Subscribe to Our Newsletter for a Chance to Win a Natural Wellness Backpack!
Institute for Natural Medicine logo
Donate

The Best Natural Remedies for Asthma

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff
Medically Reviewed by Elidania Perez, ND, MS
  • Last Updated October 7, 2025
woman places hand over chest while coughing under building

In this article:

Asthma is a chronic condition marked by respiratory inflammation. This inflammation leads to excess mucus production and tighter airways, which in turn cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

More than eight percent of U.S. adults and about six percent of children struggle with asthma. Every year, the condition sends nearly one million people to the emergency room.

Asthma often starts in childhood while the immune system is still developing, but some people don’t experience symptoms until adulthood. A combination of four risk factors can increase the risk of developing the condition:1Zajac D, Wojciechowski P. The role of vitamins in the pathogenesis of asthma. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):8574. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218465,2Chipps BE, Soong W, Panettieri RA Jr, et al. Number of patient-reported asthma triggers predicts uncontrolled disease among specialist-treated patients with severe asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Jun;130(6):784-790.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2023.03.001

  1. Allergies
  2. Exposure to environmental pollutants at home or in the workplace
  3. Frequent respiratory infections in childhood
  4. Being overweight

Asthma has a genetic aspect, with the risk higher when a parent (especially the mother) has the condition. It is more common in boys during childhood but occurs more often in women in adulthood. In the United States, African American and Puerto Rican communities face a higher risk of asthma than other racial and ethnic groups.2Chipps BE, Soong W, Panettieri RA Jr, et al. Number of patient-reported asthma triggers predicts uncontrolled disease among specialist-treated patients with severe asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Jun;130(6):784-790.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2023.03.001

Asthma attack triggers

In addition to exposure to allergens and environmental toxins, common asthma triggers include emotional stress, respiratory infections, certain medications (such as aspirin), and physical activity.2Chipps BE, Soong W, Panettieri RA Jr, et al. Number of patient-reported asthma triggers predicts uncontrolled disease among specialist-treated patients with severe asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Jun;130(6):784-790.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2023.03.001

Airborne particulate matter

Airborne particulate matter (PM), a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets, can burrow into the lungs, increasing inflammation and potentially triggering an asthma attack. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest risk, because they are tiny enough to penetrate deeply into the lungs, and some may even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM may aggravate symptoms and worsen lung function in people with asthma.3Hu Y, Wu M, Li Y, Liu X. Influence of PM1 exposure on total and cause-specific respiratory diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;29(10):15117-15126. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8810454

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

PM may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are linked to a wide range of health issues and may disrupt hormone balance. Research suggests EDCs may heighten the risk of asthma and exacerbate symptoms in children and teens. Phthalates, bisphenols A and S, arsenic, nickel, and zinc cause the most concern.4Hatem G, Faria AM, Pinto MB, et al. Association between exposure to airborne endocrine disrupting chemicals and asthma in children or adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ. Pollut. 2025;369:125830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125830

Indoor irritants

Poor ventilation, dust, animal dander, and mold are known asthma aggravators. The presence of mold in homes raises asthma risk by more than half, could trigger asthma attacks in children, and may increase the likelihood of developing bronchial asthma.5Varga MK, Moshammer H, Atanyazova O. Childhood asthma and mould in homes-A meta-analysis. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2025;137(3-4):79-88. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11794369

EDCs are also an indoor danger. Exposure to formaldehyde in particular can contribute to asthma risk in children and worsen symptoms in both children and adults. Formaldehyde is found in foam insulation, cleaning chemicals, and personal care products. New housing materials (such as particleboard and plywood) release formaldehyde gas, further adding to indoor pollution.6Lam J, Koustas E, Sutton P, et al. Exposure to formaldehyde and asthma outcomes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and economic assessment. PLoS One. 2021 Mar 31;16(3):e0248258. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248258

Outdoor irritants

smoke pollution from industrial buildings

Living near factories, power plants, or agricultural/industrial areas increases exposure to airborne toxins. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a growing public health concern, particularly for low-income populations who are more likely to live near airports, transportation hubs, and major urban intersections.

Long-term TRAP exposure raises asthma risk in both children and adults and increases the likelihood of acute lower respiratory infections in children.7Boogaard H, Samoli E, Patton AP, et al. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and non-accidental mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int. 2023 Jun;176:107916. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107916

Climate change

Wildfire smoke, a major source of PM2.5, can damage lung tissue and spike inflammation, leading to more frequent asthma attacks, worsening symptoms, and increased hospital and emergency visits.8Wilgus ML, Merchant M. Clearing the air: understanding the impact of wildfire smoke on asthma and COPD. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jan 25;12(3):307. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12030307

Extreme weather events, like heatwaves, cold spells, dust storms, hurricanes, and floods, also heighten asthma risks and trigger attacks. Children are especially vulnerable; one study found that flood exposure more than doubled the risk of an asthma diagnosis.9Makrufardi F, Manullang A, Rusmawatiningtyas D, Chung KF, Lin SC, Chuang HC. Extreme weather and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev. 2023 Jun 7;32(168):230019. https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0019-2023

Diet and nutrition for asthma management

colorful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables

An anti-inflammatory diet may improve asthma outcomes in adults and children. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats are the mainstay of diets like the Mediterranean diet. Even upping fruit and vegetable intake has been shown to reduce asthma risk, improve symptom control, and enhance lung function.10Reyes-Angel J, Han YY, Litonjua AA, Celedón JC. Diet and asthma: Is the sum more important than the parts? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(3):706-707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2021.04.030

The antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables help protect against pollution-related damage to airways. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, aid in the absorption of these nutrients. Research also suggests that a healthy maternal diet during pregnancy supports fetal lung and immune system development, thereby reducing the risk of childhood asthma.10Reyes-Angel J, Han YY, Litonjua AA, Celedón JC. Diet and asthma: Is the sum more important than the parts? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(3):706-707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2021.04.030

Vitamins to lessen airway inflammation

Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelm the body’s defenses, leading to chronic inflammation. Antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E) help counter oxidative stress and lower inflammation. People with asthma often have lower antioxidant levels, which increases sensitivity to pollutants and infection risk.1Zajac D, Wojciechowski P. The role of vitamins in the pathogenesis of asthma. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):8574. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218465

  • Vitamin A lowers ROS and reduces inflammation. Carotenoid-rich foods (yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables) can reduce asthma risk and improve respiratory health.
  • Vitamin C has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping ease airway infections and smoke-related irritation.
  • Vitamin D modulates the immune system by reducing pro-inflammatory and increasing anti-inflammatory substances. Supplementation may improve lung capacity and lower the frequency of severe asthma attacks requiring corticosteroids, hospitalizations, or ER visits.1Zajac D, Wojciechowski P. The role of vitamins in the pathogenesis of asthma. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):8574. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218465
  • Vitamin E (especially tocotrienols) acts as a potent antioxidant, with effects comparable to prednisolone in asthma management.1Zajac D, Wojciechowski P. The role of vitamins in the pathogenesis of asthma. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):8574. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218465

Herbal medicine that supports lung health

woman in black tank top with hands on chest breathes deeply

Nigella sativa has been used supplementally for centuries to manage asthma symptoms. Modern research confirms it improves lung function, reduces inflammation, and enhances quality of life.11Han A, Shi D. The efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2021 Aug;38(4):561-565. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675719307752

ASHMI (Anti-Asthma Simplified Herbal Medicine Intervention), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, reduces inflammation by promoting anti-inflammatory compounds that improve respiratory function and symptom control.12Song Y, Wang ZZ, Wang L, et al. Sophora flavescens alkaloids and corticosteroid synergistically augment IL-10/IL-5 ratio with Foxp3-gene-epigenetic modification in asthma PBMCs. J Asthma Allergy. 2021 Dec 23;14:1559-1571. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S321616

Exercise to reduce asthma symptoms

The right exercises can strengthen the respiratory system and increase breathing capacity. Aerobic activity, breath-focused practices, and yoga have been shown to improve lung health.13Xing S, Feng S, Zeng D. Effect of exercise intervention on lung function in asthmatic adults: a network meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2237031. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2237031 Since excess weight is linked to asthma, exercise also helps by reducing weight-related risks. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine when there’s a history of exercise-induced asthma.

Footnotes

This article is provided by

The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine, with its person-centered principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness overwhelming healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain optimal lifelong health. INM strives to fulfil this mission through the following initiatives:

  • Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
  • Access – Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
  • Research – Expand quality research on this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

About The Author(s)

Writer

Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Our dedicated content team of professional staff writers represents decades of experience covering essential natural health topics in an accessible, evidence-based, and engaging way. Guided by a shared passion for holistic well-being, each and every one of our writers strives to empower our readers to take charge of their health.

Supported by a rigorous fact-checking and medical editing process from licensed naturopathic doctors that examines the latest in peer-reviewed research, our team brings their in-depth knowledge of natural health practices into every piece of content we produce. We strive to be the gold standard for evidence-based natural medicine, providing trustworthy information and inspiring narratives to help you live your best health, naturally.

Explore Respiratory Health Articles

Explore