FRESHEN UP BREATH WITH NATURAL REMEDIES

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is embarrassing and can take a toll on your confidence level. . To add on to their woes, most advertisements promoting toothpastes, mouthwash and breath fresheners, project these sufferers in an unpleasant light. Why does this arise making millions of people across the globe going red in the face?

Causes for Bad Breath

The medical term for bad breath is known as Halitosis.  Although there are many causes, some types of bad breath are considered quite normal, while a few others denote an underlying medical condition.

Dental Hygiene

Persistent bad breath may be due to poor dental hygiene.  The nearly invisible film of colourless bacteria that is constantly forming in your mouth, known as plaque build-up is often responsible.  With improper brushing, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums causing periodontitis.  Regular flossing and brushing of teeth can prevent food particles from accumulating in your mouth, thus protecting against bad breath.  The uneven surface of the tongue also can trap germs that produce odours.  Moreover, unclean dentures or those that do not fit properly can embrace odour-causing bacteria and food particles.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth known as xerostomia is onе оf the mаin саuѕеѕ of bad breath.  Saliva is responsible for cleansing the mouth and eliminating particles that may cause odour.  Nevertheless, with a drop in saliva production, a condition occurs naturally during sleep called dry mouth.  This leads to oxygen inactivity making the mouth and tongue a haven for bacteria.

Smoking

Smoking and oral tobacco may contribute to bad breath due to accumulation of nicotine, tar and other substances in the mouth that increases the risk of developing gum disease.

Medications

Certain medications ѕuсh аѕ antihistamines, asthma / bronchitis inhalers may cause dry mouth resulting in bad breath.

Mouth Infections

Oral surgery such as tooth removal may cause surgical wounds leading to foul odour in the mouth.  Tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores are some of the other factors.

Odorous Foods

The breakdown of certain foods with strong odours such as onions, and garlic, are carried through the bloodstream and exhaled by the lungs causing foul odour.

Skipping Meals

Fasting and not eating breakfast causes bad breath.

Other conditions

Chronic inflammation in the nose, throat or sinuses contribute to postnasal drip, produced bу thе sinuses due to excessive mucus, as a common allergic reaction. Nevertheless, mucus iѕ thе perfect breeding ground fоr bacterial growth, which feeds off thiѕ condition resulting in bad breath and a bad taste in уоur mouth.

Tiny stones covered with bacteria formed in the tonsils produce odorous chemicals producing bad breath

Diseases, such as some cancers, tuberculosis, or syphillis and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odour because of the chemicals they produce

Other diseases that can cause halitosis are respiratory tract infections, diabetes, liver disease, gastrointestinal and renal dysfunction

Prevention and Cure

However, one can defeat the smelly bacteria in your mouth by following a few simple and amazing home remedies that can be implemented in the comfort of your home straight from the cupboards.

Here are some of the best and effective remedies for you...

Home Remedies For Bad Breath

Brush Your Tongue

Tongue Scraper All of us ensure regular brushing of teeth while completely ignoring the tongue.  Tiny hair like projections covering the tongue, give the impression of a mushroom forest, under a microscope. The caps under the mushrooms are safe places for forming plaque as the food we eat are accumulated there causing a foul odour.  Hence, gently sweeping the top of your tongue, while brushing, helps food and bacteria from accumulating beneath the caps.

Baking Soda

Baking soda makes an excellent remedy for bad breath as it cleans the teeth by changing the pH balance in your mouth.  This discourages growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.  For fresh breath, sprinkle some baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into the baking soda, and brush.

Another option is to use a toothpaste containing baking soda.

Gargling your mouth with baking soda dissolved in warm water, apart from cleaning your teeth will also help keep your tongue clean sans bacteria.

Another great way to fight the germs causing bad breath is by way of gargling your mouth with 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 2%-3%.

Make a paste using three parts baking soda to one part salt, and just a few drops of warm water blend and apply to tongue with tongue brush and brush to scrape away debris; also apply paste to toothbrush and brush gums and teeth; then add warm water to the remaining paste and swirl around mouth rinsing.  However, make sure to floss teeth earlier.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide before brushing is a good cure for bad breath.

Vitamins/ Zinc.

Taking vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc hеlр kеер oral germs at bay.

Sugarless Gum

Chewing on sugarless gum keeps the mouth moist and enables easy flow of saliva. This prevents dry mouth and subsequently the bad odour associated with it.

Meals

Skipping meals can become a haven for breeding bacteria as the mouth starts drying without food.

Stress

Stress can contribute to innumerable problems with dry mouth being no exception. Dry mouth brings about bad odour and stress aggravates the production of volatile sulphur compounds in the mouth smelling bad.

Natural Remedies For Bad Breath

Tea-Tree Oil

Using toothpaste containing tea-tree oil, a natural disinfectant or adding the oil to the toothpaste can be an effective cure.

You can also prepare a mouthwash with tea tree oil by adding 3 drops to a cup of warm water. Gargle this solution for two to three times daily, if possible after each meal.

Drink Black/Green Tea

Since black and green teas contain powerful polyphenols antioxidants that attack bacterial growth in your mouth, substitute coffee with black or green tea for your morning cuppa for refreshment.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Rinsing your mouth with a glass of water mixed with half tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar works magic and eliminates bad breath.

Yogurt

Eating yogurt rich in acidophilus for 6 weeks will help balance the good and bad bacteria in the intestines thus eradicating halitosis completely.  Including yoghurt in your daily diet is very essential as it not only helps the intestines but also promotes overall health.

Olive oil

Consumption of unheated extra virgin olive oil helps against bad breath.

Fruits/Veggies

Fruit and vegetable juices too are helpful in treating Halitosis or bad breath and hence, should be consumed generously.  Juices extracted from green vegetables are particularly valuable.If уоu wаnt tо cure уоur disgusting breath condition, snack оn fresh raw vegetables аnd fruits ѕuсh аѕ celery, carrot, apple аnd pear.

Citrus Fruits

Dry mouth often causes bad breath.  Therefore eating citrus fruits abundant in Citric acid, stimulates the saliva, restraining mouth bacteria, that is responsible for causing bad breath.

Lemon

Rinse with a glass of water and the juice of half a lemon after each meal in order to prevent recurrence of bad breath.Drinking lemon juice will refresh your breath.

Ginger

Gargle your mouth with a spoonful of ginger juice mixed in a glass of hot water.

Yоu саn mix оnе teaspoon оf lemon аnd ginger juice intо a glass оf water аnd simply gargle.

A mixture made with Lemon ginger and warm water for rinsing your mouth twice a day also helps.

Guava

Unripe guava, abundant in tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese is useful.  Chewing the unripe fruit, makes a great tonic for the teeth and gums as it aids bleeding gums and impedes bad breath.  Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also end bleeding gums and bad odour emanating from your breath.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate саn treat bad breath.  For this dry pomegranate peel in the sun and mixed with boiling water may be used as a rinse when cold.   To use pomegranate as a drink, dry pomegranate peel in the shade (not sun).  Tаkе thе dried peel mix it in a food processor to powder.  Then, add аbоut thrее grams intо a glass оf hot оr cold water along with Lemon аnd ginger for consumption.

Avocados

Avocados work by removing intestinal decomposition, which is a known factor for bad breath.  Therefore, they make excellent mouth freshener.

Herbs

Herbs can be used as breath freshener. Chewing on a small stem of fresh spearmint, rosemary and tarragon for up to a minute can help alleviate bad breath.

Mint leaves

Chewing on mint leaves or gum can stop bad breath avoiding any kind of embarrassment.  Mixing a few sprigs of mint added to half a litre of boiling water and left for an hour to cool if gargled works well.

Basil Leaves

Every morning chew five leaves of Basil and drink water for a cure.

Parsley

Loaded with Chlorophylls, containing mild antiseptic properties, Parsley helps counteract bad breath.  Chewing or swallowing few sprigs of parsley, apart from improving digestion will help reduce intestinal gas.  Making a decoction of coarsely chopped parsley with two cups of boiling water, along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves, strained and consumed when cool makes an amazing mouthwash.

Sunflower Seeds

Chew some sunflower seeds and drink a glass of water after meals to get rid of Halitosis.

Fenugreek Seeds

A tea prepared from Fenugreek seeds helps combat bad odour. This is prepared by adding one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to half a litre of coldwater and cooking for fifteen minutes on low heat. This tea strained and consumed as a beverage is a natural cure for bad breath.

Cardamom Seeds

The aromatic flavour of cardamom seeds act as a natural breath freshener and is sure a great remedy for bad breath.

Cloves

Cloves are rich in potent antibacterial substance, eugenol.  Therefore  propelling one into your mouth and biting it will filter the essence through your mouth. Spit it out after a few minutes. However, using powdered cloves or clove oil may burn though.

Cinnamon Stick

Cinnamon contains antiseptic properties. Hence sucking a cinnamon stick can prove beneficial.

Water

Water has a cleansing effect therefore drinking plenty of water can prevent bad breath and help flush out germs from your mouth.  Keep a glass of water by your bedside at night and drink plenty before you go and wake up from bed for better results.

Beverages

Certain beverages as wine whiskey beer and coffee leave a residue that can attach to the plaque in your mouth and permeate your digestive system. Therefore, each breath you take reeks of bad odour.

Thing to Avoid

Cigarettes

Alcohol,

Alcohol based mouthwashes

Onions, garlic

Meat and eggs

Strong cheeses like Camembert, Roquefort, and blue cheese

Refined carbohydrates like white sugar, white bread and products prepared with them

Some fishes like anchovies and seaweed are high in ‘fishy’ amine odours

Never wear dentures, to sleep.  Clean them and leave until morning

Skipping of meals

Dry mouth

BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the windpipe and airways inside the lungs. These 

air passages get infected or irritated and the mucus lining gets swollen. In response to the swelling of the mucus lining, there may be a leakage of fluid that creates the persistent bronchial cough. In this way, the entire lungs and respiratory system can get affected.

Bronchitis can be severely uncomfortable and can affect people of all ages. When bronchitis affects children or infants, the symptoms are very similar to those experienced in asthma, and extra care has to be taken when diagnosing and treating the condition. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic in nature. Chronic bronchitis tends to be a more serious medical condition and may require long-term medical treatment. Acute bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infection, as it is also known, is often a result of a viral or bacterial infection with symptoms that are less severe than those found in chronic bronchitis cases. Chronic bronchitis if not properly treated could develop into asthma, emphysema, pneumonia or even heart failure.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Whether chronic or acute in nature, the symptoms of bronchitis include:

Chest pain

Tiredness

Persistent cough that may produce mucus

The phlegm that may be sticky and semi-fluid

Low-grade fever

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Wheezing

Loss of appetite

Nasal congestion

Hoarse throat

A lingering dry cough even after the infection clears up

In cases of chronic bronchitis there may be other symptoms such as the swelling of the feet and ankles, blue lips caused by lack of oxygen in the body, and recurring cold and fevers.

If you suspect that you may have bronchitis visit your doctor at the earliest. A complete physical exam will be conducted to determine the extent of the infection. You may also be required to have a chest x-ray, a lung function test, and a pulse oximetry test to check the levels of oxygen in the blood. Sputum samples can be checked for signs of an infection as well.

Call your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms, as they can signify a medical emergency:

You cough almost constantly or a cough that returns frequently

There is blood when you cough

You have a high fever with bouts of shivering and the chills

You have a low-grade fever that lasts for more than 3 days

The mucus you spit up is greenish in color or has an offensive smell

You have chest pain

You suffer from heart or lung disease

Causes of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection or as a result of a severe cold or fever. Depending on the extent to which the infection has spread, the bronchitis can then be further aggravated by the weather (if it’s cold or damp) or due to exposure to allergens such as pollution and smoke.

If attacks of acute bronchitis keep recurring the condition may progress to chronic bronchitis. One reason for constant flare-ups is a faulty diet. Foods such as over-processed snacks and items made from refined flour and white sugar can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the system. These toxins trigger a reaction in the respiratory system and can lead to another bronchial infection. Pollution, poor working condition, smoking and changes in weather all contribute to lowering the body’s resistance against infections as well.

Bronchitis can also be caused due to hereditary factors. Some people are more predisposed than others to infections and have low immunity. Viral and bacterial infections can lead to bronchitis and require different types of treatment accordingly. Much like asthma, bronchitis can also be brought on by various allergies. When the histamine level increases, the bronchioles or air passages in the lungs produce extra mucus and a bronchial attack is imminent. Young children or those suffering from other ailments and diseases are susceptible to bronchitis as well.

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis unless caused by a bacterial infection is rarely treated with antibiotics. Most people prefer to opt for natural cures for bronchitis especially when the affected individual is a child or aged person. Acute bronchitis also tends to clear up in a matter of two to three weeks and home remedies for bronchitis can help to relieve the cough and other symptoms. Bronchitis treatments at home include:

Mix half a teaspoon of ginger with half teaspoon each of black pepper and cloves. This combination can be blended with a little honey to make it more palatable or had as a tea infusion. There are compounds in ginger, pepper and cloves that help reduce fever and improve the immunity of the person suffering from bronchitis.

Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink this thrice a day. This natural remedy for bronchitis in children is more effective when taken on an empty stomach. (This remedy is not suitable for people having gall bladed stones, hyper-acidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice).

Infuse spinach leaves in water and add a pinch of honey and ammonium chloride. Drink this as a natural expectorant to loosen phlegm and reduce chest pain.

Powder the kernels of almonds and mix this powder in a glass of orange juice. Drink this every night before sleeping.

Honey is a natural way to deal with cough that occurs with bronchitis. The anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties present in honey will be soothing for the throat. At the same time honey will protect your immune system and keep your body well hydrated. Putting one teaspoon of honey to your regular cup of tea will help a lot while suffering from bronchitis. Else you can add honey to warm lemon water to treat congestion and throat inflammation that often happens with bronchitis.

Use the powder of dry chicory root mixed in honey. You can get chicory root powder in most herbal or alternative medical stores. When taken thrice daily, this is one of the most effective chronic bronchitis home remedies.

If you do suffer from shortness of breath or tightness in the chest, rubbing turpentine over the chest can offer some much needed relief.

Warm salt water gargles can also help to loosen the phlegm and reduce constriction that you may feel in your chest.

The expectorant characteristics present in onions help in dissolving the mucus and phlegm. At the same time, onion juice will avoid their further formation. Simply take one teaspoon of raw onion juice every morning on empty stomach. This is great remedy for treating bronchitis at home. Also it is recommended to add raw onions in your salad or use onions while cooking.

While suffering from bronchitis, steam therapy is very essential. For an effective steam treatment, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the boiling water. Eucalyptus oil will soften the mucus present in the obstructed airways and its antibacterial properties will help in the healing process. At the same time, eucalyptus oil can also be applied externally to the chest. This will help to expel mucus and improve the function of the respiratory system. If eucalyptus oil is not available, you can also use pine oil or tea tree oil for steam inhalation therapy.

The best way to treat bronchitis is by getting adequate rest. Cough syrup reduce the mucus build up in your lungs. Cough drops can also reduce a sore throat but won’t really stop the cough. In cases of chronic bronchitis or if you already suffer from a heart or lung disease, more medical attention and treatment will be necessary. Speak to your doctor immediately to prevent further medical complications.

Gargling with saltwater several times is a great way to treat various symptoms of bronchitis. For this remedy take one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and do gargling. Remember to add the exact measure of salt as too much salt can cause burning sensation in the throat and too little salt will not be that effective. You can gargle with salt water as often as you need. There are two benefits of this remedy. First it will soothe the inflammation in the throat and secondly it will cut through some of the mucus that may cause irritation on the sensitive throat membranes.

Sesame seeds have some medicinal properties that can cure bronchitis. You can make a mixture by adding one teaspoon of sesame seeds, one teaspoon of linseed and a pinch of common salt to one teaspoon of honey. Take this mixture daily before going to bed. Else mix half a teaspoon of dry sesame seeds powder with two tablespoons of water and have it twice daily. This remedy is very useful in giving relief from the chest pain associated with bronchitis.

Diet for Bronchitis

During a bronchitis attack have a hot bath with Epsom salts every night. Remain immersed in this water for at least 20 minutes. This should offer some relief from the congestion and coughing that often gets worse during the night.

Orange juice will give your body the much needed vitamins and nutrients and at the same time it will have a soothing effect on your throat infection. You can drink as much orange juice as you want whenever you feel hungry. It is better to avoid solid diet for a few days and only have orange juice. However it is better to have fresh orange juice rather than the one having preservatives.

The alternate placement of hot and cold towels over the chest is believe to help treat both acute and chronic bronchitis. Apply hot towels thrice and end with a cold towel. This can be repeated several times a day to loosen the phlegm and reduce chest pain.

If you suffer from chronic bronchitis you may benefit from practicing yoga regularly. Special emphasis should be given to yogic breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and boost immunity.

Avoid smoking, get adequate rest, keep hydrated and use an inhaler to clear your airways if required. Speak to your doctor for a prescription for one if you suffer from recurring chest infections.

Suggestions for Bronchitis

During a bronchitis attack have a hot bath with Epsom salts every night. Remain immersed in this water for at least 20 minutes. This should offer some relief from the congestion and coughing that often gets worse during the night.

The alternate placement of hot and cold towels over the chest is believe to help treat both acute and chronic bronchitis. Apply hot towels thrice and end with a cold towel. This can be repeated several times a day to loosen the phlegm and reduce chest pain.

During bronchitis, it becomes difficult to swallow solid foods and this can often make your body dehydrated. To keep your body well hydrated, you must drink a lot of water. At least try to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily. Along with plain water you can drink fruit juices as well as vegetable juices. If you are not able to swallow liquids, suck on ice chips and even eat some ice cream. It will help in reducing the inflammation. But you must not drink caffeine or alcohol as it can lead to dehydration and will make the mucus tougher to dislodge.

If you suffer from chronic bronchitis you may benefit from practicing yoga regularly. Special emphasis should be given to yogic breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and boost immunity.

Avoid smoking, get adequate rest, keep hydrated and use an inhaler to clear your airways if required. Speak to your doctor for a prescription for one if you suffer from recurring chest infections.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. It is an inflammatory disease that leads to a variety of symptoms. The causes of asthma may vary from one individual to another. The main cause of the inflammation is exposure to asthma triggers. The airways fill with mucus and become narrow and inflamed when they come into contact with such triggers. When an individual experiences an asthma attack, the mucus membranes swell and become inflamed. There are also spasms in the muscles of the airways. The increased production of mucus makes the airways narrow and this leads to difficulty in breathing. Symptoms such as coughing and wheezing also occur as the body reacts to the irritants present in the airways and tries to eliminate them through the mucus.

Symptoms of Asthma

An asthma attack takes place when the airways get irritated or inflamed. Asthma attacks may occur suddenly or develop gradually over a few hours or days. The primary symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Tightness in the chest

Coughing

Wheezing

Breathing difficulty

Pain or a sensation of pressure in the chest

The symptoms of asthma are likely to vary from case to case. You may not necessarily experience all the symptoms. The symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to another. Many individuals with asthma may remain symptom-free for some time and then experience periodic attacks. Some people may develop symptoms only during physical activity or when they come in contact with irritants. In most cases, asthma attacks are mild as the airways open up after a brief period of time. Severe attacks may persist for longer periods of time and require medical attention.

There are some signs and symptoms which occur when an asthma episode is about to occur. These are not very severe, but addressing them can help to prevent an attack from worsening. They early warning signs include:

Shortness of breath

Coughing especially at night

Tiredness while performing any physical activity

Irritability

Symptoms of allergies or a cold such as nasal discharge

sore throat and headache

Difficulty in sleeping

If the above symptoms are not treated in a timely manner, severe symptoms are likely to follow. These symptoms may affect your daily functioning.

Persistent cough during the day and night

Severe wheezing

Poor response to asthma medications

Rapid breathing

Anxiety

Sweating

Pale appearance of the skin

Difficulty in talking

Causes of Asthma

Asthma episodes occur when the airways become blocked and inflamed due to exposure to certain triggers. The airways are highly sensitive and there is a reaction whenever there is contact with an external factor. An asthma attack may occur immediately after exposure to an irritant or a few hours or days later. Different people may react to different triggers. It is essential to identify and avoid contact with triggers so that asthma episodes are prevented.

The most common triggers include:

Colds or respiratory infections

Pollen from grass, trees and weeds

Mold spores

Dust

Pet dander

Insects

Certain foods

Exercise

Smoke

Pollution

Perfumes

Detergents or other cleaning agents

Cold weather

Humidity

Anxiety or strong emotions

Intake of certain medications

Some individuals may also have a genetic predisposition to asthma.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Ginger - is a well-known natural treatment for various ailments including asthma.

Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Take one tablespoon of this mixture twice or three times a day.

Alternatively, you could mix one teaspoon ground ginger in one and a half cups of water and take one tablespoon of this mixture at bedtime.

Cut one inch of ginger into small pieces and add it to a pot of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes, allow it to cool down and then drink it.

To detoxify your lungs, mix one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Drink this solution every morning and evening.

You can also eat raw ginger mixed with salt.

Honey - is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. The alcohol and ethereal oils in honey help reduce asthma symptoms.

You can also mix one teaspoon of honey into a glass of hot water and drink it slowly at least three times a day.

Before going to bed, swallow one teaspoon of honey with one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This will help remove phlegm from your throat and allow you to sleep better.

Mustard Oil - When having an asthma attack, massing with mustard oil will help clear the respiratory passages and restore normal breathing.

Heat some mustard oil with a little camphor and gently massage it into the chest and upper back.

Do this several times a day until the symptoms subside.

Figs - The nutritional properties of figs promote respiratory health and help drain phlegm and alleviate breathing difficulties.

Wash three dried figs and soak them in a cup of water overnight.

In the morning, eat the soaked figs and drink the fig water on an empty stomach.

This method helps the nutrients quickly enter your bloodstream and provide relief from asthma symptoms.

Eucalyptus Oil - Pure eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms.

Just put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a paper towel and keep it by your head when sleeping so that you breathe in the aroma.

You can also put two to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. Try to take deep breaths for faster results.

Garlic - The following garlic remedies will clear congestion in your lungs, giving you quick relief from asthma symptoms.

Boil 10 to 15 cloves of garlic in one-half cup of milk. Drink this once a day.

You can also make garlic tea by adding three to four cloves of garlic to a pot of hot water and letting it steep for five minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then drink it.

Coffee - The caffeine in regular coffee can help prevent and control asthma attacks. Hot coffee also will relax and clear the airways to help you to breathe easier. The stronger the coffee, the better the result. But try not to drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. If you do not like coffee, you can opt for a cup of hot black tea.

Lemon - People with asthma often have low levels of vitamin C. Lemons are rich in this vitamin and antioxidants that can help reduce asthma symptoms. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and add some sugar according to your taste. Drink this when you are suffering from an asthma attack. Oranges, papayas, blueberries and strawberries are also rich in nutrients that help minimize asthma symptoms.

Onions - Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma. Also, the sulfur content in onions help decrease inflammation in the lungs. Simply eat raw onions to clear your air passage ways for better breathing. If you cannot bear the taste of raw onions, try eating cooked onions.

Salmon - Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help your lungs react better to irritants that cause asthma symptoms. It can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation. Along with salmon, you can eat other fishes such as cod, sardines, mackerel and tuna. If raw salmon is not readily available, you can try salmon oil.

The most important step in controlling your asthma is to reduce exposure to allergens and triggers. Here are some helpful tips:

The pollen count is high during certain seasons and this is when you are most prone to asthma attacks. Therefore keep your windows shut during these times. You can also use air conditioning to restrict the entry of pollen. An air conditioner will also help to reduce humidity and will protect you from exposure to dust mites. Make sure that you have your air conditioner cleaned regularly and have the filters changed.

Dust can worsen asthma symptoms especially at night. Use dust-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses. Carpets can collect a great deal of dust and therefore it is advisable to opt for linoleum flooring instead. Also ensure that you wash your curtains regularly to get rid of dust.

Use a dehumidifier if you live in regions with damp weather

Avoid exposure to animals if you are allergic to animal dander. If you have pets, ensure that they are groomed well and bathed regularly.

Protect your nose and mouth with a mask while cleaning or dusting the home

Cold air can worsen asthma symptom and may even bring on an episode. Therefore it is advisable to cover your face when stepping out.

You can also effectively manage asthma symptoms by staying healthy. Here are some ways to improve your health:

While there are no natural cures for asthma, some methods of natural treatment can help to keep the symptoms in check. Some common asthma home remedies include:

Diet for Asthma

Certain foods are known to help in easing an asthma attack. These include:

Caffeine dilates the bronchial passages and thus alleviates the symptoms of an asthma attack.

Pungent foods help in thinning the mucus and this prevents the air passages from becoming narrow. These foods include onions, garlic and chili.

Foods such as tuna, sardines and other fatty fish contain anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce inflammation. Onions and foods which contain vitamin C also help in this regard.

The B vitamins are beneficial for asthmatic individuals. They are contained in foods such as pulses, leafy green vegetables, dried figs, millets, green banana and bitter gourd. Fruits such as green papaya and grapes are also helpful in keeping asthma in check.

Vitamins C and E are known to reduce inflammation in the lungs and air passages which usually occurs during asthma attacks. A diet rich in these vitamins will help to protect from colds and respiratory infections which are asthma triggers.

Suggestion for Asthma

Flu is a common asthma trigger and can also worsen the symptoms once an episode occurs. Therefore it is advisable to get a flu shot on a yearly basis. An annual flu shot is recommended for asthmatic individuals above 6 years. The side effects of the vaccine are minor such as mild fever, soreness or redness at the injection site.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.