Asthma affects about 25 million people in the United States. There are two main factors in asthma that interfere with breathing:

1. Inflammation
2. Airway constriction

Asthma is becoming increasingly common as environmental pollutants increase, but luckily, there are natural solutions that can help manage asthma. Try these 5 natural remedies for asthma:

1. Calm Inflammation and Open Airways

Reducing inflammation and opening airways will work together to make breathing easier. In an acute situation where breathing is becoming difficult, a good general rule to remember is that substances that cause vasoconstriction, like caffeine, usually promote bronchodilation (opening of airways). For example, in a pinch, a shot of espresso or dipping your face in ice cold water will open airways.

2. Use Kitchen Remedies

For chronic asthma, long-term management of inflammation can be very helpful. One of the best herbal anti-inflammatories is turmeric. Turmeric can be used in your cooking, put into your smoothies, or taken as a supplement. Another good food-based remedy for inflammation in the lungs is green tea. You can either drink lots of green tea per day (6-10 cups/day) or consume 1/2-1 teaspoon of matcha green tea as a tea or in a smoothie. Green tea naturally contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

3. Reduce Airborne Irritants

Asthma is usually caused by airborne irritants, so removing those stressors on the lungs will go a long way in helping asthma. For example, bedding can contain dust mites or other allergens that end up in the lungs. Using hypoallergenic bedding, cleaning regularly and thoroughly, and investing in a good air filter at least for the bedroom, if not the workplace as well, can help contain airborne irritants.

4. Identify and Remove Food Allergies

Food allergies can compromise the immune system and cause inflammation. They are also easier to identify and avoid than airborne irritants are. Food allergens can include additives like sulfites, food coloring, and flavoring agents, or the top most common food allergens: eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts. Work with a natural practitioner to figure out food triggers, and follow our guide to managing food allergies.

5. Take Anti-Asthma Supplements

Vitamin B6, ideally in the pyridoxal-56-phosphate form (P-5-P) has been found in numerous studies to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Magnesium can also help to improve bronchodilation and provide a natural antihistamine effect. It's also a natural muscle relaxant, which can be helpful to the lung's bronchial tubes. In the case where asthma prevents someone from coughing up mucous, herbal expectorants like lobelia, licorice, and grindelia can encourage more productive coughs. Cordyceps and reishi mushrooms can also support healthy respiration.

By following these natural ways to help asthma, you can make a big difference in quality of life for asthma sufferers.