Asthma is a chronic condition without a definitive cure. While many patients need to take their medications every day, some need to use their inhalers and other medication only when the condition worsens. Asthma is becoming increasingly prevalent among children too.

With long-term use of inhalers and other steroids, all the users face many side effects and complications. That is why many use time tested and easy to prepare home remedies, which help reduce the airways’ inflammation and clear the mucus to bring some relief. It would be best if you took them continuously to see their benefits. These remedies are easy to prepare and have no side effects. Remember, home remedies are a supplement to medication, and you should not replace or discard them.

1. Teas
Teas are easy to prepare, and you can carry them with you in a thermos. A warm cup of tea helps to clear mucus. The herbs and roots have properties that clear the airways by reducing inflammation. Use fresh ingredients as much as possible. If not, you can use store-bought ingredients, check that they do not contain any possible triggers. Some of the teas that provide relief from asthma symptoms and help prevent them are ginger tea, green tea, black tea, eucalyptus tea, licorice tea and mullein tea.

If you are at risk of frequent asthma attacks or if your child or a family member is at risk, you can get them habituated to these teas from an early age. You can add honey to these teas that make it sweet – honey also reduces the throat’s irritation. That way, they will get used to the strong flavors and slowly see the benefits.

2. Turmeric
Asian cultures swear by turmeric. They use it in their cooking every day as it contains compounds full of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory compounds. You can opt for fresh, organic dry turmeric or ground turmeric. Add a small pinch to your food, or you can add it to a glass of warm milk. Turmeric is ideal for children.

3. Garlic
Garlic is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear the airways quickly. You can add it to your food regularly. Remember to sauté it in vegetable oil to reduce the pungent odor. It can enhance the flavor of sauces and gravies.

4. Caffeine
Theophylline is a drug used in bronchodilators or inhalers. Caffeine has similar properties that give instant relief from the airway blocks. Coke, candy, cocoa, coffee, and tea contain natural caffeine. During an attack, have warm coffee or tea sips that can help clear the blocked airways to give you some instant relief.

5. Warm or sauna bath
Warm water and its steam can help clear the airways and the mucus, bringing some relief from an attack. It might worsen the attack for some due to the heat. Hence, it is essential for one to know about personal triggers.