Complete Ayurvedic Guidance for the Prevention of Respiratory Diseases

The ancient healing science puts forward a detailed perspective regarding How respiratory diseases are to be dealt with for root cause elimination of disease symptoms? Also, Why is respiratory disease treatment in Ayurveda, the safest option to rely upon?

The respiratory system is the combination of organs and tissues that are associated with the breathing process. The treatment of respiratory disorders in Ayurveda is not only according to infection caused by environmental allergens, but rather a full-fledged study that efficiently detects the underlying cause (imbalanced doshas) that distresses and inhibits functioning. The main triggers that flare-ups the disease are state of mind, metabolism, and the human excretory system.

The respiratory disorders in Ayurveda are classified based on the most common symptoms that are reported by the patients.

    • Kasa (Cough)
    • Shwasa (Breathing difficulties)
    • Peenasa (Sinusitis)
    • Pratishyaya (Rhinitis)

The alarming signs that must not be neglected are:

    • Apnea (absence of breathing)
    • Coughing
    • Sneezing and wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Loose, wet cough with phlegm production.
    • Shortness of breath
    • Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
    • Chest pain
    • Hemoptysis (blood in the sputum)

But worry not, as the traditional practice is there for providing the best of the best treatment for all forms or types of respiratory ailments. The Vata and Kapha doshas are the predominant that are responsible for the emergence of the issue. The Ayurvedic Treatment for Rhinitis and Sinus, the upper respiratory tract infection can provide an effective recovery. The Ayurvedic practitioner in-depth examines the condition and prescribes the Ayurvedic treatment by fully reviewing the health status.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Respiratory Diseases

The purification therapies hold a great and pivotal role that naturally and holistically help cleanse the body by efficiently removing toxins. Additionally, it helps improve digestive fire and subsequently manages the vitiated Vata and Kapha doshas. The proper management assures not only direct care of respiratory ailments, but also balances the digestive system, which is the physical root of the disorder.

Herbs That Help Improve Respiratory Health

The lungs are vital organs that are involved in the process of respiration. They are continuously doing the work of filtration and protecting the body from environmental pollutants. It is seen that everything, i.e., present in the air can potentially pass into your lungs and some of these substances can put a negative impact on the health of this vital organ.

Fortunately, the holistic medical system has age-old described ancient secrets or remedies that can provide perfect protection to your respiratory system. Even these are used as part of Asthma treatment and heal you naturally.

Below stated are the powerful herbs that can give benefits to your health.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

mullein

The essential oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant is associated with providing many positive benefits to health. It possesses high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties that keep you away from diseases.

The oil is exceptionally used for treating colds, coughs, and chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Plantain Leaf (Plantago spp.)

plantain leaf

It is famous for getting relief from severe itchiness and irritation caused due to bug bites, and bee stings. But also it has importantly been used to treat respiratory diseases. It is used in the form of decoction and incense.

Taking the leaf orally in combination with honey, can give the most desirable results if suffering from pulmonary disorders.

Long pepper (Piper longum)

long pepper

It is one of the effective and prescribed home remedies by doctors to manage severe respiratory issues like cold, cough, difficulty breathing, and blocked nasal cavities.

*You can apply it by mixing pippali powder in a teaspoon of honey, it will help release the excessive mucus.

*Boil a few leaves of the Pippali in half a glass of milk. Drink this decoction daily to get relief from respiratory issues.

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

kalmegh

The root and leaves of this plant are proven to be containing the high valued medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant characteristics which makes it an excellent immune-boosting herb, that if used with proper guidance can provide relief from nasal congestion, flu, and fever.

Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda)

vasaka

As part of the Asthma Ayurvedic treatment, the leaf of the Malabar nut is highly recommended as it gives natural healing to the respiratory system. The properties it possesses can strongly stimulate the bronchial system, thus supporting the elimination of excess phlegm from the throat and clearing the lungs. It is considered an amazing Kapha Dosha balancing herb.

*Make a fresh concoction by mixing Vasaka leaves in warm water. Drink it daily to get relief from cold and cough.

Talisa (Abies Webbiana)

talisa

The herb which is traditionally been known as the “Indian Silver” has been extensively considered an effective immunity booster and supports healthy respiration.

*Take 2-3 grams of the herb in powder form per day by mixing it either with honey or warm water. 

The Panchakarma therapy procedures for treating Respiratory Issues are:

Vamana (Induced vomiting)

The emesis treatment clears the excessive mucus using therapeutic vomiting. It is recommended for patients suffering from asthma, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and cold. The toxins are eliminated through the mouth. After vomiting, the sinuses get cleared, effectively relieving breathlessness, etc. It takes 6-7 days for performing complete therapy. 

Virechana (Purgation)

Purgation therapy purifies and cleanses the toxins from the body. It removes the toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, which is the medicated drug administration for three days or more depending upon the situation.  

Vasti (Enema)

It is essentially a recommended procedure that specifically helps balance or corrects the Vata Dosha. There are basically two methods, i.e., Asthapana (Decoction enema) and Anuvasana (Oil enema).

Nasyam (Instilling nasal drops)

The Nasya therapy in Ayurveda if done on an empty stomach an hour before or after the shower can show positive relief. The medicated oil drops are administered via the nostrils. After this, the person is suggested to lie down straight with the head a little tilted back. Sniff deeply to allow effective penetration of the oil in both nostrils.

It is the most recommended technique as it flushes out all the accumulated humor in the throat, sinus, nose, and head area. Performing it every morning and evening releases the blocked content present in the respiratory system.

Ayurvedic Tips that Enhance Respiratory Health

Breathing is the process that is synonymous with life. There are many factors that can significantly hamper respiratory health by weakening the immune system, which plays a vital role in effectively fighting against the disease symptoms. 

It is rightly said by Ayurveda, that the food we eat, the nutrients we consume, the state of the gastrointestinal tract, and our mental health if not managed or taken seriously then it is obvious that your body is prone to get affected by the diseases. Therefore, some of the best and most effective Ayurvedic tips suggested by experts are listed briefly down.

    • It is suggested to keep indoor plants in your home which are considered excellent air purifiers and play role in eradicating harmful substances like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde properly. Examples - Areca palm, Money plant, Snake plant, Indian basil, and Aloe Vera that are known to give fresh oxygen even at night. 
    • Restrict or avoid exposure to the particles like lead, dust, pesticides, and smoke. If you are facing any breathing issues, it is highly recommended to wear a mask before you step out of the house to minimize inhalation of the microbes.
    • Exercising daily in the morning and evening helps increase lung efficiency and capacity. These may include walking, cycling, and jogging.

A morning walk is highly recommended as science believes that during this time there is abundant nascent oxygen present in the atmosphere.

    • Performing breathing exercise can help purify the lungs and cleanses the respiratory tract. Example - Pranayama (nostril breathing) is considered such an effective technique.
    • The consumption of vitamin D in the diet can boost respiratory health. It is noted that deficiency of vitamin D can increase upper respiratory infections. Therefore, it is advised to include food like flaxseeds and broccoli in the daily diet.
    • The people who are suffering specifically from sinusitis and rhinitis where patients complain of nasal blockage and chest congestion, it is recommended to use “Steam Inhalation”.

For this, boil water and to it add a few drops of essential oils, for example - Eucalyptus. Take the steam of it to get relief from sinus problems.

    • Say no to tobacco if you want to keep your lungs healthy. Consuming these products not only compromises respiratory health, but also significantly hampers the immune system which provides efficiency to fight against foreign antigens.
    • The technique called Neti Pot is used to clear the nasal passage if there is any blockage. But it should be only practiced after consulting the experts.

Conclusion:

The respiratory disease treatment in Ayurveda employs a pure and authentic approach that provides healing to mankind naturally without any side effects. The ancient medical science, with its long-defined Vedas knowledge, emphasizes more on adopting a healthy lifestyle regime rather than just prescribing long dependency on medicines which another biomedical system suggests.

Therefore, opting for Ayurvedic treatment would be one of the best and safest choices that aim to give lifelong results.

Article By:

Dr Sharda Ayurveda

At Dr. Sharda Ayurveda emphasis is made on treating the patients with the power of Ayurveda and traveling along with them in the path of natural and safe healing. The satisfaction and recovery of our patients is our utmost priority.

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