Asthma is harrowing, experiencing or seeing someone coughing, especially at night or in the morning, struggling to breathe and wheezing a whistling sound in the process, having a shortness of breath, tightness, pain, or pressure in the chest or difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems is devastating. The World Health Organization-WHO states that asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 461,000 deaths. Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and inhaled medication can control asthma symptoms and allow people with asthma to lead a normal, active life. “Avoiding asthma triggers can also help to reduce asthma symptoms. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries, where under-diagnosis and under-treatment is a challenge.” Emmy Ntamanga, a Kigali-based nutrition consultant says that asthma is a chronic disorder that affects the lining of your airways, which become inflamed and narrow, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. He says that some teas may temporarily relieve symptoms of asthma and some of these are; Ginger tea, this he says is made by boiling the roots of the ginger plant, the powerful spice is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds. It’s associated with benefits like reduced inflammation, nausea relief, and lower blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that ginger compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, may alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation. Ntamanga notes that green tea is a popular beverage derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and may relieve asthma symptoms through it’s antioxidants and helps to reduce inflammation in the lungs. It is also a source of caffeine, which may help relax your airways for up to four hours. “Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant that provides caffeine, a stimulant that may modestly improve lung function and provide temporary relief from asthma symptoms,” he states. The nutrition consultant urges consuming eucalyptus tea, which is made from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, and is packed with powerful antioxidants and plant compounds like eucalyptol. Research suggests that this compound may reduce inflammation, decrease mucus production, and expand your bronchioles which help to reduce certain asthma symptoms. Healthline states that mullein tea is a rich and aromatic infusion made from the leaves of the common mullein (Verbasscum thapus), which is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years as a remedy for respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, mucus buildup (catarrh), and asthma. Animal and human studies suggest that mullein may help treat asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath by reducing inflammation, which helps relax the muscles in your respiratory tract. Still, more research is needed. Ntamanga says that we ought to keep in mind that these teas should be used with your current asthma medications and shouldn’t be seen as a replacement. Other natural remedies WebMD states that weight loss can help keep asthma at bay. Most people who have extra pounds carry them in the middle of their body. This can make it harder for your lungs to work. Losing weight can improve lung volume and lower your chances of conditions that make asthma worse, like diabetes or high blood pressure. “Stress may trigger asthma symptoms. Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some people with asthma control breathing and relieve stress, a common asthma trigger. Several studies have found benefits for people with asthma who follow the Mediterranean diet. It involves lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil. You eat more fatty fish and poultry than red meat. This diet helps with asthma symptoms because it helps fight inflammation in your body.”
