At the first sign of an asthmatic attack, sit up straight in a chair for the first 10 minutes. Inhale through your nose and exhale through pursed lips. This helps press open the bronchial tubes. Then lie on your stomach, with your head and chest over the edge of the bed. Cough gently for 2-3 minutes, to bring up the sputum.
Lobelia is an herb that, when sipped slowly, relaxes the nerves and tends to stop the spasm.
Mullein oil is a worthwhile remedy for bronchial congestion. The oil stops coughs because it unclogs bronchial tubes. When taken with water or fruit juice, the effect is even more rapid. Other useful herb teas include juniper berries, echinacea, and, of course, that old standby, slippery elm bark. Eat a nourishing diet.