Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma
People suffering from asthma often have allergic tendencies; a genetic predisposition is
common. Constitutional homeopathic care (with the guidance of an experienced professional) can
help to improve a person’s general health on deeper levels and possibly reduce the
tendency toward asthma. Correctly-chosen remedies can help reduce distress during asthma
attacks; however, emergency medical care must be sought in any serious attack. If a person has
great difficulty breathing, looks very pale, has bluish lips, or seems to be very weak or in
danger of losing consciousness, seek a doctor’s help immediately.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Arsenicum album: A person needing this remedy can feel exhausted, yet be very
restless and anxious. Breathing problems tend to be worse while lying down, better when
sitting up, and may begin, or be the most intense, between midnight and two a.m. Dry wheezing
may progress to a cough that brings up frothy whitish fluid. The person can be thirsty, taking
frequent tiny sips. General chilliness is usually seen, with burning pains in the chest and
heat in the head. Warmth often brings improvement.
Carbo vegetabilis: This remedy may be indicated when a person feels weak or faint
with a hollow sensation in the chest. Coughing jags can lead to gagging. The person may be
very cold (especially hands and feet), yet feel a need for moving air, wanting to sit beside a
fan or open window. Gas and digestive upset are also likely, and sitting up and burping offers
some relief. Feeling worse in the evening, and worse from talking, eating, or lying down are
other indications for this remedy.
Chamomilla: Asthma with a dry, hard, irritating cough that starts after being
exposed to moving air, or after becoming overexcited and angry, may be helped with this
remedy. The cough is often worse around nine p.m., and may continue into the night. The person
seems hypersensitive and may be extremely irritable and agitated. (Children may even shriek
and hit, though they often calm down if someone carries them.)
Ipecacuanha: Coughing spasms that lead to retching or vomiting strongly indicate
this remedy. Wheezing can come on suddenly with a feeling of suffocation and heaviness in the
chest. Mucus collects in breathing tubes, but the person has difficulty coughing much out. The
person may sweat a lot and feel clammy or nauseous, be worse from motion, and sometimes worse
from warmth.
Natrum sulphuricum: This remedy is sometimes indicated when asthma attacks are
brought on by exposure to mold and dampness. The person may hold the chest while coughing,
because it feels so weak. Wheezing and breathing difficulties are aggravated by exertion, and
episodes tend to be worse in the very early morning.
Nux vomica: Indications for this remedy include a tense, constricted feeling in the
chest during asthma attacks, with pressure in the stomach. Problems are often worse in the
morning. Overindulgence in stimulants, alcohol, sweets, or strong spicy food can bring on or
aggravate an episode. Both physical effort and mental exertion can make things worse, and
warmth and sleep often bring relief. A person needing this remedy is typically very irritable
and impatient, with a general feeling of chilliness.
Pulsatilla: Wheezing that starts when a person gets too warm (especially in a stuffy
room), or after eating rich food, can indicate this remedy. Coughing brings up yellow-colored
mucus, with gagging and choking. Tightness in the chest tends to be worse in the evening and
at night, and is relieved by cool fresh air. A person who needs this remedy is likely to be
changeable and emotional, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. (Pulsatilla is
often useful in children’s illnesses.)
Spongia tosta: A hard or “barking” cough during an asthma attack is a
strong indication for this remedy. Breathing can be labored, with a sawing sound, and not much
mucus is produced. The person may feel best when sitting up and tilting the head back, or when
leaning forward. Warm drinks may be helpful. The problems often start while the person is
asleep (typically before midnight). Spongia is often used in croup, as well.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.