What is asthma?
Asthma is a breathing disorder wherein a person’s windpipe gets narrower or inflamed, and produces excess mucus, all of which leads to the inability to breathe properly. A person suffering from asthma may need artificial support to breathe better. They may, otherwise, complain of fatigue, difficulty walking, and cough.
Its severity can range from low to severe, where asthma can go on to become life-threatening. The good news, however, is that asthma is manageable. If we take good care, it doesn’t become a problem.
It is a long-term medical condition and can be treated using inhalers. In some cases, steroid inhalers are used to prevent the symptoms.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is usually a result of prolonged exposure to allergens, such as dust, insects, pollutants, bird feather proteins, etc., present abundantly in the environment. In some cases, the sensitivity to these triggers might be low causing asthma to culminate rather faster. The allergy would soon make it a norm for the body’s airways to remain constricted with cough, and cause a blockage.
At this point, any trigger would land the patient in an asthma attack all over again. So, let’s say your airways have been triggered and you are without your pumps, not able to breathe well. What do you do?
Luckily, it doesn’t have to become an asthma attack. A roast of drinks can help you improve your breathability real quick! Take coffee, for instance.
What is the link between Caffeine and Asthma?
So, did you know coffee can be a quick relief for someone with asthma? Yes, remember this tip. A hot cup of coffee, that is! (Nothing cold is ever good for Asthmatics)
Caffeine stimulates our nervous system into an attentive flight or fight mode. Well, that’s not good because it alerts our minds into thinking we’re in danger, and we produce more cortisol. However, what helps is that when we are alert, we start taking rapid shallow breaths. This can help open up the air passages in 2-3 hours.
Much research is being conducted on how well can caffeine actually help those with Asthma. Do its plus points negate its negatives? At present, it is not being seen as effective as the steroids and medicines used.
But, is it absolutely the best solution around?
Nope! Its effects are temporary, also it does nothing to calm your anxiety. In fact, caffeine hikes up your anxiety. So, is there something that soothes you while also doing a more long-term treatment? Absolutely! Look at 100% naturally sourced herbal teas.
How does tea help in asthma treatment?
Most herbal teas are loaded with nutrients. They are naturally anti-inflammatory, meaning wherever there is swelling or inflammation in your body, that cup of tea will fight it. Not just that, apart from reducing the inflammation in your breathing tracts, herbal teas are also antioxidative, meaning they counter the free radicals, which are a result of the damage caused to your tissues and hamper the recovery process.
You would find that herbal teas such as Mullein tea for cough are also strong decongestants, aka agents to remove the excess mucus. Most of the time, it gets difficult to breathe because of all the phlegm stuck in your throat. The Herbal Hermit’s mullein tea combines other powerful herbs that help you clear that. All of them come together to deliver instant relief with long-term benefits. A complete win-win!
Which teas help relieve asthma symptoms?
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Ginger tea
Ginger is known for its ability to ward off infections. Whenever there is a cold or flu, your mucus production will increase, triggering your asthma signs too. Ginger can help keep cold away. To learn more about it, read our blog on how ginger tea fights cold! Know more about ginger tea by clicking on this link.
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Eucalyptus tea
Eucalyptus oil has been used for ages to treat colds and cough. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps your respiratory tracts open up. Not just that, Eucalyptus is also anti-spasmodic, which means it helps ease your muscles. During asthma, one may sense a tightness around their chest because of the constant lack of air and cough. Eucalyptus root tea will help you open your chest up if consumed regularly.
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Licorice tea
Licorice roots contain Glycyrrhizin, a compound, which is proven to relieve asthma symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and inflammation. When you pair licorice with other herbs that are good for your chest, you increase its work efficiency against asthma. This is why, at the Herbal Hermit, we have paired licorice and mullein along with other powerful spices like turmeric and cinnamon to give you a power-packed tea for allergies. Mullein in itself is a powerful decongestant and antitussive. To read more about why we chose Mullein tea or Gordo Lobo tea, as it is called in Latin countries, our base for this tea, read here.
What are other natural ways to ease asthma symptoms except tea?
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Hit the Steam Room:
Alternatively, you can also do regular vaporization at home and inhale the steam. The idea is to subject your airways to comfortable steam or water vapors, which could help loosen the mucus. Hot water and vapor have a calming effect on the mind as well. Tension can often be a trigger for asthma, so do all to stay out of the stressed zone.
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Add Spice to Your Life:
We can not talk about natural treatment for Asthma without talking about spices. Take cardamom, turmeric, licorice, or ginger - you will find various research materials which concrete the belief that herbs are good for our lungs. Not just these, we have more. Click
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Learn to Decompress:
Stress can often lead to slower physical recovery, and asthma is no exception. Moreover, sometimes, it can trigger a panic attack which will cause shortness of breath. The best way to tackle stress is to take a few minutes out daily and meditate. It has worked for many in lowering breathing difficulty.
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Keep Moving:
It’s a myth that people who suffer from asthma shouldn’t work out much, as they run short of breath pretty soon! Quite to the contrary, running and brisk walking help your lungs intake more oxygen, which is crucial to recovery. You may also take up moderate exercises such as swimming and cycling, once your stamina to endure builds up.
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Eat the Rainbow:
Fill up your plate with greens, reds, yellows, and oranges. Make it look and nourish better! A balanced diet rich in different nutrients such as proteins and vitamins will help you develop a stronger immune system and ward off infections that might trouble lungs.
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Let the Sun Shine:
The sunlight can often trigger sneezing responses, which leads to the expulsion of toxins through your nasal passage. It is advised that you sit in the morning hours for 15-20 minutes and bask in that glow of Vitamin D. Please bear in mind post noon, the UVA rays are harsh and at their peak, which may cause skin cancer. To protect yourself, always step in the sun after the application of a good SPF barrier.
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Take Deep Breaths:
For those with Asthma, it is crucial that they work on their breathing capacity. Deeper breaths improve your lungs’ power to inhale more, hold more, and exhale more, as well. Strengthening your lungs is key to reversing asthma’s effects.
Bear in mind that asthma isn’t fully treatable, and it is a condition which can get triggered fast. However, with the steps mentioned above, it can be managed well and even prevented.
How to prevent asthma symptoms from worsening?
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Identify and avoid your triggers:
What are the allergens, pollutants, or infectants that trigger your asthma? Is it dust? Great, now you know and you should take every measure to avoid it. Is it pollen? Good, now you know to be more careful when it’s spring or windy. Knowing your triggers will help you navigate through life without exposure.
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Get vaccinated:
A common cold and seasonal flu can quickly turn stressful for someone with asthma. While there is no vaccine for sinusitis, another problem that triggers asthma, you can get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia. This will help your body counter the vulnerability that comes with asthma.
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Keep your asthma treatment at all times:
Know your pumps, steroids, medicines. Ask your pulmonologist, a chest specialist, for clear instructions on what does what, and how to handle asthma attacks. In case you’re travelling to higher altitudes or colder places, get your tests and vaccinations done.
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Practice pranayama:
Work on weeding out the problem right from its roots. Pranayama helps increase your lung’s capabilities - whether it be inhalation, filtration, circulation, or retention of oxygen. This will prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Moreover, you may see a gradual reduction in the severity of your asthma. Pranayamas also offer relaxation. Everyone knows handling asthma can bring with it fear, stress, and psychological toll. Pranayamas will also help with your mental health aspects.
FAQs
Q: Is tea good for asthma?
Yes, tea contains caffeine, which is linked with temporary relief during asthma. If you are talking about herbal teas such as mullein and elderberry, they are much better since their effects are long-term and from the core.
Q: Are there drinks that may make asthma symptoms worse?
Doctors prohibit alcohol consumption for Asthma patients. Even sugary drinks or cold drinks can worsen it.
Q: What foods should you avoid while facing asthma?
Dried fruits, shrimps, and pickles - they contain sulfites, which may trigger asthma in some people. Wines and beers also contain sulfites. Junk food should also be avoided as it can trigger obesity which triggers asthma.
Q: What foods to add to your diet while facing Asthma?
Add spices, citrus fruits, and warm drinks to your diet. Items rich in Vitamin C will boost your immunity. Items rich in fibre and proteins such as whole grains and legumes are also great for managing asthma symptoms.
Q: Does obesity make Asthma worse?
Yes. Obesity has been directly linked with an increased chance of developing breathing problems, susceptibility to falling sick, more allergies, and asthma.
