Naturally preventing / controlling Asthma

Here are some home remedies you can try to make your home as asthma-safe as possible:

“One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Lemon juice assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma. Lemon, being a rich rich source of vitamin C, helps in dealing with respiratory disorders.

The powerful anti-oxidant in watermelon reduces toxic matters in the body, that in turn reduces asthma attacks.

Lettuce juice contains anti-cough agents, which can help relieve irritable cough, as well as the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.”

From Juice Recipes

13 Tips for long term control and prevention • 15 Tips to make your home as asthma-safe as possible • Home Remedies from the Cupboard • from the Drawer • from the Refrigerator • Do’s and Don’ts

Garlic

To treat asthma, garlic can be very useful. Take ten to fifteen cloves of garlic and boil them in half cup of milk. Drink this solution once in a day to cure asthma symptoms. Else you can even make garlic tea by adding three to four cloves of garlic to a pot of hot water and allow it to steep for five minutes. Allow the solution to come to room temperature and then drink it. This remedy will clear off the congestion in lungs and give you instant relief.

Ginger

Ginger is a well known ingredient used in different kinds of treatments. When suffering from asthma, take one inch of ginger cut it into small pieces and add it to a pot of boiling water and allow it to steep for five minutes. Allow the solution to cool and then drink it. If you wish you can even eat raw ginger mixed with salt to get some relief. Else mix one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey to two tablespoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Drink this solution every morning and evening in order to detoxify the lungs.

Coffee

Your regular cup of hot coffee without milk can also help a lot when suffering from asthma. The caffeine in regular coffee can help to prevent and control asthma attacks. Hot coffee will relax and clear the airways also which will help you to breathe easily. Try to go for a stronger cup of coffee as the stronger the coffee, the better will be the result. But you should not drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. If you do not like coffee you can opt for a cup of hot black tea.

Eucalyptus Oil

You can also use pure Eucalyptus oil to treat asthma symptoms. Just put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil on a paper towel and keep it by your head when sleeping. When you breathe Eucalyptus oil it will give your relief from asthma symptoms along with cold symptoms. Else put two to three drops of Eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water and then breathe in the steam as much as you can. Try to take deep breaths for quicker and faster results.

Honey

Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. Just by inhaling the smell of honey you can notice improvement in your breathing pattern. It is the alcohol and ethereal oils present in honey that will help people suffering from asthma. You can also take a glass of hot water and mix one teaspoon of honey into it and try to drink it slowly at least three times a day. Else mix one teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and eat it just before going to bed. This will help in removing phlegm from the throat.

Mustard Oil

While having an asthma attack, you can also get much relief from mustard oil. Mix some mustard oil with a little camphor and then use this solution to massage the back of the chest. Try to massage gently and do not put too much pressure. Massaging with mustard oil will clear up the respiratory passage and help you to breathe normally. Repeat this remedy several times a day until you get relief from various symptoms of asthma.

Lemon

Lemon can also be used to treat asthma symptoms at home. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and add some sugar according to your taste. Drink this solution whenever you are suffering from an asthma attack. People with asthma have low levels of vitamin C and the Vitamin C present in lemon will fulfill that requirement. Also the antioxidant property of lemon juice will help in decreasing asthma symptoms. Along with lemon, you can also take orange juice, papaya, blueberries and strawberries.

Onions

Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing the constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma. Also the sulfur content in onions can help in decreasing inflammation in the lungs. When you eat raw onions it will clear the air passageways for better breathing. If you cannot bear the taste of raw onions you can even eat cooked onions to lessen the various symptoms of asthma attacks.

Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help a lot during asthma attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids help the lungs to react in a better manner to irritants causing asthma. It can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation which can ultimately give relief from various symptoms of asthma. Along with salmon, you can even try fishes such as cod, sardines, mackerel and tuna. Also if raw salmon is not available, you can try salmon oil to get relief from asthma to a certain extent.

Figs

Figs can be used to treat asthma at home as it helps to drain phlegm. The nutritional properties of fig promotes respiratory health and help to alleviate breathing difficulties. Wash three dried figs and soak them in a cup of water at night. In the morning, eat the soaked figs and drink the fig water on an empty stomach. This way the nutrients present in figs will quickly enter the bloodstream and help in getting relief from asthma symptoms.

From Top 10 Home Remedies

For long term control and prevention:

Decrease protein to 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein
Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources.
Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils that might contain trans-fatty acids, all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).
Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Always drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract secretions more fluid.
Experiment with eliminating (one at a time) wheat, corn, soy and sugar for six to eight weeks to see if the condition improves.
Eat ginger and turmeric regularly for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Have some manipulative work done on the chest to break up restrictive patterns in nerves and muscles that develop in chronic asthma. The best systems I know for this are osteopathic manipulation, especially from a practitioner of cranial therapy, and Rolfing, a form of deep-tissue massage.
Minimize contact with respiratory irritants, such as smoke, dust, molds, and volatile chemicals. Remove sources of offending materials from your home, install a good air filtration system, or consider moving if the air is generally bad where you live. Experiment with living in other locations: in high mountains, the desert, or near the seacoast. Asthma may improve greatly with a change of climate.
In adults, GERD (acid reflux disease) may be an underlying cause of asthma. In such cases, successful treatment of the digestive problem will often clear up the asthma.
Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional healing system of India). These systems are sometimes able to offer significant help through more specific dietary adjustments and herbal treatments.

Here are some specific recommendations for exercise-induced asthma:

Warm up very slowly to the point where you almost feel the “tightness” associated with exercise-induced asthma. Then stop and stretch or, if you’re exercising vigorously, slow down. By taking this break, you often can block the development of asthmatic symptoms. You can then go back to your normal pace. This may take some getting used to, but can sometimes eliminate the need for medication.
Try breath work. The most effective approaches are pranayama techniques (breath control exercises taught in some yoga classes). You can do these after the initial warm-up when symptoms are almost felt. For beginners, start with “The Relaxing Breath,” a technique I describe in my books and on this Web site.
Find a form of physical activity that minimizes your exercise-induced symptoms. Sports or activities that have intermittent rest periods (such as tennis, softball, and golf) can allow you to regain control of your breathing. Swimming may be better than running outdoors in cold weather, but no type of exercise is off-limits with proper treatment. In fact, some of the world’s top athletes have exercise-induced asthma, and they’re still able to compete successfully in Olympic-level events.

Full article from Dr. Weil

Here are some home remedies you can try to make your home as asthma-safe as possible:

1. Don’t pet a pet.

Do not allow your pet into the bedroom ever. If you do have direct contact with your pet (or any animal, for that matter), wash your hands right away. If you simply cannot keep your hands off your pet, at least keep your face away. In addition, try bathing your dog or cat once every other week in warm water with no soap.

2. Smite the mite.

Dust mites. Banishing dust mites from your home, or at least reducing their ranks, will help ease symptoms if you have allergic asthma triggered by these little critters. Here are some tips:

Enclose your mattress in an airtight cover, then cover it with a washable mattress pad.
Wash your sheets in hot water every week, and wash your mattress pads and synthetic blankets every two weeks.
Use polyester or dacron pillows, not those made of kapok or feathers, and enclose them in airtight dust covers.
Avoid carpeting, which is difficult to clean thoroughly; stick to bare floors with washable area rugs.
Choose washable curtains instead of draperies.
Avoid dust-catchers all over the house, especially in the bed; the less clutter the better. If possible, avoid storing out-of-season clothing or bedding in the bedroom; if you can’t, enclose them in heavy plastic.
Try not to do heavy cleaning, but if you must, use only a vacuum cleaner and damp cloth to clean; dust mops and brooms stir up the dust.
Wear a mask over your mouth and nose while cleaning, and leave the room when you have finished.
Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier in warm weather, especially in spring and fall when mites multiply. Aim to keep the humidity level in your home under 40 percent but above 25 percent.
Consider using an air purifier in the bedroom to keep the room free from dust particles.

3. Minimize mold.

Fungus is a parasite that can grow on living and nonliving organic material in several forms, including mold, mildew, and dry rot. Fungi reproduce by producing spores. The spores are the real problem, as millions and millions of them float through the air to be inhaled in every breath, touching off an allergic reaction that can contribute to asthma. To stave off the spores, take the following steps:

Keep your windows closed, because the mold spores can come right in through the windows even if the windows have screens.
Stay out of attics, basements, and other dank, musty places.
Wear a face mask and give your bathroom a going-over for signs of mold. The most likely spots for mold growth: dark areas, such as the backs of cabinets and under the sink.
Examine all closets regularly to see that molds have not set up housekeeping in unused shoes and boots.
On a regular basis, have a family member or friend investigate the inner workings of air conditioners, humidifiers, and vaporizers in your home where molds like to grow.
Periodically check houseplants for mold growth. This will help keep your plants healthy, too.

4. Make peace with pollen.

Pollen is released when plants are blooming. Since it’s just about impossible to escape pollen, learn how to control your exposure to the powdery allergen, instead. Avoid cutting grass or even being outside while grass is being mowed. Room air purifiers are also available that can purify recirculated air, removing particles of all sorts that are suspended in the air and further cleansing the air by passing it through a charcoal filter. After being outside in the midst of pollen, take off your clothes and wash them if possible or run a vacuum over those that can’t be washed. Wash yourself, too, and don’t forget your hair.

5. Kick the cigarette habit.

Tobacco smoke can be an irritant that triggers asthma as well as an allergen that touches off an allergic response leading to asthma. Tobacco smoke is one of the worst irritants known. It also reduces immune response. In addition to preventing asthma attacks, quitting smoking will reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions, as well as save you money.Nonsmokers who live with a smoker are no better off. Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to children and teenagers.

6. Weather the weather.

You might even keep an “asthma journal” by recording the temperature, wind velocity, barometric pressure, and humidity on days when you suffer attacks. Knowing what types of weather conditions can leave you gasping for air can help you avoid problems.For instance, people with asthma should stay indoors when it is very cold outside, since a rush of cold air can cause a spasm in the bronchial tubes. Stay indoors if the wind is strong, too. If you enjoy walking in the rain, you’re in luck, because rain tends to wash away roving allergens, pollutants, and irritants.

7. Watch what you eat.

Some foods, such as nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, chocolate, sodas, and strawberries, can result in an array of allergic responses, including asthma symptoms. Sulfites in wine can have a similar effect. An attack that’s precipitated by a certain food will most likely occur within an hour of ingesting it.

Allergies to certain types of food, especially milk and wheat, are more often a trigger of asthma in children. If milk and wheat seem to be causing problems for your child with asthma, eliminate these foods from his or her diet. Check labels, and avoid foods that list milk, milk solids, casein, whey, or caseinate as ingredients. (Talk to your family doctor about alternate dietary sources of nutrients such as calcium.)Steer clear of alcohol, too, especially if you are taking medications for your asthma. One final reminder: Avoid so-called cytotoxicity tests and similar methods that promise to root out hidden food allergies and cure asthma.

8. Protect your health.

A problem in the upper airways, such as a respiratory infection, can cause trouble in the lower airways (the bronchial tubes) and precipitate an asthma attack. While taking steps to avoid getting sick makes sense for everyone, maintaining good health can dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks.Stay away from a cold or the flu, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid getting overtired; otherwise, you will be more susceptible to infections. It’s a good idea for asthmatics to get a flu shot each year.

9. Avoid chemicals.

Any number of chemicals can trigger an asthma attack in susceptible people, whether it’s chemical fumes, such as from paint or perfume, or chemical additives, such as the sufites that are used as preservatives in food. Keep your distance from these chemicals whenever possible.

10. Avoid aspirin and certain drugs.

Some people with asthma are sensitive to some drugs, especially aspirin and nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Play it safe and avoid aspirin and products that contain it if you have asthma.According to an expert report from the National Asthma Education Program, people with asthma should also stay away from certain NSAIDs (ibuprofen is one such medication) that have effects similar to aspirin’s. Opt instead for such “usually safe alternatives” as acetaminophen, sodium salicylate, or disalcid.

11. Take a deep breath.

Inhaling through the mouth often produces shallow, unsatisfying breaths that can resemble panting. Practice inhaling slowly through the nose in a controlled way, instead. Before you start breathing exercises, blow your nose to make sure that your air passages are clear of foreign matter. Then sit in a chair in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath and feel your breath going as far down as possible. Your abdomen should expand as you do this exercise. Exhale slowly, feeling your abdomen relax as your breath comes out of your nose. Repeat this exercise at least three times a day (but never right after eating and never in a hurry, which may trigger hyperventilation).

12. Exercise your options.

Start by warming up with light exercise before a more vigorous workout. Begin with short workouts and gradually increase them.If you are out in cold or dry air, wear a scarf around your nose and mouth to heat the air before breathing it in. You may not be able to tolerate running, for example, but you may be able to swim regularly.

13. Keep your weight down.

Exertion causes overweight people to breathe more deeply, forcing their hearts to work extra hard supplying blood to the muscles and organs.

14. Mind your mind.

Doctors believe that asthma is an illness with both physical and emotional aspects. For example, asthma attacks can be triggered by emotional changes, such as laughing or crying, or by stress. Develop an upbeat mind-set by committing yourself to feeling better. A positive attitude works wonders to enhance your other coping methods.

15. Learn to relax.

Since stress and emotional upsets can trigger or aggravate asthma attacks, it may be helpful to set aside time each day, preferably the same time, to practice some form of relaxation.

Home Remedies From the Cupboard

Coffee. The caffeine in regular coffee can help prevent and control asthma attacks. Researchers have found that regular coffee drinkers have one-third fewer asthma symptoms than those who don’t drink the hot stuff. The reason? Caffeine has bronchodilating effects. In fact, caffeine was one of the main anti-asthmatic drugs during the nineteenth century. Don’t load up on java, though — three cups a day will provide the maximum benefit — and don’t give coffee to children with asthma.

Onions. Onions are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that these properties can reduce the constriction of the airways in an asthma attack. Raw onions are generally too irritating, but eating cooked onions may help to lessen asthma attacks.

Home Remedies From the Drawer

Cheesecloth. Put a fine cheesecloth over each room’s heat outlet. This homemade dust filter can help by catching dust, animal dander, and pollen before it’s recirculated into the air.

Home Remedies From the Refrigerator

Chili peppers. Hot foods such as chili peppers open up airways. Experts believe this happens because peppers stimulate fluids in the mouth, throat, and lungs. The increase in fluids thins out the mucus formed during an asthma attack so it can be coughed up, making breathing easier. Capsaicin, the stuff that makes hot peppers hot, acts as an anti-inflammatory when eaten.

Orange juice. Vitamin C is the main antioxidant in the lining of the bronchi and bronchioles. Other foods high in vitamin C include red bell pepper, papaya, broccoli, blueberries, and strawberries.

Salmon. Fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids seem to help the lungs react better to irritants in people who have asthma and may even help prevent asthma in people who have never had an attack.

Yogurt. Vitamin B12 can alleviate the symptoms of asthma, and it seems to be even more effective in asthma sufferers who are sensitive to sulfite. One cup of yogurt has 1.4 mcg of the lung-loving vitamin.

Peppermint extract. This is a folk remedy for a homemade vaporizer: Put 1 quart nonchlorinated water in a stainless steel, glass, or enamel pan, and put it on the stove. Add 10 drops peppermint extract or peppermint oil, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, until all the water is gone. The volatile oil will saturate the room air.

Home Remedies Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t overload your salt intake. Salt tends to make the airways more sensitive to triggers.

Do consider a high-quality vegan diet. Getting rid of animal products in the diet helps asthma by eliminating many food allergens (cow’s milk, for example). You might consider seeking the help of a nutritionist or dietician to help you plan a vegan diet.

Full article from Discovery Fit&Health

For even more information about foods against asthma or other respiratory problems, visit:
Asthma.org.uk
Lung.org
Live Strong
Wide World Of Food
Better Health
Natural News
Health.com
Eating Well
Web MD