Asthma Attacks: Reliable Natural, Treatments for Best Results

Reviewed by Dr-Athika-Chettiar B.A.M.S 20+ years of experience An experienced Ayurvedic Consultant with over 20 years of global practice.

Asthma Treatment in Ayurveda When we say “remedies,” we are talking about lifestyle changes that can prevent triggering an attack, and to manage Asthma attack symptoms when it does flare up. 

Although inhalers and medicines help, but is there any natural remedies Available?

is there Any Asthma Treatment in Ayurveda?

There is no cure for Asthma. 

We can only manage it. So, it is better to find Effective, Natural Do it yourself (DIY) or Asthma self-care treatments that are easy to manage, which we can combine with medications and lifestyle changes.  

Understanding Asthma 

Asthma causes swelling and tightening of the air passage, which results in breathing problems. wheezing, breath shortness, chest tightness, and coughing are some usual symptoms. Asthma attacks are usually triggered by a range of factors, such as Asthma allergens, exercise, chilly air, smoke, and stress. 

Natural Treatments and Lifestyle changes 

• Keeping a healthy, balanced diet: A balanced diet for Asthma Patients should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation inside the body. Foods to include in your diet to suppress Asthma Attacks are:

• Antioxidant-rich food: Berries, tomatoes, Oranges and leafy greens.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: it isFound in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these food helps in reducing airway inflammation.

• Magnesium-rich food: Pumpkin seeds, Spinach and Dark Chocolate can help relax bronchial muscles.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps in keeping the mucous membranes in your respiratory system moist, which makes breathing easy and effortless. Herbal teas, mainly those with ginger or turmeric, can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Regular exercise: Regular Exercise has a lot of benefits both mental and physical, it is helpful for Asthma patients as exercising daily strengthens the respiratory systems, some exercises which are helpful.

• Low-impact activities: Walking, swimming, and cycling.

• Breathing exercises for asthma: Practices like yoga and Tai Chi that focus on controlled breathing.

• Breathing Techniques: Learning and practicing Breathing exercises are beneficial for Asthma patients as it makes breathing patterns stronger, some forms of Breathing are. 
  • Diaphragmatic breathing: Focus on breathing from your diaphragm rather than your chest.
  • Pursed-lip breathing: Helps slow down breathing and keep airways open longer.

• Essential Oils: Some oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Popular options include:
  • Eucalyptus oil: Known for its ability to open airways.
  • Lavender oil: Provides a calming effect and can reduce stress, a common asthma trigger.
  • Peppermint oil: Helps clear airways and reduce congestion.

Use essential oils in a diffuser or as part of a steam inhalation therapy.

• Manage asthma allergens: Allergens are a major trigger for asthma. Reducing exposure can significantly lower the frequency of attacks. Tips include:
  • Dust and vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Wash bedding often: Use hot water to kill dust mites.
  • Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 50%.

• Stay Away from Smoke and Pollution: Smoke from cigarettes, fireplaces, and outdoor pollution can exaggerate asthma attack symptoms. Ensure that your living space is smoke-free and consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution.

• Stress Management: Stress and anxiety trigger asthma attacks. Try adding relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Consider:
  • Meditation: Practice mindfulness or guided meditation.
  • Deep Breathing Exercises: it Helps in calming the mind and body.
  • Physical Activity: Regular Exercise help in reducing stress levels.

• Probiotics: Probiotics can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports the immune system. Foods rich in probiotics include:
  • Yogurt: Choose those varieties with high probiotic enzyme and possess active cultures.
  • Kefir: A fermented milk drink that holds many probiotic strains.

• Herbal Remedies: Several herbs and home remedies for asthma are known for their respiratory benefits. These include:
  • Butterbur: it Reduces airway inflammation.
  • Licorice Root:  Helps in Soothing the respiratory tract resulting in reduction of inflammation.
  • Turmeric: it Holds curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Creating an Asthma-Friendly Home Environment

An asthma-friendly home environment can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Here are some tips:

• Air Purifiers: Using air purifiers with HEPA filters which can remove allergens and pollutants from the air, providing cleaner air to breathe.

• Allergen-Proof Bedding: Invest in allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to reduce exposure to dust mites and other allergens

• No Pets in the Bedroom: If you have pets try keeping them out of your bedroom, to avoid pet dander.

• Regular Cleaning: Dust and vacuum your home regularly to keep allergens at bay. Consider using cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

• Humidity Control: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% can prevent mold growth and reduce dust mites. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to keep the best humidity.

How Ayurveda treats Asthma naturally?

According to Ayurveda, asthma is primarily a result of imbalances in the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. Treatment aims to balance these doshas and enhance overall respiratory health. 

 Asthma treatment in Ayurveda includes the use of herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Vasaka (Malabar Nut), and Haridra (Turmeric), which have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. 

Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend a diet that avoids cold, heavy, and mucus-producing foods, favoring warm, light, and easily digestible meals instead. Pranayama, a form of controlled breathing exercises, is also emphasized to strengthen the respiratory system and improve lung function, and one of the most recommended practises for Asthma treatment in Ayurveda.

Panchakarma Treatment a detoxification therapy offers Asthma treatment in Ayurveda, is employed to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and enhance immunity.

 Research has shown that Ayurvedic treatments can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, although they should be used in conjunction with conventional treatments under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. This integrative approach not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the underlying causes, promoting long-term relief and improved quality of life for asthma patients.

The two most popular Panchakarma techniques—Varechana and Vamana—are particularly efficient Ayurvedic treatments for asthma Herbs such as liquorice, sweet flag, and emetic nut cause therapeutic vomiting, which clears the upper digestive system of the unbalanced Dosha.

How are diet and asthma interlinked?

Asthma treatment in Ayurveda recognises“Ahara” as fuel for our body engine that keeps it smooth functioning. The food you consume has a direct connection both outside and inside of your body. 

If your diet is not satisfactory rich in nutrients you can only dream of a sound mind and body. Foods such as junk, oily, processed, stale, under-cooked, overcooked, frozen, and non-vegetarian have several adverse effects on health. Besides physical pain, they can also lead to mental challenges such as anxiety, irritability, depression, and panic attacks. 

Particularly, talking about asthma and diet or Diet for Asthma patients, the smooth functioning of the lungs can be disturbed by unhealthy dietary choices. Such consumption worsens asthma complications by causing inflammation and irritation in the esophagus and airways. Recognizing the importance of diet for asthma patients, Ayurveda emphasizes specific dietary precautions and adjustments to eliminate this respiratory condition.

You don’t need to try every food item individually to determine if it is beneficial for you or not

We have already done the calculations for you. 

There are several foods that are considered helpful for asthmatics. Being rich in healthy antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, & anti-bacterial properties these foods fight against bacterial infections in the respiratory system and reduce excessive mucus production, swelling of air passages, and other asthma symptoms. These include

Vitamin D Rich foods

Studies have proven Vitamin D is a helpful source for reducing the number of asthma attacks It functions as a potent immune booster and promotes antimicrobial defenses within the body. Listed below are some Ayurvedic recommendations to fulfill the need for Vitamin D to improve the respiratory system

• Spinach
• Kale
• Soybeans
• Orange
• Oatmeal
• Guduchi 
• Almonds

One of the prime sources of Vitamin D is sunlight. Just simply relax under sunlight with bare clothes during Brahma Muhrata (early morning) for a better respiratory system as well as for overall health. 

Foods loaded with Vitamin C

Asthma complications can be decreased largely by adding adequate amounts of Vitamin C to your regular diet. some vegetarian source through which you can get Vitamin C.are :

• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Lemon
• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Indian gooseberry (Amla)

Foods inherited with Vitamin A

Eating foods rich in Vitamin A can also aid in enhancing overall respiratory health and combating foreign infections and bacteriaYou can add the food items to your ideal diet for asthma.

• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Romaine lettuce
• Dried Apricots 

Magnesium-loaded foods

Finally, an ideal diet for asthma suggests eating food loaded with magnesium. Such foods help in relaxing bronchial muscles and allow the flow of more air to the lungs by the expansion of the air passages. 

• Spinach
• Kale
• Sweet Potato
• Okra 
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Coriander

Foods that trigger Asthma!

There are also some foods that trigger asthma as the consumption of these detrimental foods may cause problems such as cough, sore throat, cold, rhinitis, laryngitis, and sometimes even serious diseases such as Asthma, Bronchitis, or Nasal Polyps. The Ayurvedic diet for asthma management suggests restricting the consumption of the below-mentioned food items

Gluten-containing foods

Some of you will not believe that the chapati, or bread that you might be consuming daily is also harmful to your respiratory system. It has massive amounts of gluten that trigger allergic reactions and weaken the immune system of the body. some gluten-containing items that you should avoid for asthma are:

• Wheat
• Bread
• Pasta
• Cakes & pies
• Cookies
• Pastries

Dairy products

Consumption of Dairy products are also not advised to asthma patients. The consumption of these products supports mucus production inside the body. These products also have bacteria, which may cause issues such as indigestion, throat irritation, and cough with phlegm. To get rid of asthma, avoid excessive consumption of these dairy products.

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Cream
• Sweets

Oily, processed, and Junk

These are the foods that are not recommended to be taken to any extent. Despite this, people consume it for its taste. These foods are merely dead items that only harm the body. Eating such oily, junk, and spicy foods can irritate your airways or cause them to become inflamed. These include.

• Pizza, burgers, and fries
• Soft drinks or other carbonated beverages
• Donuts and pastries. Potato chips, or other packed food items.
• Artificially frozen beans and corn. 

Non-Vegetarian foods

In Ayurveda, non-vegetarian food is classified as “Tamsik Bhojana.” Not only for managing asthma but for all health issues, eating non-vegetarian food is forbidden. These foods support toxins accumulation inside the body, which are also extremely hard to eliminate. Below are some non-vegetarian items, that you should avoid, especially for asthma.

• Eggs
• Chicken
• Meat
• Beef

The Role of Medical Treatment

While natural remedies and lifestyle changes are beneficial, they should not replace medical treatment. It is essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive asthma management plan that includes:

• Rescue Inhalers: provide instant relief during an asthma emergency.
• Controller Medications: To reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
• Regular Check-Ups: To check your condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Final thoughts

Effectively managing asthma demands a comprehensive approach that includes both i.e. Asthma treatments in Ayurveda and Medical treatments. By incorporating these lifestyle changes and natural treatments, you can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, improve your overall health, and enjoy a better quality of life. Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your asthma management plan.

About the Reviewer

B.A.M.S 20+ years of experience
An experienced Ayurvedic Consultant with over 20 years of global practice, specializing in knee pain, back pain, arthritis, frozen shoulder,slipped disc, and other musculoskeletal disorders. She combines classical therapies like Panchakarma, Marma Therapy, Cupping, Agni Karma, and Suchi Karma to provide natural, effective healing. Her holistic approach focuses on personalized care, aiming to restore balance, relieve pain, and promote long-term wellness.