Asthma is a chronic condition that affects airways in the lungs. It can be life-threatening if not treated properly with medication and a healthy diet.
Certain natural and complementary treatments may help alleviate asthma symptoms. These include garlic and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin supplements, a compound found in turmeric root and spice, may also ease inflammation and oxidative stress.
Ginseng
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the most famous herbal medicines used in traditional Asian medicine. It’s considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress. It can also help relieve fatigue, improve cognitive function, and increase energy. It’s also believed to prevent and treat chronic diseases like asthma, according to scientific evidence. But more clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
The root of the ginseng plant is light tan and looks like a human body with strings for arms and legs. It’s often steamed or dried for use in herbal prescriptions. The root is the part of the plant that contains most of the active ingredients. It’s available as a dietary supplement in tinctures, capsules, extracts, and teas.
Research shows that black ginseng extract (BGE) has preventative effects on respiratory inflammatory diseases including asthma [2]. However, the pharmacological mechanism of BGE in asthma remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects of BGE by observing its effect on the recruitment and secretion of immune cells in the airway of ovalbumin-induced asthma mice.
Our results showed that BGE significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the lungs, and reduced inflammatory markers such as iNOS and TNF-. Additionally, BGE induced an anti-asthmatic effect via the inhibition of PKA/ERK signaling. These findings suggest that BGE may be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of asthma. But it’s important to keep in mind that other medications can interact with ginseng and other herbs/health supplements, so you should talk to your doctor before using them. Also, don’t take more than recommended doses because it can cause unwanted side effects. Taking too much ginseng can make your blood pressure and heart rate go up, and it can cause nervousness and insomnia in some people.
Garlic
As part of the Allium genus, garlic has long been considered a healing vegetable. A natural antihistamine, it can reduce airway inflammation and swelling. Montair tablets help get rid of asthma, which occasionally causes issues in our lives. Research has also shown that it may help the body produce prostacyclins, fat molecules that open airways. Additionally, it contains an antifungal compound called diallyl sulfide, which has been found to inhibit fungal growth in vitro.
In one study, rats exposed to a substance known to affect asthma were given either ginseng root or garlic, and those who took the herbs had fewer symptoms than those who did not. However, more human research is needed to prove that these herbs can improve asthma symptoms.
Another herbal ingredient that may be helpful is thymoquinone, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the lungs. Thymoquinone also appears to be able to prevent the production of leukotrienes, which can trigger asthma attacks.
Other natural options for treating asthma include ginger, which has been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It can be consumed as a tea, made by steeping fresh or dried pieces in hot water. Ginger may also be taken as a supplement, or mixed with honey in an inhaler.
Lastly, turmeric is another natural remedy that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study, it was found that curcumin lowered the levels of arachidonic acid in the bloodstream, which is a marker for asthma. The curcumin in turmeric can be taken as a supplement, or used in food like curry. It can also be inhaled as a spray, although this method has not been proven to work in humans.
Nigella Sativa
Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a well-known herbal remedy with many traditional medical claims and it’s widely used in different cultures around the world. It contains vitamins B and E, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and gamma linolenic acid, antioxidants and phospholipids. These compounds work together to alleviate symptoms of allergies and bronchial asthma by reducing histamine release in the body.
A study by Boskabady et al found that hydro-ethanolic extract of Nigella seeds can normalize blood eosinophil levels, which is an indicator of inflammation in the airways. Another study, conducted by a group of researchers at University College London and King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, showed that thymoquinone, an active compound in the Nigella sativa plant, prevents the activation of mast cells that produce histamine.
In the same experiment, thymoquinone also inhibited the production of an enzyme that breaks down leukotrienes, which is another mediator of asthma inflammation. The research also showed that patients with a low histamine response had a significantly reduced asthma severity score.
The same team of researchers also tested the effect of Nigella sativa oil on ACT scores and respiratory function in people with mild asthma. They found that the oil improved ACT scores and lung function, but had no effect on peak expiratory flow.
The study authors conclude that a combination of the oil with inhaled maintenance therapy could improve symptoms and pulmonary function in people with mild asthma. However, the researchers note that these results need to be replicated in larger clinical trials with better control over the phytochemical composition of the Nigella sativa preparation used in the trial. They also call for the inclusion of additional biological markers in future studies.
Boswellia
Boswellia has been used as a medicinal herb since time immemorial and is also known as Indian Frankincense, Salai Guggal or Olibanum. The tree is native to India, Africa and Arabia. Farmers tap trees to collect a resin that has a rich scent and is used as incense for religious and cultural ceremonies. The resin contains boswellic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties.
The boswellic acid in the resin inhibits an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase, which is responsible for making pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. This reduces inflammation and helps the body heal itself. Boswellic acid also prevents cell adhesion and migration to injured areas. This is why it has been used in rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study found that boswellic acids have cancer-fighting properties and can stop tumors from growing. However, more research on human subjects is needed to confirm these findings.
Another use of boswellia is to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, itching and general weakness. It is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of boswellia, it also has immune system enhancing effects. Its antioxidant properties are responsible for preventing the breakdown of healthy cells and boosting the immune system. It is an excellent supplement for people with autoimmune diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, as it can alleviate their symptoms.
The only downside of boswellia is that it can cause stomach pain, bloating, nausea and diarrhea in some people. It is recommended that you only take it under the supervision of a medical professional. Moreover, it can interact with certain medications.
Honey
The smooth texture of honey may soothe the throat and reduce coughing associated with asthma. It can also increase saliva production, thereby lubricating the airways and reducing inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and other asthma symptoms.
In addition to honey, many other natural substances can be used to treat asthma. Some people find that consuming a spoonful of honey before bedtime suppresses nighttime coughing. This is especially useful for nocturnal asthma, which can interfere with sleep.
Other studies have shown that inhaling eucalyptus oil or ginger essential oils may improve breathing and decrease wheezing. These natural treatments can be combined with prescription medications to control severe asthma. The most important thing is to avoid allergens that trigger asthma attacks. For example, avoiding cigarette smoke, pollen, molds, pet dander, and chemical irritants is helpful for those with asthma. Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods or activities trigger your asthma and then reduce your exposure to those things. It is also important to avoid foods containing sulfites, which can cause asthma in some people.
In one study, researchers found that inhaling honey reduced the number of goblet cells and mucus secretion in the lungs of rabbits. Researchers suggest that this effect can be attributed to honey’s bronchodilator properties. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of honey as an asthma treatment.