When I was a kid in the 80’s (I was born in 75) I knew one or two kids that had asthma and used inhalers. I remember other kids making fun of them, it was that rare.

Now it seems like every other kid has asthma.

Doesn’t it seem like that to you?

Is there a natural or even a holistic treatment for asthma that works?

I think there are and we’ll get to some below but first…

Here are some asthma statistics to show you what I’m talking about…

Asthma is  really common these days, did you know about 34 million Americans deal with it, including kids, around 7 to 8 million? The economic impact is pretty profound because it causes millions of dollars each year just in missed school days and missed work days. And on top of all that, it’s expensive, racking up a whopping $14.7 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

So…

What Causes Asthma?

As with any health condition, there are many causes and many natural treatments. The trick is to find out what could be the cause for you. Fundamentally, asthma is caused by inflammation in your airways, which can be triggered by various factors like allergens, irritants, or even stress. This is sort of the standard alternative medicine approach to asthma.

Everybody knows that inflammation causes most disease but the real question in my mind is how is inflammation causing asthma? What is actually happening to the lungs that’s causing this condition?

Well when inflammation happens in the lungs, surfactant activity is dramatically impaired or lowered in some way.

What is surfactant?

Surfactant is a substance that keeps our airways open by preventing them from sticking together and becoming too dry. When there isn’t enough of it, or it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to airway closures, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

So what is making surfactant impaired or lowered to the extent that it’s causing these symptoms?

Well, it might be dysfunction due to an overactive enzyme called phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which breaks down critical components of surfactant.

The plot thickens.

Now we have an enzyme involved.

Essentially an overproduction of the phospholipase enzyme seems to be breaking down surfactant in the lung tissue.

Less surfactant means the more your airways will not stay open leading to conditions like COPD, wheezing, pulmonary fibrosis, dry coughing and even asthma.

Another rabbit trail…

Why is this enzyme being overproduced?

Hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors can also play a role in the overproduction of our little friend PLA2. For example we know that estrogen can increase PLA2 activity, which may help explain why women often experience higher asthma rates. That’s not a smoking gun, but an interesting rabbit trail to research.

Also, low thyroid function or chronic stress can boost the production of adrenaline, which further disrupts surfactant.

To get to the root cause, I would research what causes an over production of phospholipase PLA2 enzyme. There might be 3 or 4 factors like low thyroid, hormone imbalances, excess estrogen etc that cause this to happen. Then I would focus on removing the stressors in your life that cause this stress response, then I would focus on nourishing the organs that produce these hormones.

What organs are those?

I would start with nourishing  your adrenal glands (Adrenal glandular extract, Ashwagandha, Licorice, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ginseng), and thyroid (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, iodine, B12, selenium, zinc, magnesium, L-Tyrosine) and give that a good 3 to 4 weeks to start noticing any difference.

If you want to go a step further…

An interesting treatment that could help support particular organs is something called Cellular Rejuvenation Therapy developed by Dr. Paul Niehans of Switzerland.

Below is an excerpt from his book,

“Developments during the last hundred years have led us from Virchow’s cellular pathology to Carrel’s cellular biology and thence to cellular therapy. The foundations of cellular biology were laid by Alexis Carrel, who in numerous experiments demonstrated the undying nature of cells, that is, the perpetual youth of cells, given the right care. He kept alive fragments of the breast of a chicken for 25 years after the death of the bird, without it’s showing any senile changes. Carrell has also studied the influence of healthy cells on diseased cells in the incubator and has observed that dying cells are called back to new life by the addition of the same kind of fresh cells, so great is the regenerative power that wise Nature places in these mysterious cells of fetal and young animals.

From 1931 [the book from which these excerpts were taken was published in 1960] I have systematically practiced cellular therapy on myself and in experiments with animals and I have also practiced it on numerous patients. Today I am in a position to make a survey of some 12,000 which I have carried out in the last 26 years. Cellular therapy is a method of treating the whole organism on a biological basis, capable of revitalizing the human organism with its trillions of cells by bringing to it those embryonic or young cells which it needs. Cells from all organs are at our disposal, the doctor’s art is to choose the right cells. Selective cellular therapy offers new life to the ailing or diseased organism.

Cellular therapy has its roots in the oldest traditions of medicine…in 1400 B.C. the Hindu doctor Susrata recommended Hindus suffering from impotence to eat the sex glands of tigers. Homer relates that Achilles ate the bone marrow of lions in order to increase his strength and his courage…In the third century Chinese doctors prescribed human placenta as a tonic. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Paracelsus taught that ‘the heart heals the heart; the kidney heals the kidney….’ Hunter in 1771 and Berthold in 1849 demonstrated the substitution effect of testicles grafted on a castrated cock. In 1857 Claude Bernard began to speak of ‘endocrine secretion’. In 1889 Brown-Sequard proved in an experiment on himself the rejuvenating effect of an injection of dog testicle extract. Then surgeons tried grafting animal testicles on man while the endocrinologists, following the example of Brown-Sequard, injected gland extracts subcutaneously.

I myself have carried out more than 1000 transplantations of glands and from 1927 I have been grafting the anterior lobe of the calf on dwarfs, and have had as a result an increase in stature (growth) of as much as 32 centimeters (12.6 inches).”

With that said some more common causes of asthma are…

• Food Allergies: Hidden food allergies contribute to 25–90% of asthma cases. Foods like milk, eggs, grains, soy, and nuts are common triggers. – Source​
• Sulfite Sensitivity: Roughly 5–10% of asthmatics are sensitive to sulfites, found in foods like dried fruits, wine, and pickled items. – Source
• Environmental Triggers: Irritants like air pollution, tobacco smoke, and sulfur dioxide exacerbate asthma symptoms. – Source
• Exercise-Induced Asthma: Some individuals experience asthma symptoms only when combining food allergens with exercise, such as consuming wheat or milk before physical activity. – Source
• Celiac Disease: Gluten sensitivity can manifest as asthma in certain individuals, with symptom relief noted upon adopting a gluten-free diet. – Source
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): MSG consumption has been linked to delayed asthma attacks, particularly in sensitive individuals. – Source
• Respiratory Infections and GERD: Chronic infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are recognized as contributing factors to asthma. – Source
• Mold exposure
• Parasitic infections
• Iron overload in the lungs

Remember, many times the cure is in the cause. If we simply stop doing what’s causing the problem, your body will naturally seek out homeostasis and it will go away the way nature and God intended.

I like to do both to speed the healing process. Remove that which is causing the problem, while at the same time incorporating healing practices that support whatever organ is an issue, in this case your lungs. For me this would mean taking things like Mullein, and using a nebulizer to nebulize things like magnesium and other healing compounds.

I go into detail in my Nebulizing for Lung Health Protocol.

Symptoms of Asthma

Have you ever heard of somebody having an asthma attack? The first time I witnessed one was when I was in grade school. It was kind of scary because I didn’t know what was happening.

Asthma symptoms can display as wheezing (kind of a whistling sound when you breathe) but mostly it’s shortness of breath, coughing and in the case of my friend in school he was complaining that he had tightness in his chest. As a 9 year old that meant nothing to me.

In many people with asthma, they don’t have any symptoms until something happens like they catch a cold or flu. Sometimes it doesn’t become an issue until they start exercising. But what I’ve heard from many people is that for some reason symptoms get worse at night. I have a theory about that. It’s a catch 22 because you need deep restorative sleep to heal, yet the symptoms are keeping you from the very thing you need to heal.

My theory is that as the day wears on, our energy wanes. As a result there’s less energy for your body to use to keep your lungs working properly. Many people with health issues complain that their symptoms get worse at night.

It’s an energy game. Your body needs energy for every physiological response. It allocates energy to the most important things first (cognitive function, heart beats etc). If there’s any energy left over then it tackles everything in order from most important to least important.

Problems with Inhalers

Inhalers can have a really positive immediate effect for asthma but I don’t recommend them long term. I always recommend getting to the root cause of the issue.

The medications inside these inhalers can have long term side effects. Bronchodilators, like albuterol, can lead to airway desensitization over time (definitely not ideal), making them less effective and masking worsening inflammation. These mask symptoms but do not heal the cause.

Now corticosteroids on the other hand can reduce inflammation, but may thin your airway linings, suppress local immune responses, and increase the risk of infections or other side effects like oral thrush.

Also, some inhalers I’ve researched can contain additives that can irritate sensitive lungs. Most likely, if you have asthma, your lungs are sensitive. Without addressing the root causes of asthma, over-reliance on these inhalers could very well contribute to long-term changes in your airway structure, making the condition harder to control.

So yes they can help alleviate symptoms quickly, over time I do not recommend them.

Instead I recommend getting to the root cause of the issue.

Holistic Treatments For Asthma

If I had asthma I would focus on making sure I’m making enough endogenous vitamin D from the sun. If I was not making it or converting it I would look at…

1. Low magnesium levels
2. Poor liver health
3. Excess deuterium (donating blood helps this)
4. Making sure I’m in an environment that doesn’t have a lot of nnEMF in the atmosphere (this alters the wavelengths that interact with 7 Dehydrocholesterol)

If I lived in a location that doesn’t have good sun to support optimal vitamin D production I would look at a light device that can help produce it in the skin. I might also get a genetic test to see if I have the DHCR7 genetic mutation and work from there.

Many times, optimal vitamin D can be the #1 solution for asthma.

Here’s a radio show I did about how important it is to get vitamin D from the sun instead of taking it as a supplement.

Nutrition

Phosphatidylcholine (PC):

A primary component of lung surfactant, PC can be replenished through dietary sources like egg yolks, soy lecithin, and certain legumes. However, supplementation of phosphatidylcholine (preferably saturated forms) is considered highly effective​​.

Magnesium:

Known for its ability to relax bronchial muscles and improve lung function, magnesium can be found in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and beans​.

• Relaxes bronchial muscles and mitigates airway hyper-responsiveness.
• Shown to improve asthma symptoms when supplemented orally or intravenously​​.

Vitamin E and C:

These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. Sources include nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, and cruciferous vegetables​. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are a part of my daily health stack.

• Supports immune response and reduces airway inflammation.
• Helps prevent oxidative stress associated with asthma​​.

Vitamin D:

Enhances immune regulation and has shown benefits in improving respiratory health​​. As mentioned above, get your vitamin D from sunlight.

• Improves lung function and reduces exacerbation rates, especially in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
• Modulates inflammatory and immune responses​​.

Folate (Vitamin B9):

Found in leafy greens, beans, and fortified grains, it supports immune function and reduces allergic inflammation​ in your lungs. If you think you could have a food senstitivity, vitamin B9 would be worth trying.

Gingko Biloba and Pine Bark Extract:

These have PLA2 (phospholipase A2) inhibition properties, which may help maintain surfactant integrity​​. I’m a big fan of both gingko biloba and pine park for reasons other than asthma.

Lycopene

An antioxidant that helps protect against exercise-induced asthma​. Lycopene is also very helpful for prostate health but that’s another article entirely!

Selenium

Reduces corticosteroid dependence and supports lung health​​. Selenium is a supreme antioxidant and might even help to eliminate cancer cells.

Gotu Kola and Mimosa Pudica:

Traditional herbs like gotu kola and mimosa pudica with potential anti-inflammatory effects, helpful in respiratory conditions​​. I would try these as a last resort.

Additional Recommendations:

Avoid sulfites and other irritants: Found in certain processed foods, these can exacerbate airway inflammation and surfactant breakdown​.

Probiotic-rich foods: These help maintain gut and immune health, indirectly benefiting lung function​. Some foods include sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, and sour dough breads. Or you could supplement it along with eating fermented foods.

Biohacks

Vitamin B12 Injections

The first thing I would do if I had asthma and didn’t want to take albuterol in an inhaler, is I’d find a doctor in my area who can administer vitamin B12 injections. If I couldn’t find a place locally I would learn learn how to do injections by myself at home.

“Twelve patients with asthma received daily vitamin B12 injections for 15–20 days. The stated dosage was 30 mg per injection, but the true dosage was probably 30 µg, based on the vitamin B12 preparations that were available in the early 1950s and the fact that the injections were given ‘hypodermically.’ Asthma attacks disappeared in 10 of the 12 patients”​. – Source

and…

A study involving 20 adults with “intractable” asthma who were injected with 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12 weekly for four weeks. Eighteen (90 percent) reported some improvement in wheezing, breathing with exertion, sleep, or “general condition,” but the study was terminated without any decrease in other asthma treatments. – Source

Additional Recommendations:

On top of getting tested for food allergies, getting vitamin D from the sun, and doing vitamin B12 injections, I would then consider doing these to help heal asthma naturally

• Nebulizing substances like methylene blue along with other substances
•  Increasing CO2 in my lungs
• Increasing CO2 retention in my lungs by mouth breathing
• Ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy
• Halotherapy
• Using a device to strengthen my lungs

Bottom Line

In my opinion the root cause is the lack of surfactant in the lung tissue and avioli causing fibrotic calcification leading to what we know to be asthma. By reducing allergic responses by eliminating high sensitivity foods while taking B12 injections and getting sunlight you’re going to go a long way to improving your lung healthy. I would also consider nebulizing all of the substances I have in my Lung Health Protocol.

Another aspect to all of this is that your lungs are hormone dependent to a large degree. If you’re a man with asthma, it’s highly likely you have issues with your free testosterone levels. If you’re a woman with asthma (which is more likely) there’s a high probability that you have elevated estrogen levels. This is another major consideration as you put together your own holistic treatment for asthma.

I’ve given you many options and I hope one of them helps improve your breathing!

Questions

1. How long have you had asthma?
2. Have you ever tried another holistic treatment for asthma?
3. Did it work? How long did you try it?
4. Why do you want to heal your asthma naturally?

Comment below.