Holistic Asthma Remedies

Conventional treatments for asthma typically include steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. There is absolutely a time and a place for asthma medication, as they can be life saving - especially during severe attacks. 

But, if you are looking for a few natural remedies to help calm mild to moderate symptoms there are a few worth trying. 

*I am not a medical doctor, and this is not medical advice. You should always consult with your trusted provider, and treat symptoms when they first appear to avoid more severe attacks. 

Daily Moderate Exercise

Exercise can help strengthen the lungs and reduce inflammation. Multiple studies have suggested “physical activity improves asthma control, quality of life, lung function, and inflammatory serologies” (1). 

Minimize Environmental Triggers

• don’t smoke

• use an air filter

• use fragrance & chemical free cleaners & body products

  • shop safer household cleaning products

  • shop safer bath & body for kids

  • shop safer bath & body for adults

• clean and dust often 

• remediate mold 

• bathe pets often, or keep them outside

• remove candles and other home scents

• if severe, consider getting rid of rugs and carpets, as they can harbor dust mites

Reduce Stress

A 2014 study showed that there are psychological triggers for asthma. The study followed 179 adult primary care asthma patients and found that physcological triggers alone explained up to 33.9% of the variance. And they were the only trigger class that was consistently significant in all final multiple regression models predicting control and symptoms (2).

There are many non-medicated and non-supplemented ways to reduce stress, but if you fee like you need an extra boost Gabba is a great supplement for stress and axiety. Gaba (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural chemical produced by the brain, and is a valuable anti-anxiety neurotransmitter When we experience stress, the adrenal glands are triggered to produce hormones that trigger what we know as “flight or fight” responses. Gaba counteracts these natural stimulants by relaxing the brain.

Himalayan Salt Therapy

There’s not much scientific information on salt therapy, although there are many personal reports of success. There is one randomized controlled trial, as well as three other studies, that patients reported feeling better after undergoing salt therapy. However, no solidified conclusions were able to be drawn because of incomplete information such as whether the subjects has COPD or asthma, what medication the patients were taking, how severe breathing difficulties were at the beginning of the study, and long-term effects of the treatment (they were examined only right after treatment).

• Plant Therapy Himalayan Salt Inhaler

Herbal Treatment

Clinical trials have found that ASHMI (anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention), a Chinese medicine herbal formula, to be only slightly less effective than prednisone for treating asthmea. “ASHMI has broad therapeutic effects on the major pathogenic mechanisms of asthma, including inflammation and bronchoconstriction, and it also raises endogenous cortisol production instead of suppressing it as steroid medications do (3).” The ASHMI herbal blend contains reishi, shrubby sophora, and Chinese licorice. Check with a doctor to ensure no medication reactions or interferences before using.

Nutrition

“As Western dietary patterns have become more pervasive, asthma prevalence has increased. Most Americans do not meet the daily recommended fruit or vegetable intake and exceed the recommendations for limiting saturated fat. Thus, recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, while decreasing saturated fat and dairy intake, are supported by the current literature.

Mediterranean and vegan diets emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, while reducing or eliminating animal products, might reduce the risk of asthma development and exacerbation. Fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with reduced asthma risk and better asthma control, while dairy consumption is associated with increased risk and might exacerbate asthmatic symptoms. Dietary components such as antioxidants, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, total and saturated fat, and vitamin D consumption likely affect immune pathways involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. However, intervention trials to assess the prevention and control of asthma by dietary means are necessary to confirm these associations (4).”

Probiotics

There is evidence showing that probiotics can help reduce asthma symptoms when they are taken alongside asthma medications (5). Probiotics have anti-inflammatory effects and can help regulate the gut and lungs. They may also treat GERD symptoms, which can sometimes lead to asthma flare-ups.

If an age range isn’t specified, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 the recommended adult dosage for children up to 6 years; half for children 6-12 years; and the full dose for 13 years and up.

• Powder for babies (Klaire Labs)

• Drops for Infants (Mary Ruth)

• Drops for Infants (Wellements)

• Drops for babies and young children (Meta Kids)

• Drops for kids 1 yr + (adults can use this one too) (Mary Ruth)

• Chewable for Kids 1 - Klaire Labs 2yr+

• Chewable for Kids 2 - Meta Kids 3yr+

• Chewable for Kids 3 - Hiya

• Gummy for Kids 4 - Llama Naturals

• Probiotic for Adults 1 - Apex Energetics/Stregntia

• Probiotic for Adults 2 - Thorne

• Probiotic Adults 3 - Bio-Kult

• Probiotic Adults 4 - Florastor

• Probiotic powder for Adults - Metagenics

• Gummy for Adults - Llama Naturals

Essential Oils

Oils are a very individualized remedy as some oils can be potential triggers, but the oils many people find relief from are:

• peppermint

• lavender 

• eucalyptus

• tea tree

• roman chamomile 

Some have found relief from diffusing oils, some from diluting and rubbing on their chest, and others from using nasal sticks. Always make sure you are using a high quality oil.

My favorite oils are Young Living and Plant Therapy.

You can purchase my full holistic medicine cabinet with over 100 categorized holistic remedies, homeopathic products, and more for both babies, children, and adults. It is an ever evolving document. You will receive a direct link, and any time I add new products, treatments, categories, etc., you will have direct access to the updates. 

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Sources:

1 Kuder MM, Clark M, Cooley C, Prieto-Centurion V, Danley A, Riley I, Siddiqi A, Weller K, Kitsiou S, Nyenhuis SM. A Systematic Review of the Effect of Physical Activity on Asthma Outcomes. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Sep;9(9):3407-3421.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.04.048. Epub 2021 May 6. PMID: 33964510; PMCID: PMC8434961.

2 Ritz T, Bobb C, Griffiths C. Predicting asthma control: the role of psychological triggers. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2014 Sep-Oct;35(5):390-7. doi: 10.2500/aap.2014.35.3779. PMID: 25295806.

3 clinicaleducation.org/resources/reviews/new-studies-confirm-the-power-of-three-chinese-herbs-for-asthma/

4 Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Crosby L, Brooks A, Brandon L, Levin SM, Barnard ND. The role of nutrition in asthma prevention and treatment. Nutr Rev. 2020 Nov 1;78(11):928-938. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa005. PMID: 32167552; PMCID: PMC7550896.

5 Liu A, Ma T,,Xu N, Jin H,,Zhao F,,Kwok L,,Zhang H,,Zhang S, Sun Z,,2021.Adjunctive Probiotics Alleviates Asthmatic Symptoms via Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Serum Metabolome. Microbiol Spectr9:e00859-21.https://doi.org/10.1128/Spectrum.00859-21