Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer with asthma, a chronic respiratory disease. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of natural therapy, offers a comprehensive approach to respiratory health while modern medicine offers a variety of treatments to manage asthma symptoms. For millennia, ayurvedic herbs have been used to help control asthma. This blog will discuss some of the top Ayurvedic asthma herbs and how they can work in conjunction with Western therapies.
Understanding Asthma in Ayurveda:
Asthma is referred to in Ayurveda as "Tamaka Swasa" or "Shwas Roga." It is largely thought to be an issue with "Prana Vayu," one of the five main essential forces in charge of controlling bodily processes. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in the doshas, specifically an aggravation of the Vata and Kapha doshas, is what causes asthma. Breathing problems are caused by this imbalance, which also causes inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and increased mucus production.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Asthma:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The popular Ayurvedic herb turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It includes the active ingredient curcumin, which lessens airway inflammation and might aid with asthmatic symptoms. You can add turmeric as a spice or a supplement to your regular diet.
Tulsi (Holy Basil - Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its capacity to improve respiratory health as well as its adaptogenic qualities. It possesses bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties that can help open the airways and improve breathing problems. Patients who suffer from asthma may find it helpful to consume tulsi tea or use tulsi extracts.
Adhatoda Vasica (Vasaka): Vasaka is a potent Ayurvedic herb that is well-known for its ability to effectively cure respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and asthma. It encourages easy breathing and lessens mucous production. Vasaka comes in tablet, syrup, or decoction form for consumption.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A natural bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory, licorice can assist asthmatics calm irritated airways and lessen coughing. However, because it has the potential to elevate blood pressure, it should be used with caution and under close supervision.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger has anti-inflammatory qualities and can aid in relaxing the muscles of the airway, which makes breathing easier. Ginger can be consumed in the form of supplements, tea, and food.
Pippali (Long Pepper - Piper longum): Pippali is well known for its capacity to improve respiratory health and lung function. By lowering inflammation and encouraging mucus ejection, it can aid in the relief of the symptoms of asthma. Pippali can be consumed as a powder or as an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulas.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry - Phyllanthus emblica): Amla has significant antioxidant effects and is high in vitamin C. It can strengthen the immune system and lessen airway irritation. Regular amla consumption can help the respiratory system as a whole.
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Shallaki, also known as Indian Frankincense, has anti-inflammatory qualities that could benefit asthmatics with lung function and airway inflammation. It can be purchased as extracts or capsules.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Haritaki is well-known for its ability to cleanse and purify. It can improve general lung health and aid in the removal of pollutants that have built up in the respiratory system. Consumption options for haritaki include powder and capsules.
Sitopaladi Churna: Sitopaladi churna can aid with asthma symptoms, especially coughing and congestion. It has components that relieve respiratory irritation, including sugar, pippali, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Consultation and Safety Considerations
It's important to speak with a licenced Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before including Ayurvedic medicines in your asthma management strategy. To suggest the best herbs and formulations for your ailment, they can evaluate your unique constitution (prakriti) and the state of your doshas at the time (vikriti).
It's important to speak with a licenced Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before including Ayurvedic medicines in your asthma management strategy. To suggest the best herbs and formulations for your ailment, they can evaluate your unique constitution (prakriti) and the state of your doshas at the time (vikriti).
By addressing the underlying causes of the problem and boosting respiratory health, ayurvedic herbs provide a natural and all-encompassing approach to managing asthma. To develop a customised treatment plan that incorporates these herbs safely and successfully, it is crucial to work closely with a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider because individual responses to these herbs may vary.
Keep in mind that asthma is a chronic condition that requires multifaceted therapy, which may involve dietary changes, traditional drugs, and alternative therapies like Ayurvedic herbs. Asthmatics can take proactive measures to improve their respiratory health and quality of life by adopting the knowledge of Ayurveda and utilizing the power of these herbs.
References:
- https://drvaidyas.com/blogs/immunity-wellness/ayurvedic-treatment-for-asthma-herbs-and-remedies
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/world-asthma-day-2022-ayurvedic-herbs-and-spices-to-manage-asthma-101651562931961.html
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gyanranjan-Mahalik/publication/328630427_Traditional_medicinal_plants_used_for_the_treatment_of_asthma_in_Bhubaneswar_Odisha/links/5bd96565299bf1124faf9d48/Traditional-medicinal-plants-used-for-the-treatment-of-asthma-in-Bhubaneswar-Odisha.pdf
