Roughly 20 million people in the US have asthma. Having a family history of the disease poses a high risk of getting asthma and while it can affect people at any age, half of the people with asthma usually develop it before age 10.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that is most times identified through periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. There is no cure for asthma. Symptoms such as a cough producing sticky mucus often appear to the result of the body's reaction to an allergen or allergy-causing substance such as airborne substances like pollens, dust, smoke, etc.

While people of all races and ethnic backgrounds can be affected, African-Americans are more likely to suffer from severe asthma attacks that can be fatal.

The human lungs are paired organs which are located on the left and right side of the heart which occupy a large portion of the chest cavity from the collarbone to the diaphragm.

Asthma affects the airways in the lungs and causes them to become red and swollen and easily irritated by triggers, such as pollen and cigarette smoke. Once they are irritated, the walls inside the airways become even more swollen and the muscles tighten. This results in a narrower passage which reduces the air flow through to your lung tissue. Aside from that, a sticky substance called mucus is also produced in excessive amounts, which clogs your airways even more, making breathing more difficult.

Listed below, are some of my personal recommendations of herbs and supplements that you can use to treat asthma naturally:

Pycnogenol – Also known as pine bark pycnogenol is derived from the Maritime pine trees that grow in France. Pycnogenol works as an anti-inflammatory and strengthens the walls of blood vessel walls. Studies have shown pycnogenol to reduce symptoms of asthma.

Quercetin - Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and powerful anti-oxidant that is naturally found in plant foods such as apples, and red onions. Quercetin works as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-histamine and has been used to reduce asthma and other allergy symptoms. Quercetin is also a powerful anti-oxidant.

Grape Seed Extract - Grape seed extract is also an anti-oxidant that can help to strengthen blood vessels. It contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are related to the pycnogenol found in Maritime pine bark extract. Grape seed extract also works as an anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory agent.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids - Studies have shown omega 3 essential fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Aside from that, Omega 3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents which may help to reduce inflammation of the air passages. Omega 3 essential fatty acids come from oily fish, flax oil, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Magnesium – this essential mineral aids in many processes in the human body particularly in promoting healthy muscle and nerve function. Supplementing the diet with magnesium has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Complex – Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, E, beta carotene, and zinc have shown possible connections to asthma. Always remember to include a high potency multi-vitamin to ensure that deficiencies don’t occur.