The Best Treatments Of Asthma According To Herbs & Ayurveda

Bronchial Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway and it is the most common distressing disease affecting 3-5% of the total population.

It is a respiratory tract disorder in which there is an obstruction in easy flow of air in the lungs. The bronchial tubes get obstructed and inflamed and inner surface gets sometimes swollen.

In Asthma, a person can experience dyspnoea (breathlessness) and wheezing characterized by acute conditions which causes great affliction to the vital breath. Due to the force of the paroxysm, the patient faints, starts coughing and becomes motionless. The patient is unable to speak as the throat is afflicted with sputum. He/she finds comfort and ease in sitting posture. These paroxysms are intensified by cloudy, humid, allergic and cold environments.

According to modern medicine, asthmatic attack is caused due to:

• Exercise/Exertion
• Allergens
• Inhaling fumes, dust particles
• Sudden changes in climate
• Trauma to chest/throat

Asthma according to Ayurveda:

Ayurveda refers to bronchial asthma as Tamaka Swasa. It is well explained in Charak Samhita. It is caused due to the simultaneous aggravation of Kapha and Vata doshas.

What is the treatment of Asthma?

The modern treatment of asthma includes blocking one mediator alone. Therefore, it would be unlikely to have any significant effect on the disease process. Therefore, the goal of asthma treatment has shifted from symptom relief to disease control as well as ensuring patient’s well-being.

Among all the treatment modalities, herbs and herbal combinations are said to be well-accepted, safe as well as effective in asthma. This is because of the therapeutic efficacy and their effect in multiple blocking and homeostasis of very complex and interdependent cellular and mediator networks supporting and involved in the inflammatory process of asthma.

What is the treatment of Asthma according to Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, the great indigenous system of medicine of India is a complete healthcare system and deals with the preventive and curative aspect of many disorders.

The primary aim of Ayurvedic treatment is to remove Svasavarodha (obstruction of the respiratory passage) by eliminating Kapha. This process is known as Srotoshuddhi in Ayurveda. It involves removing the bronchial blockage caused and to remove the bronchoconstriction caused due to Vata dosha and Kapha dosha is balanced by massaging with medicated oils and rock salt all over the chest.I

Ayurveda prescribes polyherbal combinations which are safe and effective in asthma. Ayurvedic treatment includes prescription of herbs and herbal remedies that have ushna virya (hot potency), Vata–Kapha hara properties (pacify Vata and Kapha doshas), tikta katu rasa, laghu and tikshna guna (light and penetrating properties). These herbs also help in building immunity and lowering the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks.

Some herbs useful in the treatment of Asthma are:

1. Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa): Pushkarmool is an Ayurvedic herb that offers path breaking results in bronchial asthma.

• It produces relaxation of bronchioles like adrenalin.
• It is one of the most useful herbs for treating cardiac asthma as well.
• This herb helps in clearing the airways and helps in alleviating dyspnoea associated with asthma.

2. Bharangi (Clerodenum serratum): Bharangi act as a powerful anti-histaminic herb and useful in chronic as well as acute asthmatic attacks due to its Vata and Kapha doshas balancing property and hot potency.

• Bharangi possesses anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties.
• It acts as mucolytic and breaks down mucus and eases it out of lungs.

3. Malaya Vacha (Alpinia galanga): It has bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effect on bronchioles.
4. Shati (Hedychium spicatum): Shati is an herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of diseases related to the respiratory tract.

• This herb is suitable for the treatment of asthma as it is katu (pungent), tikta (bitter) in taste and hot in potency.
• It acts as Kapha-Vata shamaka (alleviates Kapha and Vata doshas).

5. Pippali (Piper longum): Pippali is a common spice used in household of every Indian kitchen. It is a well-established fact that pippali is one of the most important spices in the treatment of Tamaka-Shwasa.

• It contains certain compounds that have anti-histaminic property.
• It helps in controlling the symptoms of asthma such as breathlessness.

Some Home Remedies for Asthma are:

1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is the most commonly used anti-inflammatory herb that can provide relief in asthma as well. Make fresh ginger extract and mix it with 2-3 garlic cloves. It is a very effective remedy for Kapha release thereby giving relief in asthmatic attacks.

2. Mulethi (Glycyrrizha glabra): Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of mulethi, it provides great relief to the asthma patients. Combine mulethi with ginger extract and consume it on a regular basis once or twice a day.

3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanica): Cinnamon with honey is a simple remedy for getting effective relief in asthma. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4^th teaspoon trikatu powder into a cup of boiling water. Boil this mixture for some time. When it becomes lukewarm, add a teaspoon of honey before drinking it.

4. Ginger and Turmeric Milk: Taking ginger and turmeric milk is an all-natural remedy to lower asthmatic attacks especially during seasonal changes and winters. Add a teaspoon of turmeric and fresh ginger extract to a boiling milk and consume it twice a day.

5. Make the paste of black resin, long pepper, licorice and dates. Take 1 teaspoon of this paste with honey.

6. Take warm milk boiled with garlic at night before going to bed.

7. During attack, rub nilgiri oil or pain balm on the chest and get fomentation. Inhale mint or camphor.

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Avoid the intake of sour food in the diet.
• Avoid deep fried, processed food having preservatives.
• Heavy foods like bananas should be avoided.
• Take light dinner.
• Curd, buttermilk, rice and dairy products should be avoided.
• Maintain a gap of an hour in-between dinner and sleep.

It can be concluded that asthma cannot be cured instantly but its symptoms and breathing trouble can be reduced significantly as the Kapha and Vata doshas can be reduced with the prescribed Ayurvedic treatment and by making some changes in diet and lifestyle.

Best Treatments for Asthma According to Herbs & Ayurveda

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which leads to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It is often triggered by environmental factors, allergens, or stress. In Ayurveda, asthma is often related to an imbalance in the Vata, Kapha, and Pitta doshas, with Kapha being the primary dosha involved due to its association with mucus production and respiratory issues.

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing the doshas, improving digestion, and enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process. The treatment approach involves the use of herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and panchakarma therapies to address the root cause of asthma and manage its symptoms.

Understanding Asthma in Ayurveda

1. Kapha Imbalance: Asthma is often linked to a Kapha imbalance, which leads to mucus accumulation, blockage of airways, and difficulty in breathing. Excess Kapha can cause phlegm to build up in the lungs, leading to wheezing and coughing.

2. Vata and Pitta Imbalance: In some cases, Vata (air) and Pitta (fire) can also be involved. Vata can cause irregular breathing patterns, while Pitta can lead to inflammation and irritation in the airways, making asthma symptoms worse.

3. Ama (Toxins): According to Ayurveda, Ama (undigested toxins) in the body can contribute to inflammation and congestion, exacerbating asthma symptoms.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Asthma Treatment

1. Herbal Remedies for Asthma

Ayurvedic herbs are commonly used to manage asthma symptoms, improve lung function, and balance the doshas. Some of the most effective herbs for asthma include:

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Ocimum sanctum:

  • Benefits: Tulsi is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda for treating respiratory issues. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilator properties, which help open the airways and improve breathing. Tulsi is also known to reduce mucus production, soothe inflammation, and relieve asthma symptoms.

  • How to Use: Drink tulsi tea or chew fresh tulsi leaves daily. Tulsi extracts are also available in capsule form.

• Vasa (Adhatoda vasica):

  • Benefits: Vasa is a well-known herb in Ayurveda for treating respiratory disorders, including asthma. It has expectorant, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear mucus from the airways and promote easy breathing.

  • How to Use: Prepare a vasa decoction or use vasa powder in honey or water to soothe the respiratory system.

• Licorice (Yashtimadhu) – Glycyrrhiza glabra:

  • Benefits: Licorice has a soothing effect on the respiratory system. It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mucolytic, making it an effective herb for asthma. It helps to reduce bronchial inflammation and ease coughing.

  • How to Use: Licorice root can be boiled to make tea, or its powder can be mixed with honey for relief from asthma symptoms.

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):

  • Benefits: Brahmi is known for its ability to improve mental clarity and lung function. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps to reduce anxiety-induced asthma attacks.

  • How to Use: Brahmi is commonly used in powder or capsule form, and can be mixed with warm water or milk.

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

  • Benefits: Guduchi is an excellent herb for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation in the airways. It is a powerful detoxifier and is used to clear toxins from the body, which can exacerbate asthma.

  • How to Use: Guduchi is typically taken in the form of capsules or liquid extracts.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

  • Benefits: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb that helps soothe the airways, reduce mucus production, and ease breathing. It also helps to improve circulation and digestion, which are important for overall respiratory health.

  • How to Use: Fresh ginger can be consumed by adding it to warm water or tea. Ginger powder can also be mixed with honey and consumed regularly.

• Haridra (Turmeric) – Curcuma longa:

  • Benefits: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Turmeric is also known to enhance the body’s immune system.

  • How to Use: Turmeric can be consumed in milk (golden milk) or as a powder mixed with warm water and honey.

• Pippali (Long Pepper) – Piper longum:

  • Benefits: Pippali is a potent bronchodilator and expectorant. It helps to clear mucus from the airways, improve lung function, and balance Kapha dosha, which is usually involved in asthma.

  • How to Use: Pippali can be taken as a powder mixed with honey or water. It is also available in capsule form.

• Triphala:

  • Benefits: Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation of three fruits—Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki, and Bibhitaki—that help detoxify the body, improve digestion, and support respiratory health. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways and supports the lungs in clearing mucus.

  • How to Use: Triphala can be consumed in powder or tablet form, usually before bed.

2. Ayurvedic Treatments and Therapies

• Nasya (Nasal Administration of Herbal Oils):

  • Nasya is an Ayurvedic treatment where medicated oils are instilled into the nostrils to clear the sinuses and improve respiratory function. This treatment is especially effective in cases of asthma triggered by allergens or environmental irritants.

  • Common herbs used in Nasya therapy for asthma include Tulsi, Vasa, Eucalyptus, and Sesame oil.

• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage):

  • Abhyanga is a full-body massage using warm medicated oils that helps balance the doshas and improve circulation. It is particularly beneficial in treating Kapha imbalances, reducing mucus and promoting better lung function.

• Shirodhara (Oil Pouring Therapy):

  • Shirodhara, a therapy where warm oil is poured over the forehead, can be beneficial for those whose asthma is worsened by stress and anxiety. It helps calm the nervous system, reduce mental tension, and balance Vata.

• Panchakarma Detoxification:

  • Panchakarma is a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification process that involves procedures like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) to eliminate Ama (toxins) from the body. This can help to clear respiratory blockages and restore balance to the doshas, thereby improving asthma symptoms.

3. Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

• Kapha-Pacifying Diet: A Kapha-reducing diet is essential for managing asthma. Foods that are warm, light, and easy to digest should be prioritized. Avoid dairy, heavy, greasy, and fried foods, as they can increase Kapha and exacerbate mucus production.

• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables into your diet. These foods help reduce inflammation in the airways and support lung health.

• Avoid Cold and Damp Environments: Exposure to cold and damp conditions can increase Kapha and trigger asthma symptoms. It’s important to avoid environments that may worsen respiratory issues, such as cold air or damp places.

• Breathing Exercises: Pranayama (breathing exercises) is an essential practice for managing asthma in Ayurveda. Breathing techniques such as Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhastrika (bellows breath) help regulate breathing, improve lung function, and reduce stress.

• Stress Management: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, which in turn can support respiratory health.