and the caffeine in the tea acts as a bronchodilator.

4. Relax. Sit down, close your eyes, and take a few moments to wind down. You can also lay down for a bit. Try to breathe slowly and deeply. Stress and agitation can make asthma symptoms even worse; calming down can help relieve your symptoms.

5. Change your diet. Dairy products are a common allergen and asthma trigger for many people. Visit an allergist or try an elimination diet to pinpoint possible dietary triggers for your asthma.

6. Take asthma-fighting supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce inflammatory responses in the body, and research has shown magnesium to be helpful in combating asthma as well.

7. Eliminate environmental triggers. These may include pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and other indoor pollutants. Use a quality air filter in your home, use hypo-allergenic covers for beds and pillows, and sweep and vacuum your home regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack, do not attempt to use natural asthma remedies to alleviate your symptoms. If you are having severe difficulty breathing, your lips are turning blue, you are having retractions (your chest sucks inward beneath the ribcage or under the neck when you breathe), or you are experiencing lethargy or confusion (could be a sign of lack of oxygen) call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.