Fact Check: Can Fenugreek, Ginger, and Honey Cure Asthma?

Claim: A reel on Instagram by user claims that asthma can be cured within a month using a mixture of fenugreek powder, ginger powder, and honey. According to the user @dramitkdubry who posted , if someone suffers from breathlessness, or asthma, or experiences asthma-like symptoms due to excessive walking, they can benefit from this remedy. He suggests that allopathic medicines can dry out the cough in the throat, and this remedy helps to loosen and remove it, providing relief within a month. The recommended mixture includes 50g of fenugreek powder mixed with dry ginger powder. To use, mix a spoonful of honey with a spoonful of the powder and consume it, followed by drinking lukewarm water after some time. The reel is available here.

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE.

What is Asthma?

According to the WHO, Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.

As per WHO, Asthma risk can increase due to several factors, some of which include :

• One of the most common causes of Asthma is Genetics.
• Allergies like eczema or hay fever can also be a risk factor contributing to asthma.
• Asthma can be due to poor lifestyle factors.
• Early life events can impact lung development and increase asthma risk, such as low birth weight, premature birth, tobacco smoke, passive smoking, pollution, and viral lung infections in the early stages of life.
• Environmental triggers like pollution, dust mites, mold, and some workplace chemicals or dust can also increase asthma risk.
• Overweight or obesity can also be a risk factor for asthma, both in children and adults. (1)

Can Asthma be cured?

Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. WHO notes that  “Asthma cannot be cured, but there are several treatments available. The most common treatment is to use an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs.” (1)

Can Asthma be cured by fenugreek, dry ginger powder and honey?

While some studies indicate that the use of fenugreek, dry ginger powder and honey has positive impacts, no scientific studies support the claim of fenugreek, dry ginger powder and honey curing Asthma.

In an article published by Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, it was found significant improvement in lung function tests by consuming honey and fenugreek powder. (2)

Another study published by American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology concluded that ginger helps relax muscles and provides rapid relaxation. These properties help in the management of Asthma. (3)

Fenugreek and ginger have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to deal with inflammation. Inflammation is one of the symptoms of Asthma so, Fenugreek and Ginger help in relieving this symptom.(4) (5)

What do the experts say?

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr, Mrigakshi Aggarwal, Pulmonologist, Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi she said, " Fenugreek, ginger, and honey are often praised for their health benefits, but they can't cure asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that can't be cured and is only managed with proper medical care, including medications and lifestyle adjustments. While these natural ingredients might help with overall wellness, they shouldn't replace your asthma treatment plan."

Responding to the claim, Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli, Chest Specialist, New Delhi said, "Fenugreek, ginger, and honey may offer some health benefits, but they cannot cure asthma. As a chronic condition, asthma requires proper medical management to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. These natural remedies can be used as complementary treatments, but they should not replace prescribed asthma medications. It is always advised to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your asthma treatment plan."

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

While certain studies show that fenugreek, ginger and honey have a positive impact on lung health, no scientific evidence or medical consensus was found that these can cure Asthma. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of fenugreek and ginger will help in relieving inflammation. Honey also has positive impacts on lung health. Still these properties are not sufficient to constitute a cure.

Hence, this claim that Asthma be cured by fenugreek, dry ginger powder and honey is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

2. Emtiazy M, Oveidzadeh L, Habibi M, Molaeipour L, Talei D, Jafari Z, Parvin M, Kamalinejad M. Investigating the effectiveness of the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds in mild asthma: a randomized controlled trial. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018 May 2;14:19. doi: 10.1186/s13223-018-0238-9. PMID: 29743896; PMCID: PMC5930943.

3. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OC?role=tab
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30651162/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903613/