It is widely debated whether herbs and caffeine in beverages like tea and coffee help in soothing the respiratory system. Help yourself to a few cups of coffee or tea a day, even better when they are combined with certain herbs, and voila!
Taking this into consideration, we will discuss in this article the types of tea for asthma that can be relished in certain cases.
Yes, certain cases, because some experts have pointed out asthmatic patients should avoid caffeine for a few hours before undertaking a medical test for lungs. Such specifications may be important, hence it is advisable to follow medical advice when preparing for any tests or taking any medication.
Now, a bit about asthma.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs of the respiratory system. It manifests itself through various symptoms like difficulty in breathing, blocked nose, coughing, and wheezing amongst others.
There are certain triggers that lead to an inflammation in the airways of the lungs, which again, results in excess mucus in the airways. The mucus narrows the airways and initiates the symptoms of asthma.
The triggers vary amongst individuals and so does the intensity of the symptoms. Some of the common triggers are cockroach allergens, pollen, dust mites, air pollution, primary and secondhand smoking, disrupted sleep at night, etc.
While for some asthmatic people the symptoms are only short-lived, for others it can have long-term side effects. These symptoms may go on their own within a short span of time or may need other forms of treatments like inhalers, medications, or a combination of both.
What are the Benefits of Tea for Asthma?
There are also some home remedies that people with asthma should try. One of them is drinking two to three cups of tea every day. Tea contains caffeine, also present in other beverages like coffee, which is believed to be of great help for soothing the respiratory tract.
Teas with organic herbs and natural ingredients can prove beneficial for respiratory health. Keeping this in mind, we will tell you about the types of tea for asthma patients and their benefits.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that there are various herbs, spices, and roots of certain plants with beneficial properties.
These properties are recognized to benefit the respiratory system. However, scientists and researchers are divided in their opinions and findings of the health benefits of tea and other natural remedies for asthma.
Despite this, the benefits of tea for asthma, even if it’s managing simple symptoms, are well-known and may show positive effects on your overall health.
However, it is important to note that tea should not replace proper doctor-prescribed medication.
Benefits of tea for asthma
- The reason why tea is considered by many to be beneficial for the health of our respiratory system is that it is caffeine-rich as we discussed earlier.
- Caffeine aids in soothing the muscles of the lungs. It helps in unblocking the airways, thus, acting as a bronchodilator.
- Another study conducted by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that caffeine clears the airways of lungs. It also clears other respiratory organs for up to 4 hours in people with asthma.
- Even small quantities of caffeine have proven health benefits for people with asthma. 5 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per 1 kilogram of body weight is sufficient to have a positive effect on the lungs of asthmatic people. This quantity amounts to 340 mg of caffeine for an individual weighing 68 kgs. To be more precise, 7 cups of black tea.
- Caffeine contains properties that are similar to theophylline. It is a drug that was popular for treating asthma before those that are usually prescribed now.
Types of tea for asthma treatment
Let’s talk about the types of tea and other natural ingredients that are believed to benefit respiratory health.
Green tea for asthma
Green tea is a double bonus for people with asthma. The anti-inflammatory properties in green tea keep the symptoms of asthma under control. Most importantly, it prevents asthma attacks. It is believed that caffeine and theophylline content in green tea is beneficial for people with asthma.
Black tea
Black tea for asthma also needs a mention due to its ability to improve the functioning of the lungs for a few hours.
Fennel Seed tea for asthma
A natural antispasmodic, fennel seeds sprinkled into tea can relieve asthmatic patients of muscle spasms in the bronchial passages and unblock the narrow airways. These spasms are often a symptom of an impending asthma attack.
Licorice tea
Licorice has been used as a much-preferred home remedy for respiratory disorders for many centuries. Not just asthma, it is considered to be effective for bronchitis and cough as well.
But, why and how does that happen? This is because licorice has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling in the airways of the respiratory organs. It can help relieve cough and enable easy breathing, both of which asthmatic patients find difficulty in.
Chamomile tea for asthma
Chamomile, commonly used as a relaxant at bedtime, proves to be effective in preventing breathlessness and coughing. It also alleviates allergic reactions, proving more beneficial for people whose asthmatic bouts are triggered by allergens.
Ginger tea
Ginger is recognized for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This serves as a bronchodilator, clearing the airways of mucus, thus, ensuring uninterrupted breathing. Besides, it soothes the respiratory muscles of the lungs.
Eucalyptus tea
This relaxes muscles in the airways of respiratory organs due to its anti-spasmodic qualities. What’s more, it also prevents disrupted breathing, another primary symptom of asthma.
For asthmatic people also diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which often worsens symptoms of asthma, eucalyptus controls acid reflux.
Peppermint tea for asthma
Peppermint can also control acid reflux, soothing asthmatic symptoms in many people.
Clove tea
The anti-inflammatory properties in cloves work wonders in controlling upper respiratory infections. This clears the accumulated mucus in the respiratory airways, preventing the occurrence of asthmatic symptoms.
No matter what the benefits of tea for asthma, if you are allergic to any of the above-mentioned herbs or teas, please refrain from consuming them. Also, consult your doctor before adding any of these to your daily diet if you have asthma.
Learn more about asthma treatment and management, here.
