Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways caused by constriction and narrowing of the air passages in the lungs. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath. This disease occurs in individuals of all age groups but mostly seen in children. It varies in severity and frequency from person to person.
As per Ayurveda, Asthma is known as “Tamak shwasa”. The main causes of asthma (Tamak shwasa) are intake of dry, cold, heavy, incompatible food and irregular intake of food, intake of cold water and exposure to cold, dust, smoke and wind, excessive exercise, overindulgence in sexual activity, trauma to throat, chest, vital organs, and suppression of natural urges.
Triggering factors for asthma include irritants in the air, extreme weather conditions, respiratory illness, increased exercise, and genetic factors.
Asthma signs and symptoms include chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and fatigue.
Instead of using inhalers for asthma, one should use the following Herbal Remedies For Asthma which are easy to use and free from any side effects.
1) Ginger – Ginger has great importance in treating asthma. It contains compounds like zingerons and gingerols which have antioxidant properties that are good for the treatment of Asthma naturally. Ginger works by relaxing the airway muscles which relieves constriction and provides relief from asthma.
How to use:
– Half cup of ginger tea with 2-3 garlic cloves could prove to be effective in curing asthma by releasing kapha accumulated in the airways.
– Take equal amounts of powdered ginger root, black pepper, and long pepper. Store these in air tight container. Take ½ teaspoonful of this powder & mix it with ½ teaspoonful of honey. Consume this twice a day with lukewarm water.
2) Garlic – Garlic contains Vitamin C which promotes histamine breakdown and reduces its release in the body. Histamine, a natural chemical generated by the body, is involved in many allergic reactions and known to reduce the inflammation in asthma sufferers.
How to use:
– Take eight raw garlic cloves, peel them and crush them. Place them in a small heat resistant pot. Add 1/4 cup of cold milk, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula.
– Stirring prevents solid from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Then, strain the garlic from the hot milk and let the liquid cool down. Drink this garlic milk when it’s still warm.
3) Bay leaf – Bay leaf is useful in curing asthma. It helps in dislodging mucus and phlegm from the lungs. Inhaling steam with a bay leaf in oil, fresh or dried form can heal all sorts of respiratory problems.
How to use:
– Take half teaspoon of bay leaf and 1/4th teaspoon of pippali mixed with 1 teaspoonful of honey taken twice or thrice daily.
4) Licorice root – Licorice root has expectorant and bronchodilator properties, that can cure cough, bronchitis, and also reduce the effects of asthma. It even loosens and thins the mucus that clogs the airways and helps to facilitate the expulsion through coughing to release congestion. Licorice root improves lung function, reduce bronchial secretion, and energizes the body.
How to use:
– Take licorice root and crush it. Prepare a herbal tea and add half teaspoon of licorice root and half teaspoon of ginger in it.
5) Honey – Honey is a common home remedy for cough and sore conditions. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may decrease the swelling of the airways that accompanies asthma.
How to use:
– Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 cup of hot water and consume this mixture at least twice a day. It helps to remove mucus from the bronchial tubes and provide proper relief.
6) Turmeric – Turmeric contains curcumin as one of its components. This is very beneficial as Herbal Treatment For Asthma. It modulates the inflammatory response of the body and alleviates the inflammation of the airways. Turmeric is also an excellent antimicrobial agent.
How to use:
– For treating asthma, take 1/4th teaspoon of turmeric powder with one glass of water. This helps in alleviating inflammation of the airways.
7) Tulsi – Tulsi herb prevents respiratory illness such as cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma. It helps to enhance immunity, relieves cough, and expels out phlegm that provides relief in the respiratory system. Tulsi herb relieves congestion also.
How to use:
– Take tulsi leaves and water prepare its decoction. Sip it thoroughly during the day.
These are simple ways which can be followed at home. You can use any of the above home remedies as per your convenience.
Vaidya Jagjit Singh is an Ayurvedic Physician in Chandigarh and has an experience of 30 years in this field. He is founder of Chandigarh Ayurved Centre. Chandigarh Ayurvedic Centre provides best ayurvedic treatment &panchakarma therapies centre in Chandigarh. Chandigarh Ayurvedic Centre is a leading Multi specialityAyurvedic Clinic of North India.
