Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that can be quite severe in some cases. It can be caused by a number of factors -weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants –but allergies to dust are the most common cause of asthma attacks.

Most asthma patients carry a rescue inhaler to r elieve sudden symptoms of asthma that can be life threatening, but there are some very simple natural remedies for asthma that can help patients lead a more “normal” life:

Honey as a Natural Remedy for Asthma – Inhaling the vapors from a jug of a warmed honey mixture can soothe the airways and help an asthma sufferer breathe more freely and deeply.

Figs as a Natural Remedy for Asthma – The ancient Roman Emperor Augustus swore by the figs that grew in his garden as a cure all for many ailments and in the case of asthma he may have been right. Eating figs is believed to help break up phlegm, which can be a real problem for those who suffer from asthma.

Garlic as a Natural Remedy for Asthma – Yet another use for garlic is to help relieve or reduce asthma symptoms. Garlic gloves added to boiled milk or ginger tea is said to be very effective, especially if consumed on a once-daily basis.

Other Herbs as Natural Remedies for Asthma – Green Tea, liquor ice root, and chamomile, are all frequently used by asthma sufferers looking to reduce the severity of the symptoms with noticeable good effects. Elderberry is good for clearing the nasal passages and ginger root taken daily can be very beneficial as well.

Aromatherapy as a Natural Remedy for Asthma – Aromatherapy can provide a lot of relief for asthma sufferers. The best oils to use include marjoram, geranium, rose, and lavender, which are believed to help control bronchial spasms as well as ginger, cedar wood, and frankincense. Here is a commonly used asthma rub that can be applied to the chest before bedtime for easier night time breathing:

Asthma Inhalation Rub

6 drops lavender oil

4 drops geranium oil

1 drop marjoram oil

1 drop peppermint or ginger oil

1 ounce vegetable oil

Combine the ingredients. Rub on chest as needed, especially before bedtime. To make sure you are not extremely sensitive to the scent, do a sniff test first before using it.