Potential Benefits and Side Effects

Although they can’t manage severe asthma on their own, some herbs may be beneficial when used alongside medical treatment. Examples of potentially helpful herbs include curcumin, ginger, and ginseng.

There are many ways to manage asthma, including trigger avoidance, medical therapies, and natural remedies. Along with breathing exercises and dietary changes, herbal medicine may help relieve asthma symptoms for some people.

This article discusses whether herbs and herbal medicines can help manage asthma and provides some examples of potentially beneficial herbs. 

Some herbs may relieve asthma symptoms. However, you cannot manage severe asthma with herbs alone. You will have to use herbs alongside medical treatment.

Learn more about other asthma treatment options.

A 2021 research review discussed several properties of saffron, a spice that may benefit people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. These properties include:

• Antiviral properties: These may reduce asthma flare-ups resulting from infections.
• Antioxidant properties: These may reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, which refers to excessive airway sensitivity to triggers. 
• Bronchodilator effect: This may make breathing easier.
• Anti-inflammatory effect: This may help fight airway inflammation.
• Immune boosting effects: These may strengthen the body’s defense mechanism against pathogens that can trigger asthma flare-ups. 

A separate review shared that saffron may also help protect against allergic asthma, which flares up after exposure to allergens like pollen.

Saffron is generally considered safe, but taking it in high doses may cause side effects such as: 

• nausea
• drowsiness
• stomach discomfort 
• diarrhea 

Many Chinese herbal formulas could have a favorable effect on asthma. One such formula is the PingchuanYiqi (PCYQ) granule, which is a combination of nine special Chinese herbs.

One 2018 trial found that PCYQ could inhibit asthma-causing inflammatory substances, potentially improving lung function and relieving acute asthma symptoms.

It is worth noting, however, that the trial did not evaluate airway obstruction in the participants. More research is needed to understand PCYQ’s potential benefits fully.

Using Chinese herbs in excess may cause:

• upset stomach
• bloating or gas
• allergic reactions 

A 2021 study investigated the effects of ginger-derived compounds in mice with induced asthma. The study found that these compounds may inhibit lung inflammation during an allergic asthma flare-up.

Another study involving mice investigated the effect of ginger on asthma-related lung inflammation resulting from exposure to house dust mites. The study shared that ginger extract may relax the airway’s smooth muscles and reduce inflammation.

Further research is needed to confirm whether humans can experience similar benefits. Potential side effects of ginger include:

• heartburn
• stomach discomfort
• diarrhea 
• mouth and throat irritation

Learn 11 proven and possible health benefits of ginger.

Curcumin is an ingredient in turmeric. A 2019 study in mice shared that curcumin may reduce airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Mucus hypersecretion is when excess mucus forms in the airway during an asthma flare-up and obstructs airflow.

A separate study in mice found that curcumin nasal drops may reduce oxidative stress associated with allergic asthma. Oxidative stress is a phenomenon that contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.

Taking high doses of curcumin may cause side effects such as:

• dizziness 
• nausea
• stomach upset 
• diarrhea
• headache

Learn more about when to take turmeric.

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is an aged version of ginseng. In one study, researchers provided KRG to mice with induced allergic asthma. The mice showed signs of reduced inflammation and improved airway sensitivity.

Another research review highlights that ginseng may regulate immune system responses in allergic asthma and improve airway inflammation.

Using ginseng in moderation may help reduce potential side effects, such as:

• diarrhea
• headaches
• sleep problems
• rapid heartbeat

Learn more about 7 ways to ease asthma naturally.

Some herbs may relieve severe asthma symptoms when used alongside medical treatments. Herbs are generally considered safe, but high doses can cause adverse effects.

Talk with a healthcare professional before trying herbs for asthma.