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Holistic Cure for Asthma

Asthma medications only treat symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of the disease. While these medications are valuable in the treatment of asthma, the goal should be to address the issues within your immune system that cause your asthma. A holistic approach to treating asthma may be beneficial.

  1. Magnesium Supplements

    • Magnesium supplements help to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. These muscles contribute to asthma symptoms by going into spasm. Magnesium also helps you to stay calm when you are having an asthma attack.

    Herbs

    • Astragalus membranaceus can help strengthen your immune system, which will help in lessening your asthmatic response to your usual triggers. Matricaria recutita is especially helpful for allergic asthma. Other herbal supplements include cloves, spearmint, thyme and rosemary. Brew chamomile into a tea, which will also help your symptoms. You can also use licorice or ginseng to treat your asthma. Check with your physician as some supplements can interact with your traditional asthma medications.

    Green Tea Supplements

    • Green tea supplements contain polyphenols, which protect cells from oxidation that can lead to precancerous changes. Green tea also contains epigaliocatechin gallate, which play a role in treating asthma. Theophylline, a stimulant found in many asthma medications, is also an ingredient in green tea. If your asthma attack is severe, don't rely on green tea supplements to lessen its effects. Use your medication or visit your doctor for help.

    Improve Health Practices

    • Take some preventive measures in your home to help address your asthma symptoms. Airborne irritants such as dust and pollen should be reduced as much as possible.
      Remove unhealthy saturated fats from your diet and begin using olive, ghee, coconut, grape seed and cold pressed oils. You can satisfy your requirement for omega-3 fatty acids by taking fish oils or flax seed oil. Reduce dietary levels of sugar and salt. Sugar dehydrates you and increases your levels of histamine, which worsens asthma symptoms. Make water one of your main daily beverages.
      Make sure your diet is composed mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, eggs, chicken and nuts. Use herbs and spices to flavor your food and reduce the artificial flavorings, preservatives and dyes in your diet.
      If you need to take painkillers, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These can increase production of leukotrienes, which exacerbate asthma.

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