Hold Your Breath

Until the early 1900s, chloroform and smoking were both recommended as treatments for asthma. The belief was that chloroform could help to alleviate the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the muscles and allowing for easier breathing. Smoking, on the other hand, was believed to have a soothing effect on the airways and could help to reduce inflammation.

Chloroform was typically administered through inhalation, either through a mask or by saturating a cloth with the liquid and holding it over the patient’s nose and mouth. Smoking, on the other hand, was believed to be a more natural and soothing remedy for asthma. The practice of smoking various substances, such as tobacco or even dried herbs.