Effective Natural Remedies for Asthma

I recently had very severe asthma in conjunction with pneumonia. On medical advice I was nebulizing Ventolin and Atrovent every two hours. And I was on two puffs of preventer medication four times a day. Heavy stuff!

Somebody recommended the Buteyko Method. I read up on it, started breathing through my nose, taped my mouth shut at night and did the Buteyko breathing exercises twice a day. Within a few days I no longer needed to nebulize at all. And gradually I was able to reduce the preventer medication down to one puff twice a day.

A month on, continuing with the Buteyko method, my peak flow readings are better than they have ever been.

I strongly recommend the Buteyko Method.

Where do I begin to describe my journey into the ails of pulmonary distress? It all started years ago when my now 6-year old was a toddler at 2 and diagnosed with asthma. For close to five years she has been through all kinds of drugs, just treating the symptoms of her debilitating disease. She had it all, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing with enormous amounts of phlegm lodged and trapped in her lungs. Before we had our nebulizer and the knowledge of how to use it, we would rush her to ER where they'd give her a breathing treatment (albuterol) and another 5-day dosage of steroid to eliminate her symptoms, which, nonetheless, still wouldn't completely dissipate. It has been an ongoing, horrific battle from the beginning. Who knows how she even got this disease as she was breastfed from birth to two whole years and genetically, asthma is not on my side of the family nor my husband's!

Our next bout with pulmonary issues presented with our 8-year old who, just last year, had pneumonia in both lungs and has had ongoing issues with sinusitis and dry cough in the winter.

The final blow came with our 2-year old, who for close to 4 months was getting what they first diagnosed as bronchiolitis, then the next month, bronchitis, then back to bronchiolitis and back and forth, back and forth, never being cured and certainly not even relieved from this horrible outcome for much longer than a week at a time. The doctor just kept prescribing more antibiotics and different ones every time only to have it return worse and more ferocious than the previous attacks. Her cough was so powerful it would make the capillaries in her face burst and she couldn't hold down much, due to the force of her coughing and inevitably, suffered cough-induced vomiting (or was it the drugs or the infection, who knows?). That on top of fever often reaching as high as 103.5 and consistent reoccurrence of her sicknesses, just pushed me over the edge. My child's doctor was now telling me they didn't think it was bacterial, but rather viral since the infection didn't respond long term to the antibiotics and kept coming back. The doctor then informed me that if it was something viral, there was nothing they could do and she'd have to wait it out or possibly, could suffer for the rest of her life! Now do you think a mother and lover of her offspring is going to sit back and listen to dooms day regarding the very apple of her eye? There was not another moment to waste with the medical community so I got to work researching every extra moment I could find to get to the bottom of something natural to deliver us all from everything, including the asthma and sinusitis. I came across some natural but costly remedies for asthma that I wouldn't be able to try unless I made the initial investment which I knew we couldn't do so I kept looking...

Low and behold, I finally found it here on Earth Clinic. I intuitively knew it was the answer but was scared out of my mind to use it because there's not much info on how to apply it to children directly on this site or any other which is unfortunate because I believe the majority of asthma sufferers are children and the number one killer of children worldwide is pneumonia! Therefore, from my now new knowledge, it makes sense that the Munro HP Inhalation method is THE number one remedy for all such lung sickness (asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, etc.). I prayed and asked God to direct my paths as I knew I was embarking on something extraordinary but unknown and unfamiliar to me. In complete and utter desperation for a remedy to relieve my children, I pulled out my Walmart brand 3% hydrogen peroxide from Aaron Industries, diluted it 1 part HP to 3 parts purified water (bottled water) and poured from that solution the little amount needed into the nebulizer capsule. During a violent cough attack, I began with my baby who breathed very little and INSTANTANEOUSLY, her cough disappeared as if she never had it to begin with. I then began giving her regular and daily treatments (2-4 per day and as much as she'd breath in one hit which often wasn't a lot because she wouldn't tolerate it for too long) of this same solution and very quickly noticed her lungs being cleared and no fever flair ups. After approximately one week, she was miraculously cured of that blasted virus that wouldn't let go!!! I took her back to the doctor for her follow-up shortly thereafter, and the doctor checked her lungs with her stethoscope. The doc dropped her jaw to the floor because I don't believe she even thought my baby would have bounced back so soon. I then informed her that I had found a natural remedy that I wouldn't share with her since it's so outside of her box. She concurred and stated she did not want to know what it was but on the flipside, she encouraged me to continue it because it actually works! I then gently "fired" her because she wanted to prescribe my baby on a daily regiment of steroids in the form of Pulmicort Respules using the nebulizer which I had already been there and done that with her sister for all these years. I apprised this doc that I, mom, would now not only be handling my childrens' infections but their asthma care as well (how empowering is that?!). Simultaneously, I began these same treatments for my asthmatic 6-year old because she was experiencing continual dry cough that previously would take many days and drugs to see any relief from. Again, INSTANTANEOUSLY, her cough dissipated and she'd go straight back to bed, able to sleep through the rest of the entire night without further disturbance. This was unheard of for all the years that we have suffered with her; we've endured many sleepless and restless nights. Now, whenever she coughs at night from her asthma, she gets what we dubbed 'natural nebulizer' and she really raves about it, no more racing heart and shakes from the after-effects of albuterol. For my 8-year old, the natural nebulizer initially helped her cough out some mucous but I prescribed her some ACV (regular, store-bought) in her juice every day and a lot of tea with honey which seemed to help her situation with sinusitis out even more. In a couple of weeks, she also was completely cleaned and cleared up.

For me personally, I started my menstrual cycle and began to experience my usual, incredibly painful headache. I wouldn't say a migraine but something close to it. I thought, why not, it'd be better than popping another pill (acetaminophen) with the potential of vomiting as has occurred to me in the past. I began our natural nebulizer treatments but upped the HP dosage a bit for myself and viola, my headaches disappeared instantaneously too and the treatments really made my heavy, achy body feel light and unloaded again. I began every two hours for up to two days and then experienced what I think could have been a cleansing but I'm not sure. I don't know if it was a cleansing because I normally get severe diarrhea at the onset of my menstruation. All I know is my stomach cramped up really bad and I could feel something fighting in there. The stool I passed would most certainly have been diarrhea as always in the past, but actually came out solid, though still soft. It was simply unbelievable! I felt 100% after that until later that night when my whole body ached and that nasty headache came firing back. I snuck downstairs so as not to awake my husband and took a natural nebulizer treatment which drove away the headache and enabled me to sleep through the rest of the night like a baby. The aches in my body left along with the headache and I was convinced that HP and I will never be apart again! There's a new one (remedy) for PMS. Currently, I only use these natural nebulizer treatments for dire necessities for myself and baby but more regularly on my asthmatic as she needs the maintenance. Thank you for hosting this site which I now visit daily to learn as much as I can. Thank you to all who contribute their input because we're all learning and growing together through the good and the bad knowing that 'all things work together for the good'

I just have a question for Ted in regard to the issue with hydrogen peroxide, used over a period of time, is it true that it erodes red blood cells as stated in the erroneous article about the South Carolina woman with MS who was injected with it IV? Can you address the red blood cell issue on that as I now understand that she died of the drugs NOT the HP treatments but would still like more info regarding the red blood cell issue.

Also, from my experience in dealing with small children especially, it is of critical importance that the HP inhalation method solution be diluted down considerably as they will not tolerate any stinging to their throat. As reported, I found the diluted solution to still do wonders for my children. Another side bar: I believe in treating children with the HP inhalation method, one should consider using a nebulizer machine instead of a spray bottle, the vapor is finer and more tolerable instead of just a mist and it's easier for them to handle the whole breathing in and out motion because the machine does so much more for them. I know in my state if a child is diagnosed with asthma, a doctor is legally bound to order the machine for them which will be delivered to your door free of charge. The reason for this being that sometimes asthma attacks are so acute that without this home treatment tool, one could die before arriving to a hospital so it is a liability issue for the doctor. My suggestion for those without this machine that are not able to pay for one is to take your child to the doctor and if not already diagnosed with asthma, get an asthma diagnosis and request that the doctor "fill a prescription" by ordering you a nebulizer machine. Just be sure not to disclose if you plan on using it as a natural nebulizer versus the nemesis (i.e. albuterol). I am not advocating dumping out your albuterol as I still keep some in case of emergencies but as far as using our natural nebulizer treatments for my asthmatic, so far so good as we have not had the need since for anything in our cupboard full of asthma-related drugs.

Another way I began using hydrogen peroxide since my discovery here is for my hair. I found the method described by someone on this site of putting the HP into your shampoo and shaking it up to clean your hair a little too harsh on my scalp. Instead, being a dirty blonde, I prefer the method of spraying straight 3% on my hair after a shower, while wet, and brushing it all the way through. This method has brightened my hair considerably, and my husband believes it looks better than a $300.00 professional color treatment. I am now back to a bouncing blonde, natural and highlighted looking instead of that chemical, bleached look. I just turned 40 two days ago and now look again closer to 30 thanks to that invaluable substance, hydrogen peroxide.

Anyway, I better try to keep this under 2000 words but I have been boosted, encouraged and empowered by the information that originated on this site. Thanks again for a job well done!

EC: KR, Ted has responded to your question on https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/hydrogen_peroxide_questions.html

First I must say this is a GREAT! Website and I search on it often. I have pretty much cured my asthma with the Apple Cider Vinegar V and coconut oil... If I leave certain beers and wine alone I usually don't need to use my nebulizer machine either.

Update:
It has been almost a year now and I have continued to use the apple juice to help my asthma. I stopped using the garlic pill and started to implement garlic in my diet instead. However recently in taking ACV for my allergies and adding it to the apple juice to cover up the taste I found that it has boosted the effect of the apple juice to where I no longer have to constantly have my inhalor at had for just in case. I can breathe better and clearer as if I'd never had asthma at all. I still get occasional wheezing but nowhere near what it used to be.

If I am out, and have forgotten my albuterol inhaler, and I'm having difficulty breathing -- I head to starbucks, caribou, or wherever else I can go for an espresso or a giant cup of coffee. The caffeine acts as an anti-inflamatory agent -- it helps to reduce air-way swelling. While it's NEVER a good idea to leave without your medication -- it's always a good idea to have an alternate, just in case (and hey, who doesn't want an excuse to splurge for capuccino or espresso every once in a while)!

I realize that I am very late in responding to Diane's aloe post below from 2009, but I only just read it and I wanted to share my experience with treating asthma with Aloe Vera. I have been using Aloe Vera off and on when needed for a couple of years now and have been totally symptom-free. Prior to that, I was on 2 prescription medications, taking them faithfully every day. The aloe I take twice a day is your regular run-of-the-mill household plant, although it loves the bright indirect light conditions and has grown to be huge. I choose a leaf that is big and fleshy and cut off the pointed ribs on both sides. Then I separate the two pieces of skin, exposing the juice and gel inside, which I scrape either with a spoon into a small bowl or with my teeth straight into my mouth. I find the taste to be clean and refreshing, not bitter at all.

Also, my dogs and cat regularly bite chunks of the leaves off. I hope this is helpful, in that you do not need to have a special plant to achieve positive results. Blessings, Flower's Mom

Hello Earth Clinic,

I have been reading this website for years and have discovered many wonderful cures over the years. This is really the best resource for natural cures for everything!

I had childhood asthma that went away around the age of 10-12. I always had rescue inhalers and had about one asthma attack per year usually from exposure to animal dander but I didn't consider it a problem. When I was pregnant with my daughter at the age of 29 the asthma came back. I figured it was just a symptom of pregnancy and would go away. When she was born the asthma actually got worse and my doctor put me on the daily prevention inhaler as well as my rescue inhaler. I've never been one to take medications not even aspirin for headaches because I go on this website first and follow the advice I find here.

I'm posting this because I tried many of the cures for asthma here and nothing worked, but I've finally been asthma free for 2 weeks by starting Dr. Brownstein's Iodine Protocol. When I asked my doctor why my asthma would get worse during pregnancy and after the birth and then a LONG time after birth as well he just said "pregnancy does weird things to your body". It makes me so angry that he wouldn't test my hormone and thyroid levels at that point knowing that I had a pregnancy (or hormonal) related issue. I have symptoms of hyper and hypothyroidism but I don't fit into either category. From research online I've found that this points to hashimoto's so I started to look for cures for hashimoto's instead of curing my asthma, because as I discovered asthma is a symptom of hashimoto's.

From the first or second day that I started the iodine protocol I didn't need either of my inhalers anymore. I still get a bit of tightness in my chest but not enough to take my rescue inhaler. I'm shocked sometimes when I take a deep breath expecting lots of wheezing but all I get is a huge amount of air!

If you want to try this I would suggest that you read Dr. Brownstein's iodine book because it is a very specific amount of certain supplements being Iodine, Selenium, Vit C and Magnesium and you slowly increase your dosage of Iodine because it can cause detox reactions. It makes me wonder if asthma isn't just a Iodine or Selenium deficiency? I was taking Vitamin C and magnesium before the iodine and still having asthma so I don't think it's a vit c or magnesium deficiency.

You'll want to read the book because there's also a huge iodine controversy with some doctors prescribing it without the selenium which makes thyroid issues worse, then other doctors tell their patients to stay away from it including natural sources such as seaweed even though it's the one thing that the patient really needs.

I know this is a long post but I hope this info helps even just one person who is suffering from asthma.

Asthma/Lugols:

OMG!!! 13 days now and I haven't used the asthma ventolin. After 62 years of trying to breath and all the usual nasty drugs, I have to remember to not try, just wait and it comes, just like you folk, without asthma, have been doing it forever, all the way down to my feet. Thanks to the lovely Lugol who made the iodine, which I began using about 6 months ago, starting at 3 – 4 drops in my morning juice or herb tea and after a few weeks raising it to 6 – 7 drops [approx.37mg] at the same time slowly withdrawing from the reliever. I have remained on the steroid evohaler puffer of just one puff only before bed and will start to withdraw from that, hmmm, maybe on new years day. Ha! For a start, will use it every second night and see how it goes. The other things that helped were, from 33 yrs. just after the first lung collapse, I began staying away from supermarkets and eating vegetables plus herb teas and occasional sushi and the last 20 years exercising am and pm. Tai Chi and walking.

Now I am just waiting for the sky to fall. What the nasty PTB's and their big Pharma, Codex Alimentarius, FDA and TGA will introduce next. Never mind, I am 82 and off the planet soon.

Robert, you don't have to give it up totally, you can do breathing-thru-a-mouthful of the diluted HP. I do about 6 breaths at a time (number taken from Bill Monroe) and it DOES help any and all respiratory/lung ailments for me. Once or twice a day (more if i'm really needing it) is usually enough to knock out whatever shouldn't be there.

One may not have time for nebulizing the H2O2, but probably can find enough time to breath it in direct....

Many use 3% in a mister, & spray that into the mouth several times *while* taking a deep breath.

(Tried *that* but instantly began coughing ea time.)

Then I tried spraying 3% H2O2 into my mouth, allowing it to bubble / release oxygen in there *while* I carefully take deep breaths through those bubbles & into my lungs (leaving the bubbles in my mouth), then breathing out through my nose ...

Repeat IN thru the mouth, OUT thru the nose ... until the bubbles stop forming from the release of oxygen from the water & into a gas ... Then spray more in if you want to continue the treatment.

It seems I experience the same benefits reported by those who actually inhale the mist of 3% H2O2.

(When I developed a very strong bout of vertigo [unable to walk as everything appeared to be constantly spinning around the room] with Covid-19 [I also had a mild fever, short & rapid breathing, loss of energy] ... I sprayed it directly in my ear & let it bubble in there while my husband tucked me in, & I fast fell asleep.... 3 hours later I woke up with ZERO symptoms! )

Have been remiss and never said thanks to Bill. I had chronic asthma, using 2 different inhalers from VA, 3 snorts am and pm. Started inhaling peroxide about 5 years ago, initially had some throat irritation. Stopped for a week and restarted at half strength. Figured it was coating on back of my throat from years of inhaling. Did 50% for a week and then full strength. Still have my 3 refills from VA in linen closet as a reminder. On a recent visit annual vist to VA I got a new female MD, She almost had a cow when I told her how I cured asthma, in so many words she said "impossible and insisted that I take a rescue inhaler which I returned unopened when they arrived.

My wife of 55 years has had a chronic minor cough, which may have been a throw back to when she smoked. She had heart problems 7 years ago and quit. A few months ago I got her started on using a small inhaler and keeping it on a table next to her TV chair. The cough is now non existent. My sincere thanks Bill and I know the good Lord has blessed you for your efforts. Jim

Started out fghp 3 percent last sunday. It killed me till now- the mucus was together and came up very good and controlled. Now it became runny and sitting in my lung and maxair and nebulizer will not help. Help- what went wrong? I better w/h the fghp now I can't breathe got a runny nose and fever. I have 12 children and can't afford this.

01/18/12 Update:

Wow wow wow!!!!!! I would like to take the time and thank bill and earth clinic for fghp it help to heal my asthma which i suffered 32 years!! yes!! its a long story i can write a book on all what i went through if an author will contact me. I am willing to work it out- it may be a best seller no doubt.

Now a quick few words look at my last week's post where I cry for help the fghp not working I stopped the process and felt it fake as all my life I find gimmicks and you can't trust but I didn't give up due to which I saw that many testimonies I didn't give up. I called bill munro- he is very nice and told me not to use the nebulizer just the spray pump I went and bought it two days ago and this is the first night after 32 years I slept 7h one shot, no medications needed!

So thanks I hope this will last. I don't take any supplements I eat my diet reg. food.

The Butyeko method of breathing is a definite MUST for those with asthma and who are committed to getting off asthma meds. I ordered the DVD and book from Amazon, now am currently doing the exercises daily. Along with ACV, I am now down to 1 puff of flovent every other day as opposed to Advair twice a day over a year ago....

After suffering from asthmatic symptoms for over twenty years from various seasonal pollens, mildew and mold, I have found a natural treatment for immediate relief! An ER nurse told me of this remedy after being treated for an extreme asthma attack.

Using 8-10 drops of Lobelia tincture, found in health food stores, mixed into a small glass of filtered water and taken when any tightness or wheezing begins will stop symptoms immediately. Follow the manufacture's directions. I use 5 drops in water every morning as a precaution when the pollen count is high. I don't need inhalation therapy anymore! I have used this remedy for about a year, so I've been through each season. It's been a relief not to use streoids!
FYI I still carry my rescue inhaler in my purse as a backup just in case and haven't needed it!

Removing dairy products will help to reduce mucous,also helping asthma symptoms. ACV will balance the body PH which is beneficial to the entire body. The problems most asthmatics have when breathing is not usung the full lung capacity. Depressed lung capacity will create an acidic environment.

My 10yr old son who wheezes with breathing in cold air had an attack and seemed to worsen as the day progressed. Labored breathing with wheezing sounds,scary. I already had a nebulizer machine in the house from years past using albuterol mixtures. I placed about 1/3 cup of water in a separate container and one drop of 35% food grade H202. Stirred it and then filled to capacity the nebulizer holding cup. After about 20 minutes he seemed to breath alot easier but not 100% to normal. He slept for an hour then was able to get up and guess what? No heavy breathing! A little wheezing but not as much as before. I was hesitant to try the H2O2 as so many precautions and warnings. I'm glad I only put one drop into a separate container with more water. One drop in the nebulizer cup (about 2 tablespoons capacity) would have been way too much.

Warning

One of my relatives was recently diagnosed with steroid psychosis a year and a half after taking a steroid asthma inhaler for asthma (on and off). His family never knew, since he kept his delusions secret. However, it eventually came out in other ways. Please watch for this in your own family and friends who take steroids for asthma. I had never heard about side effects from asthma inhalers until now, but apparently its well known among psychiatrists.

Here is some information I found while researching the subject. I hope it helps someone:

"Asthma inhalers and nasal sprays that contain steroids are well known to cause psychiatric side effects such as depression, mood swings, aggression, irritability and insomnia. However, in rare cases, they can also cause a side effect called "steroid psychosis". People with steroid psychosis lose contact with reality and can appear to be crazy or insane. Symptoms of steroid psychosis can involve anything from incoherent babbling to psychotic delusions and hallucinations. The person may need to be hospitalized and treated with anti-psychotic drugs. The condition is usually reversible, although it may take weeks, months, or even longer to resolve. Steroid psychosis is rare with steroid asthma inhalers and nasal sprays (1 in 10,000 chance). However, it is much more common with oral (pills) steroid drugs, such as prednisone.

Examples of steroid asthma inhalers are Pulmicort, Flovent and Advair. Examples of steroid nasal sprays are Nasonex, Nasacort, Rhinocort and Flonase.

Steroid psychosis can begin with a feeling of being 'hyped up'. This can be followed by anxiety, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), pressured speech, increased blood pressure, loss of potassium, severe insomnia, depression, hallucinations, memory problems and delusions. The person can appear to have serious mental illness, such as bipolar mania or schizophrenia, which are mental illnesses characterized by the loss of contact with reality. People with steroid psychosis may experience suicidal or homicidal ideation (thoughts of killing themselves or others). They can have delusions of grandeur (a false belief they have great importance), such as believing they are Jesus Christ. They can also have paranoid delusions (a false belief they are being persecuted), such as believing they are the victim of a conspiracy. Also, the person may experience hallucinations or visual illusions. The hallucinations can be visual (seeing people or things that are not there), or auditory (hearing voices). Steroid psychosis can leave a person disabled and unable to work.

Note that the steroids in asthma inhalers are called "corticosteroids", and should not be confused with the steroids used by body builders called "anabolic steroids".

Source: http://www.sidefxdrugs.com/

ASTHMA: 1 yea for dairy elimination. My best friend's 4 year old has been having difficulty breathing and the doctor wanted to put him on steroids. A holistic nutritionist suggested he eliminate dairy from his diet and like a miracle the breathing problems are gone.

Dear Colleen,

I would probably start with 1/4 teaspoon of cold-pressed coconut oil three times a day. You could then increase by 1/4 teaspoon at a time. For a four year old I would probably not give more than 1 Tablespoon a day total, but there may be exceptions.

To get a coconut oil in a four year old, I spread it on toast, mix it in oatmeal, add some to steamed vegetables, add it to smoothies, etc.

You might also want to try milk kefir for your daughter. Regular consumption of milk kefir really turned my daugther's health around, including asthma problems.

~Mama to Many~

I should have added something I wanted to email you about before. After suffering with asthma for more than 30 years, I was completely cured of it more than three years ago by a doctor who discovered that some asthma is actually caused by bacteria you get with a cold, flu, bronchitis or pneumonia, that lingers in your tissue after the initial illness has ended. I took Azithromycin for three days, then once a week for twelve weeks and was off all my asthma medication by week 8, and I haven't had any asthma medication or had asthma since. There are a lot of studies out about this, and I'd post them on Earth Clinic, but I know it's geared toward natural treatment.