Do you find breathing difficult at times? Does it feel as though you are unable to take long, deep breaths without coughing?
Asthma is a common disease, especially among children. While there are modern medical ways to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, many different natural remedies for asthma have proven to be highly effective.
Using natural herbs for asthma can be helpful for improving oxygen intake and reducing discomfort in the airways.
This article gives an overview of the most significant clinical research behind the best herbs for asthma.
Table of Contents
Overview:
Asthma is a disease of the lungs and is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms can range from mild wheezing to life-threatening closure of the airways.
Hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation are two of the key drivers of asthma.
Airway hyperresponsiveness is when the airways over-constrict in response to a trigger (often an allergen). This causes a narrowed airway which in turn leads to breathing difficulties and a lack of oxygen in the body.
Chronic inflammation causes airway constriction, excess mucus production, as well as lung tissue scarring, and stiffness. Tissue stiffness, or fibrosis, that occurs causes parts of the lung to become rigid and ineffective leading to a breakdown in respiratory health.
Approximately 8% of the US population has reported having asthma, with higher percentages in children. Common causes of asthmatic attacks include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, tobacco, exercise, and cold air.
Herbs and natural bronchodilators can open up the airways and help to reduce inflammation and thus improve lung function.
The 9 Best Herbs for Asthma:
Below are the best herbs for asthma symptoms. These herbs have been known to alleviate asthmatic responses in a number of ways.
1. Black Seed
Black seed is a popular herb for asthma treatment. It’s one of the most commonly used supplements for asthma treatments.
A placebo-controlled study discovered that 500mg daily of black seed oil was able to reduce biomarkers involved with allergic reactions. This allowed the study participants to exhale greater amounts of air, an indicator of increased lung capacity.
Another clinical trial found that black seed oil is able to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Researchers mention that the decrease of the inflammatory response may be helpful for those suffering from asthmatic symptoms.
A randomized trial involving children with asthma discovered that supplementation of black seed oil significantly improved asthma control. The oil was also able to regulate inflammatory biomarkers and reduce inflammation.
In another study, black seed was able to ease asthmatic symptoms. The extract specifically inhibited inflammation of the airway and had a bronchodilatory effect.
Black seed’s inflammatory properties are also thought to be responsible for its skin health benefits and its ability to promote hair growth.
Summary:
Several trials show that black seed is beneficial to those struggling with asthma by increasing lung capacity and reducing inflammation.
2. Turmeric
Using turmeric for asthma is a popular natural remedy for asthma. Turmeric is an herb known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties – it’s thought to be one of the best natural asthma remedies.
A study involving patients with moderate to severe asthma discovered that curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, has the ability to reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.
Another trial observing individuals with persistent asthma found that turmeric has the ability to prevent nighttime awakenings caused by asthmatic episodes and reduce the amount of “rescue medication” used.
In a study involving 77 participants with mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma, curcumin was able to alleviate airway constriction along with a host of other asthmatic symptoms. Researchers noted that there weren’t any adverse effects and that curcumin should be considered therapeutic for those with bronchial asthma.
Summary:
Turmeric shows evidence of being one of the best herbs for asthma by its ability to decrease respiratory inflammation.
3. Astragalus
Astragalus is one of the best herbs for asthma. Supplementing with astragalus is known for helping reduce symptoms of hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in the airways.
A study observing 80 children with asthma found that astragalus was able to improve the volume of air the children were a