There are several effective and easy-to-administer home remedies to prevent asthma. These home remedies can help relieve symptoms of asthma. They can also prevent a full-scale attack and help the sufferer to breathe comfortably. Asthma patients can try them out to prevent symptoms from worsening and leading to a full-blown attack. Some of these home remedies include
Breathing Exercises
Since asthma involves tightening of the airways, causing difficulty in breathing, one of the best home remedies to prevent asthma is to practice breathing exercises. Breathing in the right way can help expand the airways, and be able to be comfortable. Different breathing techniques that help prevent asthma attacks are
- Belly Breathing Technique
Sit straight in an upright position. Then take a slow and long breath through your nose. As you breathe, you should allow your belly to expand. Then slowly exhale, allowing your belly to retract. While doing this, you should exhale twice the time that you inhale. - Pursed Lip Breathing Technique
This technique involves inhaling through your nose and exhaling through the mouth with lips being pursued, leading to a whistling sound. - Yoga
Pranayama is a technique practiced in Yoga, which is highly beneficial for asthmatics. It involves a set of breathing exercises that include breathing through alternate nostrils and controlled breathing.
Fighting Inflammation
There are many home remedies to fight inflammation, that is one of the prime causes of asthma. These remedies include
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna and sardines. They are highly beneficial for asthma patients. They have properties that help in reducing inflammation and can provide relief. - Turmeric
Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the release of COX-2, which is a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation. One spoon of turmeric powder mixed with warm milk can be very helpful in reducing inflammation. - Onion and Garlic
Both onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be eaten raw, or as a spice with food. - Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a remedy used in ancient Chinese medicine. Up to 250 mg of ginkgo herb extract can be consumed daily. It helps reduce spasms in the airway that causes breathing difficulties. - Caffeine
Hot coffee can be very helpful in preventing the onset of asthma. The caffeine works similarly to the medicine theophylline. It helps in opening up constricted airways, producing relief from asthma symptoms. - Essential Oils
There are several essential oils like lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil that can be added to boiling water. You can inhale the steam generated. When the vapors of this oil are inhaled, it helps to clear congestion in the lungs and provide relief. - Honey and Ginger
Both honey and ginger are well known for being anti-inflammatory agents. They can be quite helpful in preventing an asthma attack by reducing cough. Grated ginger is added to water and boiled. The strained water should then be mixed with a spoon of honey and consumed warm.
The various home remedies to prevent asthma mentioned herein are time tested and proven. If symptoms persist or become severe, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
