Can Herbs Help With Asthma Symptoms? See What Experts Say
By By Kate Daniel. Medically Reviewed by Rohan Mankikar, MD,
3 days ago
Ginger and turmeric have known anti-inflammatory benefits, but should not replace conventional treatments for asthma. Canva (4); Everyday Health
If you have asthma, you may be curious about the many alternatives or additions to prescription medication that people claim can help control symptoms. Social media is full of such claims, and it can sometimes be difficult to know what's legitimate and what's not. Because they have other known health benefits, for instance, herbs have been promoted for asthma relief.
"Asthma is a serious, chronic condition that requires careful management," says Melinda Ring, MD , the executive director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. "While there's growing interest in natural remedies, it's critical to recognize that herbs are not a replacement for conventional treatments like inhalers or corticosteroids," Dr. Ring says. "Certain herbs may offer complementary benefits by reducing inflammation or supporting overall respiratory health, but they should always be used alongside, and not in place of, prescribed asthma medications."
Here's a look at the purported benefits of herbal asthma relief, what herbs you can try, and how to use them safely.
Why Use Herbs for Asthma Relief?
People have used herbs medicinally for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Traditional medicine, which remains crucial to many cultures, has helped shape conventional practices and "continues to hold promise," according to the World Health Organization.
"Natural remedies are becoming more popular as people look for ways to support their health holistically, often driven by a desire for fewer side effects and more personalized care," says Ring. "Many individuals are seeking integrative approaches that combine conventional treatments with evidence-based natural therapies. Additionally, as research on the benefits of herbs and botanicals grows, people are more open to incorporating these options into their wellness routines, especially for chronic conditions like asthma."
How to Use Herbs for Asthma Relief
Home remedies for asthma include the use of herbs and spices. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, herbs come from the leaves of herbaceous (non-woody) plants, whereas spices can come from any other part of a herbaceous or woody plant, including the flower, stem, roots, seeds, or bark.
You can consume herbs and spices in various forms, including fresh or dried. There are also herbal teas for asthma and essential oils, which can be incorporated into lotions or balms for topical use, says Angel Luk, RDN , a registered dietitian-nutritionist in Vancouver, British Columbia. More research is needed to determine what methods are best, she adds.
"Unfortunately, there isn't enough research on the medical effectiveness of herbs and spices to make claims or recommendations about specific doses or their use overall in treating health conditions," Luk says.
That said, ample evidence indicates that herbs and spices, while not a substitute for medication, may benefit overall health by protecting cells and reducing inflammation, among other perks.
Risks of the Use of Herbs as Asthma Treatment
As Luk mentioned, more research is needed to determine if natural asthma support is effective. Most studies to date have been small, and remedies that benefit animals don't always work for humans. "Also, each country has a different approach to regulating supplements made from herbs and spices," Luk says. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate herbs or other supplements in the same way as pharmaceuticals. That means there's no guarantee of a product's quality, efficacy, or safety. Ring also cautions that "natural" doesn't automatically mean risk-free. There are several potential risks to using herbs for asthma, including allergic reactions, interactions with medications, or an exacerbation of symptoms, Ring says. "Since asthma is a condition where airway constriction can be life-threatening, the biggest risk is substituting or delaying proven medical treatments in favor of herbal remedies. For example, if someone skips their inhaler and relies solely on an herbal remedy, they could be putting themselves in danger," she says.
Top Herbs for Asthma Relief
Natural asthma support remedies often incorporate ginger, turmeric, garlic, or eucalyptus. "While some herbs might offer extra support, they can't control asthma or help during a flare-up and should never replace your regular medications," says Raj Dasgupta, MD , a board-certified pulmonologist based in Los Angeles. "Asthma is serious, so always follow your doctor's treatment plan." If you are interested in using herbs this way, discuss it with your healthcare provider first. The following herbs have properties that may ease certain asthma symptoms.
Ginger
Researchers have studied ginger and asthma because of the spice's anti-inflammatory effects and potential to relax the airway smooth muscle (ASM), which may help prevent airway constriction, Ring says. "It can be taken as a tea, added to meals, or taken as a supplement (typically 1–2 grams [g] daily)," she says. In a small case-control study of 50 people, 25 of whom had allergic asthma, researchers found ginger extract helped control asthma and reduce symptom severity. An older study found fresh ginger reduced plaque formation in the airway caused by HRSV, a respiratory virus, Luk notes. "While this study was not aimed at asthma therapy, it did show promise in how fresh ginger can help protect cells in the airway from viral infection," she says.
Turmeric
Turmeric benefits for asthma stem from the spice's anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its active compound curcumin. Pure curcumin extract, which comes in supplement form, can contain up to 95 percent curcuminoids, whereas turmeric usually has 6 or 7 percent. "For asthma, turmeric is thought to help by reducing inflammation in the airways," Dr. Dasgupta says. "Use it in cooking or take 500 to 1,000 mg daily as a supplement, but proceed with caution if you're on other anti-inflammatory drugs." One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggested children and adolescents with asthma may benefit from a 30 mg dose of turmeric per kilogram of body weight for six months or more, Luk says. "The subjects in this study experienced fewer overnight awakenings and used asthma puffers less often," she adds. It's important not to take doses exceeding 8 g and to avoid it if you're taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, as it may increase the risk of adverse side effects or complications.
Garlic
"Garlic is known for its immune-modulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help support respiratory health," Ring says, noting that it can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement.
Several studies in mice on the use of garlic for asthma relief have shown promise, suggesting that it reduced inflammation and prevented the airways from narrowing. But Luk says there's not yet conclusive evidence of its effects on humans, nor is there a standardized dosage recommendation. That said, most research supports consuming one or two garlic cloves daily - or the equivalent in supplement form, Ring says, adding that supplements are typically available in doses ranging from 600–1,200 mg daily.
Eucalyptus
Some research on eucalyptus for breathing suggests it may alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation, breaking down mucus, and widening airways, Ring says. But results are mixed, and other studies indicate it may worsen symptoms. "Eucalyptus can help open airways when used in steam inhalation," Dasgupta says. Some people also use eucalyptus-based rubs on the chest, Ring adds, noting that whatever the form, it's crucial to ensure it's well-diluted. "The key is to use it sparingly, as overuse or undiluted oils can cause irritation or worsen symptoms for some people," Ring says. Small amounts of eucalyptus, commonly used in over-the-counter cold and cold products, may be safe. But Luk stresses that pure eucalyptus oil is toxic and should never be ingested. "Mild symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can occur even with small doses," she says. "Taking 3.5 mL, which is just over half a teaspoon, of pure oil can be fatal."
The Takeaway
When taken alongside prescription medications, herbs for asthma may benefit some people. Like all natural remedies, however, herbs have risks, and it's important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan. Asthma is a serious condition, but it's manageable with professional help.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
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Sources
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Rohan Mankikar, MD, is the chief of pulmonary medicine at Huntington Hospital and practices on Long Island. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Mankikar studied medicine at The Medical University of Lublin in Poland. He completed his residency from Morehouse School Of Medicine–Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, and after graduating in 2014, he went on to serve as a chief resident. Thereafter, he completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine from the University of South Carolina in 2017, where he served as a chief pulmonary fellow.
He was awarded Resident of The Year during residency and was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society for his passion for teaching medical students. He received the Jason B. Spiers Best Teaching Fellow Award from the University of South Carolina.
He has authored several abstracts and research projects in the field of pulmonary–critical care medicine as well as serving on the committee for the Southeast Chapter of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Kate Daniel is a journalist specializing in health and wellness. Previously, she was a reporter for Whidbey News Group in Washington, where she earned four regional awards for her work. Daniel has written for various outlets, including HealthDay, Nice News, and Giddy. See full bio See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network
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