Asthma is a chronic disease that is accompanied by bronchial inflammation and airway obstruction. In the past, when modern medicine was still in its infancy, people resorted to various folk methods to relieve asthma symptoms. Let’s take a look at what traditional approaches were used in treating this condition in the old days.
Use of herbs and plants
Across cultures, people have turned to the medicinal properties of herbs and plants. For example, many have used plantain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to alleviate asthma symptoms. Sage, mother and stepmother, and lavender were also considered beneficial.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy was a widely used method in the olden days. Essential oils of eucalyptus, melissa and peppermint were used to ease breathing difficulties. Inhaling them or adding them to a bath was considered ways to reduce symptoms.
Use of honey: Honey has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In some cultures, it was consumed with the addition of warm water or lemon juice to relieve coughs and breathing difficulties.
Breathing exercises
People also resorted to breathing exercises to strengthen breathing muscles and improve breathing control. Simple techniques such as deep breathing and slow exhalation were considered effective.
Use of mineral waters: In some spa locations, asthma patients were encouraged to drink or bathe in mineral waters. Some believed in the healing properties of water and its positive effects on the respiratory tract.
In olden times, people resorted to various folk methods and traditional remedies when faced with asthma. Although modern medicine offers effective treatments for asthma, some of the old approaches inspire us to pay attention to natural resources and seek harmony with the environment. Today, doctors and scientific research allow us to develop individualized treatment approaches, but the memory of traditional methods reminds us of the vast cultural experience that can be helpful in our quest for health and well-being.