Chief among nutrients important to people with asthma is magnesium. Intravenous infusions of magnesium can halt even some of the most severe exacerbations of emphysema under emergency room circumstances. Magnesium apparently acts as a natural bronchodilator, relaxing the smooth muscle found in the walls of the tubules which bring air into the lungs, thus relieving the spasms which close these tubes down in asthma. Vitamin B6 is another useful vitamin, along with B12 which can provide relief to asthma sufferers through its ability to activate the body's chemical detoxification pathways. Molybdenum, a trace metal and important nutrient, participates in the body's sulfite oxidase pathway, helping the body break down and eliminate sulfite chemicals which may trigger asthma attacks.
Herbs can also be useful in asthma management.
A traditional Chinese herb known as ephedra is the mainstay of asthma treatment in Chinese medicine. Western herbs of use include pleurisy root, yerba santa, and lobelia. Ginkgo biloba, which appears to benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease, also has specific anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. The Chinese healing art of acupuncture has been proven to be helpful in mitigating the symptoms of asthma. I find that acupuncture can be useful in the treatment of patients trying to stop smoking as well as in the treatment of asthma.