Five Natural Herbal Remedies for Asthma

"Asthma is a chronic lung disease which cannot be cured." A statement like this can really scare people and make them more distressed than they already are. It is true that even when you don't have the symptoms, you still have the disease. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath can flare up anytime.

However, just because there is no treatment for asthma, does not mean that you should just give up and suffer in silence. There are lots of steps that you can take to manage the disease effectively so that you have fewer symptoms allowing you to lead an active and normal life.

One thing that can surely help you here is the use of herbs. Let's have a look at five of the most effective herbal remedies for asthma.

Gingko Biloba is one of the best selling herbs in the United States and Europe and why not. This herb has been used for various medicinal purposes for thousands of years in Chinese traditional medicine.

While it is most popular for its positive effects on brain functioning and thinking, not many people know that it can actually reduce airway sensitivity as well.

Although more research is required to rate its effectiveness as a natural remedy for asthma, gingko seeds contain substances that kill bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in the body. This is why regular intake of this herb may help reduce the occurrence and severity of asthma attacks.

The elderberry is a dark purple berry that grows on the elder tree or the Sambucus Nigra. Research has shown that the berries may be effective in treating sinus infections and relieving symptoms of cold and flu. The berries are rich in nutrients such as tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins A, B and C.

Referred to as the "medicinal chest" by Hippocrates, this herbal remedy for asthma may help in reducing congestion due to its expectorant properties. It may also help in toning up the mucus membranes and in warding off viruses that can cause infections.

You have probably heard about turmeric as one of the main spice in Indian curries. It is used to add flavor and the yellow color to curries. However, the turmeric root has been used to treat various health conditions for more than 4000 years.

Turmeric may be effective because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found that it reduces the levels of two enzymes in the body that are known to cause inflammation. By reducing inflammation in the airways, it may control the constriction of the airways.

It has also been found to be effective in treating cold and flu, bronchitis, and lung infections. These are enough reasons to prove that this spice may help in strengthening your lungs and reducing asthma symptoms. All you need to do is add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to one glass of warm milk and take it at night before going to bed.

Known as the "sweet root", this very effective herb for asthma has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. It acts as an expectorant, so it can help get rid of the accumulated phlegm. It is quite commonly used for treating cough, bronchitis and sore throats.

While buying licorice, look for DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Glycyrrhiza is an active ingredient of this herb which may have serious side-effects. So, make sure to buy licorice that does not contain this active ingredient.

Another very useful herb not just for asthma but all respiratory conditions is ginger. Ginger is a native herb of Asia and is commonly used as a spice in Indian foods. It contains volatile oils and phenol compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. The substances present in ginger may help reduce inflammation and this is why it can help reduce the symptoms of asthma.

You can buy this herbal remedy in the form of extract, capsules or oils. You can also enjoy its benefits by making tea made by boiling fresh or dried ginger root.

Keep in mind that although there is no treatment for asthma that can cure it permanently, you shouldn't allow it to interfere in your daily activities. Just keep following the instructions of your physician. While the above-mentioned natural herbal remedies for asthma are quite safe tor use, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor if you plan on taking one of these on a regular basis.

University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

National Institutes of Health (Medline Plus)