Respiratory

Asthma and Wheezing

Asthma needs diagnosis and treatment by a health professional. Never use herbs in place of your inhaler. Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, trouble speaking, or blue lips.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pain or blue lips. Don't use herbs in place of asthma inhalers or other prescribed medicines. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.

11 herbs

Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.

CatnipNepeta cataria
Traditionally used for asthma; only lab studies exist. Don't use it in place of asthma medicine.
Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorum
Traditionally used for asthma. One small study found tulsi leaves eased asthma symptoms; don't use it in place of asthma medicine.
HyssopHyssopus officinalis
In one trial, hyssop syrup helped asthma with a mucus-producing cough but worsened it in people with a dry cough.
Lion's EarLeonotis nepetifolia
Traditionally used for asthma in Trinidad. This use hasn't been tested in people.
Magnolia BarkMagnolia officinalis
Traditionally used to ease asthma. Not tested in trials.
Malabar NutJusticia adhatoda
Ayurvedic preparations of vasa are used for asthma.
PurslanePortulaca oleracea
Traditionally used for shortness of breath in Trinidad. This use hasn't been tested in people.
Search Mi HeartRhytidophyllum tomentosum
Traditionally used in Jamaica for asthma.
SpearmintMentha spicata
A traditional remedy for asthma. Not tested in trials; asthma needs medical care.
SusumberSolanum torvum
Traditionally used for asthma in Bangladesh. This use hasn't been tested in people.
VervainStachytarpheta jamaicensis
Traditionally used for asthma.