Alternatives to Prednisone for Asthma

If you’ve been prescribed prednisone for asthma and you’re searching for natural alternatives, I understand exactly why. Prednisone causes more side effects than almost any other drug on the market, and it makes sense to want options. Today I’m walking through what the evidence-based research actually says about natural substitutes for prednisone specifically for people taking it for asthma, using ratings from the Natural Medicines Database, a source that reviews the studies behind these treatments.

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TL;DR: Quick Summary

For people taking prednisone specifically for asthma, three natural substitutes show possible effectiveness in the evidence-based research: black seed oil, magnesium, and maritime pine bark extract. Each comes with its own trade-offs, from taste issues to weaker supporting evidence. If prednisone is still necessary for your asthma, supporting your body nutritionally while you take it can help offset some of what the medication depletes.

Understanding Where This Evidence Comes From

Before diving into specific options, it helps to know how these substitutes are being evaluated. The Natural Medicines Database is an evidence-based resource that reviews studies over time to rate how effective natural treatments actually are for specific conditions. Their rating scale ranges from effective, to likely effective, to possibly effective, to possibly ineffective, and finally not effective.

Prednisone works as both an anti-inflammatory and an immune-modulating drug. Since asthma involves both inflammation and immune system activity, any natural substitute needs to address at least one of those mechanisms to be worth considering. Here are the three that currently fall into the possibly effective category specifically for asthma.

Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has some of the strongest evidence among natural options for helping prevent asthma flares. It’s worth taking seriously if you’re exploring alternatives.

Strong evidence supporting its use in asthma flare prevention
The major downside is smell and taste, it has a very strong, unpleasant odor
Difficult for some people, including children, to tolerate as a swallowed capsule

I actually tried this with my own children who have asthma, hoping they’d prefer it to using an inhaler. They couldn’t get past how strong it was, even in capsule form.

Magnesium

Magnesium doesn’t have the strongest evidence specifically for asthma, but its role in overall health makes it worth considering as part of a broader approach.

Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions throughout the body
Low magnesium levels can affect sleep, muscle cramping, heart function, and more
Generally very safe to supplement, the main side effect at high doses is loose stool
Magnesium glycinate is a favorite option because it combines magnesium with glycine, an amino acid known for a calming effect, which can be especially helpful for the jittery feeling some people get from asthma inhalers

Maritime Pine Bark Extract

This is the third option on the list, and while its evidence base is the weakest of the three, it may still offer some benefit.

May help reduce the need for inhalers
May help reduce the frequency of asthma flares
Evidence is limited compared to black seed oil and magnesium

Supporting Your Body If You Still Need Prednisone

If asthma requires you to stay on prednisone despite exploring these alternatives, there’s still something you can do to make the experience less difficult. Prednisone depletes your body of key nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, chromium, and magnesium. Replenishing what prednisone takes away is one of the most practical ways to support yourself while managing your asthma treatment.

This is where Nutranize Zone comes in as educational and nutritional support, not as a treatment or cure for asthma or any other condition.

Nutranize Zone is a two-bottle morning and bedtime system built around 17 ingredients, including the magnesium glycinate mentioned above, along with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, melatonin, chromium picolinate, B vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc. It’s designed as an all-in-one way to fill the nutritional gap prednisone creates, so you don’t need to track down each individual supplement separately.

Learn more about Nutranize Zone here →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best natural substitutes for prednisone in asthma?

Based on evidence-based ratings, black seed oil, magnesium, and maritime pine bark extract are currently considered possibly effective for asthma specifically.

Is black seed oil effective for asthma?

It has relatively strong supporting evidence for helping prevent asthma flares, though its strong taste and smell make it difficult for some people to tolerate.

What type of magnesium is best for asthma symptoms?

Magnesium glycinate is often preferred because it combines magnesium replenishment with glycine, an amino acid that can help with the jittery, fluttery feeling associated with asthma inhaler use.

Can I stop taking prednisone and just use natural substitutes instead?

This is a decision that should always be made with your doctor. These natural options are being discussed specifically for people managing asthma, and any change to your prednisone regimen should be supervised medically.

Does prednisone deplete nutrients even for asthma treatment?

Yes. Regardless of the condition prednisone is prescribed for, it depletes nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, chromium, and magnesium.

What if I’m taking prednisone for a condition other than asthma?

Natural substitutes vary by condition since prednisone is prescribed for many different reasons. If you’d like alternatives covered for a different condition, that’s worth exploring in a separate discussion with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer: Nutranize Zone does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medical care or your doctor’s guidance.

References:
Han A, Shi D. The efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2021 Aug;38(4):561-565. doi: 10.5114/ada.2020.93220. Epub 2020 Feb 24. PMID: 34658694; PMCID: PMC8501420.
Abuabat F, AlAlwan A, Masuadi E, Murad MH, Jahdali HA, Ferwana MS. The role of oral magnesium supplements for the management of stable bronchial asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2019 Feb 18;29(1):4. doi: 10.1038/s41533-019-0116-z. PMID: 30778086; PMCID: PMC6379356.
Lau, B. H. S., Riesen, S. K., Truong, K. P., Lau, E. W., Rohdewald, P., & Barreta, R. A. (2004). Pycnogenol® as an Adjunct in the Management of Childhood Asthma. Journal of Asthma, 41(8), 825–832. https://doi.org/10.1081/JAS-200038433