The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Milk Kefir
Posted by 777gal (New Zealand) on 07/13/2023
★★★★★
I have noticed that since starting milk kefir, my night time asthma has improved.
This evening, I was coughing relentlessly and then realised I had forgotten to take my kefir today. Accordingly, I immediately took my kefir, and my coughing eased considerably.
Within 5 minutes, my cough was gone. What a miracle!
I drink 1 cup unsweetened milk kefir per day.
Lung Herbal Tonics, Salt Therapy
Posted by Jennifer (Phoenix, Az) on 11/20/2017
★★★★★
Have had breathing problems since a little girl due to swimming in chlorinated pool. I finally found a way to cure my lung issues. I take a lung tonic which is a liquid I purchased from a health food store with herbs for the lungs. I take this while I use an herbal inhaler that I got from the health food store. I purchased it at Whole foods. then I did Salt therapy. There are salt therapy clinics all over the country where you sit in a salt room and inhale the salts. Go slow as it can make things very constricted at first. Like 10 minutes to start. I also have purchased a cheap nebulizer on ebay and nebulized salt water into the air where I can breath it in. I have done some essential oils also. You have to go really slow though. As it cleanses your lungs of all the toxins, it can make things feel worse at first. I have also found that a little red wine can loosen things up. I mean a tiny bit. I started to drink it a long time ago after one episode of breathing issues that lasted a year, and finally gave up and started to drink some red wine. And low and behold my breathing came back. I don't know if it was this or all the lung herbs I drank in a tea, like lungwart, lobelia etc.
The most recent situation was very life threatening as I moved into a new home with new construction dust. I almost died. And had to stay at a hotel where someone setoff a smoke bomb outside my hotel room. And I was in massive distress. The taking the tonics I got at Whole foods, and their inhalation stick, together with nebulizing some salt water and essential oils eventually cleared my lungs. I also took some stabilized oxygen pills (non chlorinated - very important) but that doesn't help by itself.
I would also treat for candida and mold knowing that my environmenal scientist friend says that our air is filled with it.
H2O2 Inhalation Therapy
Posted by Myway (Delaware, Usa) on 01/23/2015
★★★★★
Update: So here it is, my journey seems to be almost complete with my asthma. I use Bill Monroe's H202 Therapy as a go-to if I start wheezing, take 2 teaspoons of Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa) daily to reduce systemic inflammation AND keep my sinuses clear of mucous plus, take Dr. Carolyn Dean's Remag (picometer size liquid magnesium), 1/2 tsp 2X a day....and continue to practice buteynko method of breathing. BTW, my Magnesium RBC (red blood cell) test was 5.0 mg/dL and according to Dr. Dean, it needs to be between 6.0-6.5 mg/dL, not the 4.2-6.8 mg/dL as indicated on the test range. The fluoride in the Advair was leaching the magnesium from my system - hence, I was not getting the proper nutrition I needed to combat my asthma. My body was not getting properly fueled nutritionally because the magnesium was not allowed to drag into the cells the vitamins and nutrients it needed.
If you have an interest in getting to the root of some of your health issues, I suggest you read the follow excerpt from functional medicine university. This one page of information is an eye opener as it relates to magnesium deficiencies.
http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/882.cfm
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 01/02/2015
And that is absolute true! The cardinal mistake people make, they confuse Maximum pause with Control pause. The Buteyko method is not about forcefully pausing your breath, but about consciously reducing its depth, not forcefully. One should never interfere with body's natural breathing. You gradually reprogram your brain to underbreath, so to speak, that will increase level of co2 which in turn will break oxygen /hemoglobins bond and make oxygen available to the tissues.
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 02/08/2024
In the early 1900's, Gallaher Ltd. (a UK-founded tobacco company) printed a short “How-To” series, with clever hints for emergency situations. The cards were distributed with packs of cigarettes. All the pictures are part of the George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library.
How to Increase Lung Power
Stand straight with your head held well back looking straight up at the sky (as in the illustration).
Inhale deeply until your lungs are fully inflated, and then gradually exhale.
Repeat this exercise several times in both the morning and evening.
Source: https://www.boredpanda.com/vintage-100-year-old-life-hacks/
Onion Poultice
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 08/26/2013
★★★★★
Hi! My 9 year old had a terrible asthma attack last night. She coughed and wheezed all night. By morning, the coughing was non-stop. All night I tried remedy after remedy and nothing was working. (She had this trouble a year ago and we found a number of natural solutions for her. Then she only had a little trouble every so often, easily treatable with nettles and quercetin.) Anyway, I was reading through all the asthma stuff here on earth clinic and trying what I had on hand. ACV didn't work. Essential Oils didn't work. Lobelia tincture didn't work. And Epsom Salt bath didn't work. Green tea didn't work. Coffee didn't work. Herbal steam didn't work and nettles and quercetin didn't work. ) Previously, many of these things had worked for her, so I was really baffled.
Finally, I called a friend (when the hour was decent) to ask her about a remedy she had once used on her son who has bad asthma. It was an "Onion Poultice." I sauteed about 1/4 cup of onion in coconut oil until it was soft. I put it on a cloth. I added a lot of salt. (at least 1/4 cup. ) I wrapped it in the cloth and when it was no longer too hot (test on forearm) I put in on her chest (which had some oil as a barrier on it, so the onion wouldn't burn. ) In a few minutes she stopped coughing and slept with not a single cough for almost 2 hours. She was still wheezing but not coughing. When she woke up, I gave her 4 nettles capsules and 2 quercetin capsules. When I checked her breathing with a stethoscope 30 minutes later, her lungs sounded almost normal.
By the way, if you have a stethoscope, here is a great website to know what you are hearing. I found it very helpful.
http://www.easyauscultation.com/lung-sounds.aspx
She may have a little cold that brought this one and perhaps ate something yesterday at a pot luck that didn't agree with her (she went to bed with a migraine.)
I was thinking we might end up in the ER and was so grateful that we didn't have to do that. Thank God for onion.
I hope that helps another mom one of these nights when you are searching and searching for what will help you child!
~Mama to Many~
Lobelia
Posted by Yosef (Brooklyn, NY) on 05/09/2013
★★★★★
I have used a mixture with lobelia seed to treat asthma attacks and it clears it within 5 minutes. It also is used to prevent attacks when taken in settings that may trigger them. Other ingredients were nettle, Pleurisy, Ginger, Mullein leaf, Comfrey root, Marshmallow root, Onion, Elecampane Root, Coltsfoot Leaf, Licorice Root, Kola Nut, Cherry Bark, Fennel Seed, Peppermint Leaf.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Anonymouscat (La, Ca) on 01/02/2013
★★★★★
I'm been doing oil pulling ( oil and 3 drop Thyme oil mixed in) for few days, my breathing is better. Now I'm thinking that since all root canals leak infection supposedly. Perhaps the shortness of breath is due to this issue. I'm seeing a holistic dentist next week to discuss having them removed and redone the correct way.
H2O2 Inhalation Therapy
Posted by Reba (Portland, Oregon) on 12/08/2012
★★★★★
I am just recovering from a nasty virus which caused my asthma and sinus congestion to worsen. A doctor prescribed a steroid inhaler, but I reacted badly to it. I began a 1% hydrogen peroxide inhalation via the mouth with a nasal spray pump (5 pumps per inhale, 5 times daily). I'm also taking 600 mg extended release guaifenesin (Mucinex) with no other active ingredients, to loosen things up. After only 3 days, I'm feeling tremendously improved. My coughing is much less than even before I became ill. My sinuses are clearer and so are my thoughts.
While I believe there are limits to how long and often one should do this, I absolutely can't argue with its effectiveness. I'm hopeful that this awful 3 year battle with asthma and 25 year battle with sinus congestion may be ending. I've researched endlessly and over the years have tried so many supplements and herbs that just didn't help. My advice to anyone trying this is to ease into it a bit and never start with a 3% solution. I doubt I will ever go stronger than 1% because my body reacts strongly to medications.
Many people are afraid of hydrogen peroxide because strong solutions are so dangerous. As with so many compounds, whether something is a poison or a medicine is all about the concentration. I learned this once when I put straight 3% hydrogen peroxide in my ultrasonic humidifier and inhaled the mist deeply and repeatedly. My breathing started shutting down and I was barely able to inhale enough albuterol to stop the attack. I think people just have to be smart about things and shouldn't go overboard. And I definitely recommend trying this approach long enough and frequently enough to see what it can do.
I believe allergies play a part in asthma and sinus problems, with the secretions in sinus and lung tisssues forming a material which gradually is populated by microorganisms from the environment and ultimately creates a biofilm. Biofilms can become highly impenetrable to drugs, a problem which is the target of much medical research.
My hope is that the 1% hydrogen peroxide inhalations will be the means of killing the bugs which are probably residing in films in my lungs and sinuses and causing my asthma. I believe taking the guaifenesin and drinking plenty of water is important in helping to move out those problematic secretions--killing the bugs is good, but getting rid of the gunk makes it even better.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Justin (P.j., Selangor, Malaysia) on 07/03/2012
★★★★★
I was suffering from Asthma for the past 10 years. Before taking 35% Hydrogen Peroxide food grade, I can't walk up to 50 meters and felt very exhausted and breathed heavily.
4 months ago, after reading the forums from Earth Clinic, I started taking 35% Hydrogen Peroxide fg. Begin with 1 drop until reached 6 drops, 2 times /day, I did not increase the dosage because I don't have time to do it everyday. Sometimes I stop for 1 or 2 days a week due to work schedule.
Incredible things happen, now I can run for 50 meters and walk for hours. Though it is still not fully cured yet, but I am happy now, and will continue taking it as what I have done, hopefully, I will get cured from Asthma any time soon.
I recommend to friends the beautiful things about 35% Hydrogen Peroxide fg. The response is very excited, more and more friends go for alternative treatment. This not only save a lot of money but see the results quite fast.
Cold Shower Therapy
Posted by Isabel (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 07/15/2011
★★★★★
I can certainly vouch for the cold shower remedy. After normal shower I turn up the heat to the hottest possible before it's actually burning for about a minute, then turn almost all the hot off. I have a shower rose that you can hold rather than a fixed one, this helps as I can start on the legs first then work up to head and chest and back. It's important to breath deeply while doing this, you will notice your breathing becoming more intense naturally with the shock but really try to push all the air out of your lungs as this gets rid if the toxins faster. I only leave cold on for about 15 seconds. You won't feel cold stepping out of shower, you will feel warm and indeed invigorated and rejuvenated. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks every day and yes my asthma has improved. Also for those on cleansing regimes this is a great one too.
MSM
Posted by John (Nyc, Ny) on 01/15/2010
★★★★★
I have been in the healing profession (practitioner, researcher, advocate) for 30 years, nothing comes close to my experience with MSM, I am so sorry it took this long to try it. My chronic asthma gone in 3 days!! On albuterol for almost 40 years. I am in shock.
Some side effects which I consider to be cleansing symptoms: nausea, sleeplessness and skin breakouts, but I did start on a high dose of 20 grams a day. After three weeks no more 'side effects'.
My energy has greatly increased, I feel quite euphoric every day now. The only time I had that kind of euphoria was by drinking three glasses of organic green juices a day. I think people on heavy medications, mercury fillings, toxic diet are going to have more difficulties with it, so building up from a small dose with extra vitamin C and plenty of pure water will help.
The other supplement that really helps is Vitamin D3, I take 16,000iu liquid daily, no colds for two years now and my chronic bronchitis of 20 years has disappeared. Some years it was mild others, severe triggering serious asthma attacks. So the combination of Vitamin and MSM has been miraculous for me. This great website encouraged me to try MSM. Thanks so much.
p.s. Brushing my teeth with MSM has whitened them.
Buteyko Breathing Method
Posted by Greg (Hilo, Hawaii) on 08/11/2009
★★★★★
Aloha to the folks here. My naturopath let me know about a treatment for asthma called Buteyko Breathing Method over 6 years ago. I learned it and have been asthma symptom free since. I just started to teach a workshop on Buteyko. It is so amazing to see people get so much relief from it. Clinical studies show that in 2 to 6 weeks people reduce albuterol / short acting med's by 90% and long term acting meds by 50% with 90% reduction in symptoms. If you are in Hawaii I could teach it to you and if not there are teachers in the U.S.
Good luck and aloha.
greg
Aloe Vera
Posted by Dianne (Tampa, Florida) on 10/02/2011
★★★★★
After I mix it with orange juice, I drink the whole thing.
Salt Pipe Inhaler
Posted by Clarice (Boston, MA, USA) on 03/17/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
This is not just a Big Fat Nay for salt pipe inhalation therapy for asthma, but a complaint about the poster who is pumping their "Salt Rocks" site under the very very thin guise of "offering extensive compiled information" (which is no different than any other site selling salt rock pipes).
I actually went to the Salt Rocks site that the poster put in their post and bought two salt pipes for two asthmatics in the family. The people involved are both non-smoking males, one 43 years and the other 58 years, both have low-sodium diets that generally exclude asthma-trigger allergens; the younger is a vegetarian, the elder is not. I got the pipes at Christmas time, and three months later, no improvement or help whatsoever in either person, and in fact, the elder person is worse, now having to have a heftier dose of Advair. And, while all the "information" promises no increase in blood pressure, blood pressure was elevated in the elder, and in the younger blood pressure went through the roof after starting salt inhalation; both cases higher than when taking the Advair (which is known to elevate blood pressure).
So, consider this a double nay for salt pipes, both of which have been relegated to the trash bin.
If it sounds too good to be true, guess what children, it is...except for the person selling it, of course.
EC: Thank you for letting us know about this! The post and url to the website have been deleted.
Allergy Connection
Posted by Liz (West Bend, WI) on 10/15/2008
I developed asthma when I was pregnant with my daughter about two years ago. I think I had it for much longer as dust has always bothered me and caused me to have lung infections. I was taking meds, not religiously, but on occausion for the first year. I finally decided to see an allergist in March 08, and had reactions to the 6 most common indoor and outdoor allergens in varying degrees. I know the scale is from 0-4 and I'm a 4 for dust and cat dander. I'm also allergic to different tree pollens. I was trying to find the sheet that listed them all but I'm not sure where it is.
I believe my asthma is caused by my allergies and have been oil pulling two times a day for 5min, taking 2TBS raw organic ACV twice a day with 1/8tea of baking soda, 1 TBS raw honey, and have also recently added 1tea cinnamon and 1-2 tea lemon juice. I know these things help with my overall health but they haven't largely helped my asthma.
I also drink tea on a regular basis and have tried peppermint, licorice root, green tea, black teas. They seem to help while I'm drinking it but the effects are short lived.
I have also tried green tea with ACV and Cayenne pep during a cold, which did seem to help but didn't completely eradicate it.
Basically I'm looking for other alternative treatments to try. I have been having asthma attacks more frequently and I'm not sure if its my indoor air quality or what. I live in WI and its getting cold so all the windows are closed. I want to buy more plants to help filter the air which I think would help some.
I was also thinking of trying to do a clinical study by Dr.David Hahn. He believes that asthma is caused by a bacteria in your lungs I posted the links to his website under a post for azithromycin. I think that may be promising for some asthma sufferers.
Also,my asthma acts up when I excercise (which I try to do every day) and the highest I can blow on a peak flow meter is 300, lowest I get when having an attack is 90-150. Avg person gets between 400-700. My husband can max my device out.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have twin boys and a daugther all under the age of five and my asthma takes my life away. Plus, I want to be able to help my kids if they develope asthma/allergies.
Thanks for your time,
Liz
Buckwheat Honey
Posted by Patricia (Ottawa, Canada) on 04/11/2008
★★★★★
Buckwheat honey has successfully controlled my young son's asthma for over a year now - look it up!!! Patricia.
H2O2 Inhalation Therapy
Posted by Catherine F Clark (Chicago, Illinois) on 10/15/2007
★★★★★
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Therapy. I had a terrible bout with Asthma last weekend and couldn't breathe without wheezing. Albuterol wasn't helping, even the kind using my nebulizer. I got no sleep last night and couldn't go to work today, I was so exhausted from the effort just to breathe. I got online and went to Earth clinic and did a search on Asthma. I saw the Hydrogen Peroxide inhalation and tried it. I can now breathe without wheezing. I am so glad to find something affordable as my asthma meds are so expensive, even WITH insurance! I am hoping that tonight I will be able to actually lay downn in bed instead of sitting up all night on the couch because of the wheezing and coughing. The cough isn't gone yet, but as I am at home today I plan on nebulizing with Hydrogen Peroxide several times today. Thank you for providing this forum. I will also try this method with ACV today and see what my results are.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jessica (Chicago) on 10/26/2006
★★★★★
I am a severe asthmatic with sinusitis. I'm not sure if asthmatics are allergic to dairy or if people who are allergic to dairy become asthmatics, but either way, there is a strong connection. Dairy not only effects my asthma, but my sinuses and allergies, as well.
