The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Coffee
Posted by Tamara (NYC) on 04/23/2006
★★★★★
i infrequently get asthma attacks usually cold weather or allergens set it off- sometimes stress or pet hair. I forgot my inhaler and i got a very scary attack on a warm day in april that was full of pollen. I was in a van travelling to work and couldn't catch my breath for quite awhile- when i arrived i had two cups of black coffee (i usually put milk or soy milk in my coffee) and i think it helped. However in the future i will try mullein tea or another type of herbal remedyas i dislike relying on the albuterol.
Quercetin
Posted by Paul (Morrisville, PA) on 01/19/2006
★★★★★
I have used quercetin with bromelain supplement to eliminate my daily use of inhalers and Singulair in order to breathe. One needs to take very high doses of quercetin when initially weaning themself off the medications (it's almost impossible to take too much quercetin - it's extremely non-toxic and safe). After a few weeks, a lower - and much more affordable - maintenance dose can be taken each day with no side effects or worries. This is not a true cure, but it is one natural way to manage asthma. A good holistic doc may help with finding a cure depending on the particular cause for each individual - whether it be a yeast problem, allergies, adrenal problem, Wilson's syndrome, etc
Dietary Changes
Posted by Adrienne (Regina, SK) on 11/29/2005
★★★★★
I started developing asthma about a year and half ago... I couldn't even walk a block without wheezing. On the advice of my mother, I stopped eating all wheat products and have had no trouble breathing ever since.
Vitamin C
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 08/14/2025
★★★★★
ASCORBIC ACID (PURE VITAMIN C) FOR ASTHMA and BRONCHOSPASM
Bronchial allergies are termed “asthma.” The allergens can also be physical agents, such as heat, cold, or sunlight, which cause unusual, strong reactions in hypersensitive individuals.
Form the Book: Healing Factor Vitamin C Against Disease – by Irwin Stone, Linus Pauling, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi 1972, p. 123-124
Source on-line: https://vitamincfoundation.org/stone/
Source download book: https://welib.org/md5/35609ae8abf6e1dcb1cc701374943358
The history of the use of ascorbic acid in the treatment of asthma also dates back to the mid-1930s and is also confusing. It was reviewed in the 1941 paper by Goldsmith (10), who noted the typical pattern of good results of some investigators and of others who failed to confirm these good results. Goldsmith measured the blood ascorbic acid levels of twenty-nine asthmatics and found twenty-two to be below 0.6 mg% (0.7mg% is considered the minimal normal level) and in two of their patients with hay fever only, ascorbic acid was practically absent from their blood (0.07 and 0.08 mg%). On a regime of 300 milligrams of ascorbic acid daily for 1 week, 200 milligrams daily for the second week, and 50 milligrams daily thereafter, six of seven of their asthmatics were unable to maintain blood levels of 1.0 mg%, which was easily achieved by a healthy control group. They interpreted this as a sign that asthmatics had a greater requirement for ascorbic acid. In some of their patients, they found a relationship between the low blood levels of ascorbic acid and the frequency and severity of asthmatic attacks.
Ten years later, in 1951, the literature was again reviewed by Silbert (10). Of the nineteen papers reviewed, thirteen reported benefit, some to complete remission of symptoms, while 6 reported little or no benefit. Silbert suggested that some of these failures may have been due to inadequate dosages of ascorbic acid.
A series of important papers reporting the work of W. Dawson and coworkers (3,11) on the nature of the antagonism of ascorbate on bronchospasm and on the action of ascorbate on smooth muscle, appeared from 1965 to 1967. They showed that spasmogen-induced broncho-constriction in guinea
pigs could be prevented by ascorbic acid. They believed this was due to a direct action of the ascorbate on the bronchial smooth muscle. They also showed that this action is dose-dependent; at low levels it may potentiate the effect of spasmogens, such as histamine, and at higher concentrations it inhibits their spastic effects. This dose-related smooth muscle phenomenon may explain some of the conflicting clinical results of the past four decades.
The protocols for future clinical research using ascorbic acid in asthma should include the megascorbic prophylaxis levels. The dosages would be increased to a point where a therapeutic effect would be obtained. In severe asthmatic attacks, large doses of sodium ascorbate administered intravenously should be tried to relieve the attack. For the safety of this procedure, check the references in Chapter 20 on eye conditions, where doses of 70 grams of sodium ascorbate have been used intravenously without undesirable side effects in the treatment of glaucoma.
Note: Use a good quality Ascorbic acid, made in the USA, third party tested. I choose Nutricost brand, Ascorbic acid Vitamin C because it met all my requirements and it is fairly cheap $20 for 1lb. I am taking one gram (¼ tsp.) powder in half a glass of water 3x/daily. That's 3,000mg
Lung Herbal Tonics, Salt Therapy
Posted by Jennifer (Phoenix, Az) on 11/20/2017
★★★★★
Have had breathing problems since a little girl due to swimming in chlorinated pool. I finally found a way to cure my lung issues. I take a lung tonic which is a liquid I purchased from a health food store with herbs for the lungs. I take this while I use an herbal inhaler that I got from the health food store. I purchased it at Whole foods. then I did Salt therapy. There are salt therapy clinics all over the country where you sit in a salt room and inhale the salts. Go slow as it can make things very constricted at first. Like 10 minutes to start. I also have purchased a cheap nebulizer on ebay and nebulized salt water into the air where I can breath it in. I have done some essential oils also. You have to go really slow though. As it cleanses your lungs of all the toxins, it can make things feel worse at first. I have also found that a little red wine can loosen things up. I mean a tiny bit. I started to drink it a long time ago after one episode of breathing issues that lasted a year, and finally gave up and started to drink some red wine. And low and behold my breathing came back. I don't know if it was this or all the lung herbs I drank in a tea, like lungwart, lobelia etc.
The most recent situation was very life threatening as I moved into a new home with new construction dust. I almost died. And had to stay at a hotel where someone setoff a smoke bomb outside my hotel room. And I was in massive distress. The taking the tonics I got at Whole foods, and their inhalation stick, together with nebulizing some salt water and essential oils eventually cleared my lungs. I also took some stabilized oxygen pills (non chlorinated - very important) but that doesn't help by itself.
I would also treat for candida and mold knowing that my environmenal scientist friend says that our air is filled with it.
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 01/02/2015
And that is absolute true! The cardinal mistake people make, they confuse Maximum pause with Control pause. The Buteyko method is not about forcefully pausing your breath, but about consciously reducing its depth, not forcefully. One should never interfere with body's natural breathing. You gradually reprogram your brain to underbreath, so to speak, that will increase level of co2 which in turn will break oxygen /hemoglobins bond and make oxygen available to the tissues.
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 02/08/2024
In the early 1900's, Gallaher Ltd. (a UK-founded tobacco company) printed a short “How-To” series, with clever hints for emergency situations. The cards were distributed with packs of cigarettes. All the pictures are part of the George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library.
How to Increase Lung Power
Stand straight with your head held well back looking straight up at the sky (as in the illustration).
Inhale deeply until your lungs are fully inflated, and then gradually exhale.
Repeat this exercise several times in both the morning and evening.
Source: https://www.boredpanda.com/vintage-100-year-old-life-hacks/
Onion Poultice
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 08/26/2013
★★★★★
Hi! My 9 year old had a terrible asthma attack last night. She coughed and wheezed all night. By morning, the coughing was non-stop. All night I tried remedy after remedy and nothing was working. (She had this trouble a year ago and we found a number of natural solutions for her. Then she only had a little trouble every so often, easily treatable with nettles and quercetin.) Anyway, I was reading through all the asthma stuff here on earth clinic and trying what I had on hand. ACV didn't work. Essential Oils didn't work. Lobelia tincture didn't work. And Epsom Salt bath didn't work. Green tea didn't work. Coffee didn't work. Herbal steam didn't work and nettles and quercetin didn't work. ) Previously, many of these things had worked for her, so I was really baffled.
Finally, I called a friend (when the hour was decent) to ask her about a remedy she had once used on her son who has bad asthma. It was an "Onion Poultice." I sauteed about 1/4 cup of onion in coconut oil until it was soft. I put it on a cloth. I added a lot of salt. (at least 1/4 cup. ) I wrapped it in the cloth and when it was no longer too hot (test on forearm) I put in on her chest (which had some oil as a barrier on it, so the onion wouldn't burn. ) In a few minutes she stopped coughing and slept with not a single cough for almost 2 hours. She was still wheezing but not coughing. When she woke up, I gave her 4 nettles capsules and 2 quercetin capsules. When I checked her breathing with a stethoscope 30 minutes later, her lungs sounded almost normal.
By the way, if you have a stethoscope, here is a great website to know what you are hearing. I found it very helpful.
http://www.easyauscultation.com/lung-sounds.aspx
She may have a little cold that brought this one and perhaps ate something yesterday at a pot luck that didn't agree with her (she went to bed with a migraine.)
I was thinking we might end up in the ER and was so grateful that we didn't have to do that. Thank God for onion.
I hope that helps another mom one of these nights when you are searching and searching for what will help you child!
~Mama to Many~
Lobelia
Posted by Yosef (Brooklyn, NY) on 05/09/2013
★★★★★
I have used a mixture with lobelia seed to treat asthma attacks and it clears it within 5 minutes. It also is used to prevent attacks when taken in settings that may trigger them. Other ingredients were nettle, Pleurisy, Ginger, Mullein leaf, Comfrey root, Marshmallow root, Onion, Elecampane Root, Coltsfoot Leaf, Licorice Root, Kola Nut, Cherry Bark, Fennel Seed, Peppermint Leaf.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Ralph (Australia) on 04/30/2022
Hi Rachel, Just saw your post. I too am sensitive to sulphur both good and bad types to the point that salbutamol is no longer able to control my asthma. I have avoided corticosteroids use up to this point. For the last 12 months, I have found that when I am on a keto diet I am able to completely control my asthma and even eat some broccoli, cabbage etc, however, if I slip up and fall out of keto my asthma will come straight back. The keto diet controls some of the major inflammatory mechanisms affecting the lungs. Finding this out has been a major relief for me and the keto diet can be very satisfying once you get around the learning curve a bit. I hope you or somebody else finds this to be helpful. Cheers Ralph
Oil Pulling
Posted by Anonymouscat (La, Ca) on 01/02/2013
★★★★★
I'm been doing oil pulling ( oil and 3 drop Thyme oil mixed in) for few days, my breathing is better. Now I'm thinking that since all root canals leak infection supposedly. Perhaps the shortness of breath is due to this issue. I'm seeing a holistic dentist next week to discuss having them removed and redone the correct way.
Vitamin B12
Posted by Chris (Vaughn, Montana) on 09/03/2011
★★★★★
So from late August through Mid-September my asthma is at its worst. This year has been better but not according to my standards. Every night I would have to us my inhaler which is not acceptable to me. After reading through this website I came across Vitamin B and decided to try it. Incredibly my asthma has improved. I am taking Vitamin B-complex daily and I haven't had to use my inhaler since starting. This worked for me but I can't guaruntee it will work for everyone.
Cold Shower Therapy
Posted by Isabel (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 07/15/2011
★★★★★
I can certainly vouch for the cold shower remedy. After normal shower I turn up the heat to the hottest possible before it's actually burning for about a minute, then turn almost all the hot off. I have a shower rose that you can hold rather than a fixed one, this helps as I can start on the legs first then work up to head and chest and back. It's important to breath deeply while doing this, you will notice your breathing becoming more intense naturally with the shock but really try to push all the air out of your lungs as this gets rid if the toxins faster. I only leave cold on for about 15 seconds. You won't feel cold stepping out of shower, you will feel warm and indeed invigorated and rejuvenated. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks every day and yes my asthma has improved. Also for those on cleansing regimes this is a great one too.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Marc (Cranston, Ri) on 11/25/2010
★★★★★
Oil Pulling is helping to cure my asthma. Previous to OP I was unable to run without tight congestion in my chest. The OP in my opinion is curing my asthma and I am now able to run without or very little asthma symptoms. I also noticed healthier gums, and whiter teeth! Thank You!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Cynthia (US) on 10/01/2022
★★★★★
I have the exact issue; dairy and corn really make my breathing difficult. I have turned to nondairy substitutes like almond milk and I'm doing much better!
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Greg (Hilo, Hawaii) on 08/11/2009
★★★★★
Aloha to the folks here. My naturopath let me know about a treatment for asthma called Buteyko Breathing Method over 6 years ago. I learned it and have been asthma symptom free since. I just started to teach a workshop on Buteyko. It is so amazing to see people get so much relief from it. Clinical studies show that in 2 to 6 weeks people reduce albuterol / short acting med's by 90% and long term acting meds by 50% with 90% reduction in symptoms. If you are in Hawaii I could teach it to you and if not there are teachers in the U.S.
Good luck and aloha.
greg
Aloe Vera
Posted by Dianne (Tampa, Florida) on 10/02/2011
★★★★★
After I mix it with orange juice, I drink the whole thing.
H2O2 Inhalation Therapy
Posted by Qamar (ca) on 11/05/2025
★★★★★
I use by filling nasal spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide i spray 3 times in throat your breathing will become normal within couple of minutes.
Salt Pipe Inhaler
Posted by Clarice (Boston, MA, USA) on 03/17/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
This is not just a Big Fat Nay for salt pipe inhalation therapy for asthma, but a complaint about the poster who is pumping their "Salt Rocks" site under the very very thin guise of "offering extensive compiled information" (which is no different than any other site selling salt rock pipes).
I actually went to the Salt Rocks site that the poster put in their post and bought two salt pipes for two asthmatics in the family. The people involved are both non-smoking males, one 43 years and the other 58 years, both have low-sodium diets that generally exclude asthma-trigger allergens; the younger is a vegetarian, the elder is not. I got the pipes at Christmas time, and three months later, no improvement or help whatsoever in either person, and in fact, the elder person is worse, now having to have a heftier dose of Advair. And, while all the "information" promises no increase in blood pressure, blood pressure was elevated in the elder, and in the younger blood pressure went through the roof after starting salt inhalation; both cases higher than when taking the Advair (which is known to elevate blood pressure).
So, consider this a double nay for salt pipes, both of which have been relegated to the trash bin.
If it sounds too good to be true, guess what children, it is...except for the person selling it, of course.
EC: Thank you for letting us know about this! The post and url to the website have been deleted.
Turmeric
Posted by Cindy (Astoria, Oregon) on 01/24/2009
★★★★★
In desperation I tried turmeric for a very large and painful abcess I had on my inner thigh. I've had problems with a boil there before and took 1 teaspoon of turmeric in water or milk 3 times a day. Day one the pain started to subside greatly... By day two it was shrinking and by day three it was about 75% smaller!! I'm amazed and relived BUT what I found to be extraordinary is that I noticed I have used my rescue inhaler for asthma only once in the time I started taking the turmeric. I am on an oral medication for asthma but still must use my rescue inhaler several times a day. The relief in my asthma is truly a mircle treatment for me. I plan to use turmeric daily for asthma and will play around with the dosage to see what will keep it at bay for me. thank you Earth Clinic!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Susan (Paranaque, Philippines) on 12/27/2008
★★★★★
i agree. high alkaline diet reduces asthma attacks. my son's attacks has not recurred in almost 5 years now since he changed his diet to 80% alkaline reacting food and 20% acid reacting food.
Mullein Extract
Posted by Ryanrsolano (Mckinney, Tx, Usa) on 11/22/2010
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with seasonal asthma, and have had the same brutal cough for about 5 years. It would last for about 3 months untreated. Advair worked but I hated the side effects. Read about mullein on line 4 days ago and my cough is 85% better. The first night I took the drops my cough almost went away and I slept great for the first time in weeks. This miracle plant worked for me. I have been taking the drops 4 times a day and drinking the tea twice a day. In fact... Gonna go make a cup now :)
Coffee
Posted by Marilyn (Land O Lakes, FL) on 12/05/2008
★★★★★
Tried ACV for my asthma that was not really being controlled by Singulair. Had horrible side effects with all steriod medications and tried 2 TBS ACV, honey and 1 tsp of cayene pepper 2 X a day. After 2-3 weeks I felt my asthma was pretty much in control (plus we have 4 dogs and 2 cats) - but still had occasional "attacks" that left me gasping for air. I read on this site that black coffee can help. Never had a cup in my life and lo and behold it really did work. Didn't make a coffee drinker out of me, but it certainly beats the alternative. Was wondering - does anyone know if a caffeine soft drink would produce the same results?
