By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 18, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Asthma
Herbal creams for asthma are topical preparations containing plant extracts that help alleviate asthma symptoms.
These creams often include ingredients such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and menthol, which have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. Examples include Eucalyptus Balm and Peppermint Cream, which help open airways and reduce inflammation.
By using these creams, individuals with asthma can experience relief from symptoms, improve lung function, and enjoy a better quality of life, allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for asthma, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Echinacea angustifolia
- 2. Petasites hybridus
- 3. Althaea officinalis
- 4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 5. Eucalyptus globulus
- 6. Thymus vulgaris
- 7. Mentha x piperita
- 8. Zingiber officinale
- 9. Tanacetum parthenium
- 10. Aloe vera
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for asthma?
- What ailments similar to asthma are treated with herbal creams?
1. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The natural compounds present in the herb, such as alkylamides and polyacetylenes, help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe. By soothing and calming the respiratory tract, Echinacea angustifolia cream can provide relief from asthma symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath.
Regular use of the cream may also help to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with asthma.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may help alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea angustifolia have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may help in reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to asthma pathogenesis.
- Cichoric acid: Cichoric acid has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways, thereby providing relief from asthma symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for asthma.
- Roots: They contain a high concentration of alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Leaves: They have been traditionally used to make teas and infusions that help relieve respiratory issues, such as asthma.
- Roots: They are also a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic that can help soothe and calm respiratory tracts, making them useful in asthma creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for asthma.
- Harvest echinacea angustifolia roots in autumn when plants begin to die back and dig up the roots carefully.
- Clean and dry the echinacea angustifolia roots in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours.
- Grind 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea angustifolia root into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of the powdered echinacea angustifolia root with 2 ounces of beeswax and 2 ounces of coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160°f for 30 minutes to create a smooth herbal cream.
2. Petasites hybridus
Petasites hybridus, also known as butterbur, creams helps with asthma because they contain sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce airway inflammation and swelling.
This can help alleviate asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. By inhibiting the production of leukotrienes, these compounds also help to relax bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe. As a result, Petasites hybridus creams can provide relief from asthma symptoms and improve overall lung function.
They are often used as a natural and complementary treatment for asthma.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Petasites hybridus creams that help with asthma.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the airways that can contribute to asthma symptoms.
- Petasin: This sesquiterpene lactone has been shown to relax smooth muscle in the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing bronchospasm associated with asthma.
- Petasol: This triterpenoid has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help reduce the underlying inflammation and immune system dysregulation that contribute to asthma symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of butterbur used to make creams for asthma.
- Roots: Saponins, due to their anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce swelling in the airways.
- Leaves: Flavonoids and phenolic acids, because they have antioxidant properties that can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Buds: Isothiocyanates and sesquiterpenes, since they have bronchodilatory effects that help to open airways and make breathing easier.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic butterbur for asthma.
- Harvest petasites hybridus roots in late summer or early fall to ensure optimal potency and effectiveness.
- Dry the roots in a warm well ventilated area for 1 to 2 weeks to minimize moisture content.
- Grind 20 grams of dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for uniform texture.
- Mix 10 grams of the powdered root with 10 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the beeswax is fully melted and the cream is smooth.
3. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The root of the plant contains mucilages, which are thick, protective agents that calm irritated airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs. As a result, the creams can help alleviate symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, by reducing mucus production and promoting relaxation of airway muscles.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to provide relief and promote respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with asthma.
- Mucilages: Mucilages are complex polysaccharides that form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, soothing inflammation and reducing the severity of asthma symptoms by calming the airways.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, specifically kaempferol and quercetin, have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammation and airway constriction associated with asthma.
- Rutoside: Rutoside has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms by protecting the airways from oxidative stress and inflammation, and preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for asthma.
- Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make creams for asthma due to their high mucilage content, which provides soothing and protective properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Barks: The barks are used to make creams for asthma due to their potential to reduce inflammation and provide relief from respiratory issues.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for asthma.
- Harvest 50g of dried roots of althaea officinalis from a well-known supplier or cultivate your own.
- Combine the dried roots with 250ml of hot distilled water in a heat-resistant glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 4-6 hours or overnight at room temperature to allow for infusion.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container.
- Mix 100g of a neutral carrier oil with the infused liquid and add 2% of a natural emulsifier.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways, a common cause of asthma symptoms.
The licorice root extract in these creams contains flavonoids and glycosides, which have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing swelling and constriction in the airways.
This helps to alleviate asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, making it easier to breathe and improving overall lung function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with asthma.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help alleviate asthma symptoms by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and reducing airway constriction.
- Saponins: Saponins in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and airway obstruction associated with asthma.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory effects and can help relax airway smooth muscles, thereby reducing the severity of asthma symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for asthma.
- Roots: They are used because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Leaves: They are used because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help manage asthma.
- Barks: They are used because they contain glycyrrhizin and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate asthma symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for asthma.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and clean them thoroughly.
- Infuse the roots in 500 milliliters of hot water at 80 degrees celsius for 30 minutes.
- Strain the infusion and combine it with 50 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add 50 grams of coconut oil and 20 grams of shea butter to the double boiler.
- Allow the mixture to cool and solidify before packaging and labeling the final product.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, creams helps with asthma because of its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The main component, eucalyptol, helps to clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. It also has a soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, reducing inflammation and irritation.
The cream's topical application allows eucalyptol to be quickly absorbed into the skin, where it can be transported to the lungs, providing relief from asthma symptoms and promoting easier breathing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus creams that help with asthma.
- Cineole: This terpene helps with asthma by thinning mucus, reducing inflammation in the airways, and providing bronchodilatory effects, making it easier to breathe.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, providing relief from asthma symptoms.
- Α-terpineol: This terpene has bronchodilatory effects, helping to relax airway muscles and improve lung function, which can help alleviate asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make creams for asthma.
- Leaves: They are rich in eucalyptol, a primary active compound that helps relieve respiratory issues.
- Barks: The barks contain eucalyptol and other essential oils that help in decongesting and soothing airways.
- Stems: They are also a source of eucalyptol and other oils that contribute to the anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties of asthma creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for asthma.
- Gather 1 cup of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a clean workspace.
- Steep the dried leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 5-7 minutes then let it cool.
- Strain the cooled liquid into a glass jar using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl.
- Combine the strained liquid with the beeswax mixture and whip with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
6. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The thymol content in thyme cream has been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, thyme's antimicrobial properties help combat respiratory infections that can trigger asthma attacks. The cream's soothing and calming effects also help to reduce bronchial spasms, providing relief from asthma symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.
This makes thyme cream a natural and effective remedy for asthma management.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with asthma.
- Thymol: Thymol has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate is a terpene that acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax airway muscles and improve breathing in individuals with asthma.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe for individuals with asthma.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for asthma.
- Leaves: The leaves contain thymol, a natural compound with decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Stems: The stems of Thymus vulgaris contain thymol and other essential oils, which contribute to their potential benefits in asthma creams, including reducing inflammation and congestion.
- Roots: The roots of Thymus vulgaris contain sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate asthma symptoms and improve breathing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for asthma.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves at dawn when dew is still present for best potency.
- Infuse 2 cups of distilled water with the fresh thymus vulgaris leaves for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain the thymus vulgaris infusion through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into a clean bowl.
- Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax with 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Combine the strained thymus vulgaris infusion with the melted beeswax and coconut oil mixture.
7. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.
The menthol present in peppermint creams relaxes the airway muscles, making breathing easier. It also reduces inflammation in the airways, which helps to alleviate asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
Additionally, peppermint creams have a natural decongestant effect, helping to relieve congestion and promote a clear airway, providing instant relief to asthma sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with asthma.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the airways, alleviating asthma symptoms.
- Limonene: A terpene found in peppermint oil, limonene has bronchodilatory effects, which help relax airway muscles and improve breathing in asthma patients.
- Menthol: A monoterpenoid compound, menthol has a cooling effect on the respiratory tract and can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel and relieving congestion associated with asthma.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for asthma.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have been shown to help relieve asthma symptoms.
- Flowers: Flowers are used for their fragrance and to provide a more pleasant scent to the creams, which can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Stems: Stems are used for their essential oils, particularly menthol and menthone, which help to relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation associated with asthma.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for asthma.
- Combine 100g of m x piperita leaves, 200g of vegetable oil, and 20g of beeswax in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the mixture at 60-70°c for 30 minutes or until the beeswax is fully dissolved.
- Add 10g of emulsifying wax and 10g of vitamin e oil to the bowl and stir well.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool to 40-50°c for 10 minutes.
- Pour the cooled mixture into a sterilized container and let it set for 2 hours at room temperature.
8. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with asthma because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, ginger has natural bronchodilatory effects, which can help to relax and dilate airway muscles, allowing for improved airflow.
This makes ginger creams a valuable natural remedy for managing asthma symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with asthma.
- Gingerol: Helps with asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways and relaxing bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe.
- Shogaol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to decrease the severity of asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
- Zingerone: Acts as a bronchodilator, helping to widen the airways and improve lung function, making it easier to breathe and reducing asthma symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for asthma.
- Rhyzomes: They are used due to their high content of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help in alleviating asthma symptoms.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can be beneficial in reducing asthma symptoms.
- Stems: The stems of ginger are used to extract essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that can help in managing asthma.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for asthma.
- Grate 2-3 fresh roots of zingiber officinale into small pieces.
- Combine 100g of coconut oil with 20g of grated zingiber officinale in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 2-3 hours until it reaches 45-50 degrees celsius.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean container to remove solids.
- Whip 50g of shea butter with 20g of cooled zingiber officinale coconut oil mixture until smooth.
9. Tanacetum parthenium
Tanacetum parthenium, also known as feverfew, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relax bronchial muscles.
The cream reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing. The antispasmodic properties of Tanacetum parthenium also help to calm spasms in the bronchial tubes, making it easier to breathe and reducing asthma symptoms.
The cream's soothing effects can provide relief from asthma attacks and promote overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tanacetum parthenium creams that help with asthma.
- Parthenolide: Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, helps with asthma by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation and airway constriction.
- Camphor: Camphor, a terpene, helps with asthma by providing a bronchodilatory effect, which means it helps to relax the airway muscles and improve airflow.
- Thujone: Thujone, a terpene, helps with asthma by its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve airflow in the airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of feverfew used to make creams for asthma.
- Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used for their antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which help relieve bronchospasms and promote mucus clearance in asthma.
- Roots: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help reduce inflammation and relieve bronchospasms in asthma.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic feverfew for asthma.
- Harvest fresh tanacetum parthenium flowers in the morning when the dew is still present on the petals.
- Dry the flowers in a single layer at room temperature for 7 to 10 days to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 200g of dried tanacetum parthenium flowers with 400g of coconut oil and heat the mixture in a double boiler.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids after 2 hours.
- Mix 100g of beeswax with 100g of cocoa butter and add the infused oil to the mixture in a 1:1 ratio then whip until smooth.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant soothes and calms the airways, reducing inflammation and congestion. This helps to ease symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Aloe vera creams also have a natural bronchodilating effect, which opens up the airways and allows for easier breathing.
This natural remedy provides relief from asthma symptoms and can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with asthma.
- Alkaloids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate asthma symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects, which can help reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function in asthma patients.
- Saponins: Saponins have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which can help relax airway muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve breathing in asthma patients.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for asthma.
- Leaves: They are used because they contain the highest concentration of gel, which is a key ingredient in asthma creams due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: They are used because they contain a compound called aloin, which helps to relax the airways and reduce inflammation in asthma patients.
- Flowers: They are used because they contain a compound called aloin A, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for asthma.
- Gently harvest 2 cups of aloe vera gel from the leaves of mature plants at dawn.
- Weigh and mix 1 cup of coconut oil with 1/2 cup of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax mixture over low heat for 20 minutes or until smooth.
- Add 1/4 cup of distilled water and 2 tablespoons of vitamin e oil to the mixture.
- Pour the cooled mixture into sterilized jars and store in a cool dark place.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for asthma?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with asthma is a blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Ginger creams.
Eucalyptus oil's decongestant properties help ease breathing, while Peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory effects reduce inflammation in the airways. Ginger cream's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties further alleviate asthma symptoms. When applied topically or inhaled as a steam, this combination of herbal creams can provide relief from asthma symptoms, reducing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Regular use may also help to improve lung function.
What ailments similar to asthma are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to asthma/creams.html">asthma/creams.html">asthma that are treated with herbal creams are chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory allergies.
These conditions often exhibit symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, which can be alleviated by topical application of herbal creams containing ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile.