‘Tis The Season For Asthma: Try These Natural Remedies

Holiday decorations sparkle and glow around us. Every room is filled with the fragrances of the season: pine, cinnamon, gingerbread, pumpkin, peppermint and more. ‘Tis also the season for scented candles and fragrant air fresheners.  Artificial fragrances, especially when used in confined areas contaminate the air and may irritate and provoke an attack in those with chronic asthma or allergies.

What Causes Asthma Attacks?

When exposed to certain irritants or allergens, muscle spasm can become inflamed in the hypersensitive air passages, making it difficult to breathe. Thus, asthma is the result of an over-reaction of the immune system. This time of year, an acute asthma attack may be triggered by inhaling fireplace smoke or cigarette smoke, perfume, chemical fumes released into the air from scented sprays, plug-ins, candles, or fireworks. Even products labeled “natural” or “unscented” may also be problematic as they contain and release chemicals into the air that compromise your health.

Make The Switch For Your Health!

 If you haven’t already, it’s time to switch to 100% natural beeswax candles, or safer yet—diffuse pure essential oils like peppermint, pine, fir, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, ginger or orange for the holidays.

Natural Remedies for Asthma Relief

• Vitamin B12 – decreases lung inflammation during an attack and may prevent future attacks. Yogurt, Greek or regular is a good source of vitamin B12 and has been found effective when consumed by asthmatics with sulfite sensitivity.
• Vitamin B6 – Useful in treating asthma and allergies.
• Vitamin C – Powerful antioxidant that protects lung tissue, increases airflow and thwarts infection and inflammation.
• Vitamin D – deficiency has been linked with a 50 percent increase in the risk of severe asthma attacks.  Exposure to sunlight helps your body to naturally produce vitamin D. However, regular sun exposure does not guarantee optimal levels of vitamin D. Supplement with vitamin D3 to ensure adequate intake to prevent inflammation and to enhance immune function. Taking magnesium and vitamin K2 supplements along with vitamin D helps your body to assimilate vitamin D and convert it into its active form.
• Magnesium  – a mineral that relaxes the bronchial tubes and esophagus muscle. Asthmatics are generally deficient in magnesium.
• Lobelia extract– a beneficial herb used in the treatment of asthma and as an effective cough suppressant. Do not take on a regular basis. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.
• Avoid highly processed vegetable oils containing Omega-6 fatty acids: corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and safflower oils, shortening and margarine.  Most Americans consume excessive amounts of Omega-6 fats. Deficiencies in Omega-3 fats have been linked to increased inflammation and allergies. Strive for a balanced intake of good sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats in your diet. Consume organic, unprocessed oils: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, organic or grass-fed butter, avocados, and raw nuts and seeds.
• Apples – Eating an apple a day may enhance lung function and prevent tissue damage, due to its Quercetin and other antioxidant content.
• Quercetin – an antioxidant flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown in studies to improve lung function. Quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as red onions and garlic and is available in supplement form.
• Coffee – Drink coffee for lung health and asthma relief, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. The chemical makeup of caffeine in coffee can give the same effect as the asthma drug, theophylline. Caffeine helps expand airways and keeps respiratory muscles strong. Drinking two cups of coffee can help you breathe better for up to four hours.

Important Note: Consult a natural healthcare provider for vitamin and mineral deficiency testing and to recommend appropriate supplements and dosages.

Ever heard of Asthma “Peak Week” in September?

Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living, healthy lifestyle writer and author of 7 non-fiction books, including Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home, Pearls of Country Wisdom: Hints from a Small Town on Keeping Garden and Home, and Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. Tukua has been a writer for the Farmers' Almanac since 2004.

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