The 5000-year-old art of natural healing, Ayurveda, was originated in India. This ancient remedy focuses on our health and wellness by creating a balance between the body, mind, and soul. According to ayurvedic texts, the human body is characterized by vata, pitta, and kapha- the three life forces. Every individual has a combination of these life forces or doshas, and if there is an imbalance between them, it may result in health ailments.
Ayurveda and Respiratory Health
According to Ayurveda, too much accumulation of vata in the lungs causes breathlessness, asthma, dry coughs, hoarseness of the voice, pain when breathing, and allergies related to breathing or wheezing. If there is an imbalance of pitta in the lungs, you experience bronchitis, infections or inflammations. On the other hand, excess kapha in your lungs may lead to mucus congestion, wet cough, hay fever, pneumonia or swollen glands.
These are the main causes of lung imbalance:
- Improper diet – Eating oily, cold and hard to digest foods can cause respiratory problems.
- Polluted air– Dust, smoke from cigarettes and factories, exhaust fumes, pollen, dirt and other toxic particles.
- Seasonal changes – Human body functions differently in each season because of the different temperature and climatic conditions. Autumn and early spring season make us more prone to respiratory problems.
Ayurveda for Asthma and Respiratory Health
1. Licorice
Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, the root of licorice helps in softening and cleansing mucus membrane in your lungs and throat. It also contains saponins which help to melt the mucus so that it can be easily removed from the lungs. You can either chew a twig of licorice or drink it in the form of tea to get relief from cough, sore throat and other respiratory problems.
2. Pippali
Pippali functions as a counter-irritant as well as lessens inflammation. It works wonder in managing respiratory problems such as cough and cold by clearing out the mucus. Add a few pippali in half a glass of milk and boil it. Drink this ayurvedic herbal mixture to get relief problems related to the respiratory system.
3. Triphala
This ayurvedic combination of amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki helps in balancing the doshas in the throat area. Triphala helps you breathe well and acts as one of the best ways to cleanse your lungs. It can be consumed regularly to strengthen your respiratory and immune system.
4. Vasaka
Also known as the Malabar nut, vasaka is an ayurvedic medicine that enhances the respiratory system. This tall, evergreen, herbaceous shrub is rich in anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and expectorant properties. Due to this, vasaka is one of the best super remedies for asthma, cough, bronchitis, colds, nasal congestion, and other upper respiratory tract infections. Add vasaka leaves in boiling water. Strain the mixture and add a spoon of honey into this. Drink this concoction every day to prevent problems related to the respiratory system.
5. Chaparral
Chaparral is a powerful herb used for treating respiratory tract conditions such as bronchitis, cold, and congestion. Drinking chaparral tea supports respiratory problems by acting as an expectorant to clear the mucus out of the airways.
Ask a specialized doctor’s advice before consuming chaparral as its long-term use may be harmful to your kidneys and liver. You can also consult a doctor online.
6. Holy Basil
Holy Basil is an effective herbal remedy in ayurveda for asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, and also heals the damage caused to the lungs due to cigarette smoke. Drinking a tea made with the holy basil leaves effectively liquefies the mucus in the airways and promotes easy breathing.
7. Kalmegh
The roots and leaves of kalmegh acts as an effective home remedy to cure problems related to the respiratory system. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and immune-stimulatory properties are beneficial for keeping your lungs healthy.
8. Sitopaladi
This traditional medicine can be used to cure chest congestion, breathing trouble, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. It clears mucus and opens the airways of the lungs.
Ayurvedic Tips for Healthy Lungs
- Follow a kapha reducing diet– Try to avoid fatty and fried foods. Mix lemon with hot water and drink it often.
- Practice physical exercises- Doing this helps in balancing the kapha dosha and maintains good health. When you exercise, the breathing rate increases so as to meet the body’s demand for more oxygen. Therefore, exercise helps in expanding the lung capacity keeping your lungs healthy and strong.
- Yoga– Yoga asanas such as Bridge pose and Cobra pose helps in stimulating the lungs and can even treat respiratory problems such as asthma. These postures calm, balances, and promotes the health of your respiratory system.
- Pranayama– This is the ultimate remedy that promotes healthy lung function. Pranayama increases the lung capacity and cures ailments such as asthma.
Don’t forget to consult a ayurvedic doctors in kerala before taking any ayurvedic herbs or practising physical or breathing exercises.
