What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic disease that is related to the respiratory system. An asthmatic attack is essentially triggered when foreign bodies enter the windpipe; this, in turn, causes inflammation or constriction of the airways. Asthma is perhaps one of the most common respiratory diseases; however, in most mild cases, the disease goes undiagnosed and is often untreated. It should be noted that severe and extreme cases of asthma can be fatal if proper treatment and medication is not given.
Symptoms and Causes: Asthma is essentially the result of narrowed or constricted airways. This constriction leads to wheezing (not always), coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Most asthmatics will tell you that most of the symptoms of asthma worsen or become more severe during the night. Some of the common triggers of asthma include dust, cold air, humidity, environmental pollutants, pollen, allergies, stress, smoke, and viral infections.
Home Remedies: While severe asthma cases will require proper treatment and medication, mild cases of asthma can be treated at home. While these home remedies can be considerably effective, it is advisable to always consult a doctor before beginning any treatment program. Listed below are some of the common home remedies with respect to asthma.
For immediate relief during a severe asthma attack, eat a banana with black pepper sprinkled on it; the banana should be warmed on prior to consumption. Another effective remedy for an asthma attack involves holy basil and honey. Mix basil leaves with honey and make a paste; eat this paste for relief. It should be noted, however, that these are not cures or treatments; they are only intended to alleviate symptoms. Combine basil leaves with black salt and place in the mouth to prevent the onset of an attack.
Roasted gram (for those who are not allergic to it) is an ideal bed time remedy for asthma. Eat a handful of roasted grams followed by a glass of milk; this will help to clear the respiratory tract, providing relief and respite from symptoms.
Another popular method of prevention involves turmeric and honey. Mix old turmeric powder with equally old honey and eat it everyday to keep asthma attacks at bay. Ginger mixed with the fruit of chebulic myrobalan (or haritaki) should be consumed every night with water. In fact, during the day, this mixture can be drunk every three to four hours. This concoction helps to clean out the chest cavity, preventing the onset of asthma attacks.
A glass of lime juice with mixed with a dash of ginger juice helps alleviate asthma symptoms. Honey is also considered to be an effective weapon against asthma. You can mix it with the above-mentioned lime juice and ginger juice mixture or with a glass of milk. Figs are also known to be helpful in the fight against asthma; consume some dry figs every morning.
