Can Ayurveda Help In Treating Asthma? – Alternative Medicines

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness characterised by obstruction in airflow due to hyper responsiveness of airways resulting in inflammation of airways and overproduction of mucus hence creating difficulty in breathing. Lungs contain air tubes called bronchi and bronchioles that help in the transportation of air in and out of the body. The airways have smooth muscles which constrict or dilate in response to environmental pollutants, allergens, etc. It is a major illness that impacts day to day activities of individuals and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Introduction

Asthma is an inflammatory condition in which airways in the lungs get narrow and inflamed resulting in breathlessness, chest tightness, rapid breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Women are more likely to have asthma as compared to men. Asthma is generally diagnosed in childhood. During an asthma attack smooth muscle contracts causing squeezing of airways and making them narrower. Mucus secretion is also increased making airways narrower and the patient faces difficulty in expiration (breathing out). Asthma is classified into various types. Mild intermittent asthma (Mild symptoms less than 2 times a week), Mild persistent asthma (Symptoms 3-6 times a week), Moderate persistent asthma (Asthma symptoms seen daily) and Severe persistent asthma (Symptoms can occur both day and night time daily). There are various triggers that can cause aberration of symptoms in asthma so it is preferred to avoid those triggers. Ayurveda can, fortunately, help in managing asthma and reducing the symptoms associated with it.

1. Environmental factors
2. Genetic factors

Triggers of Asthma

1. Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, fungal spores, and animal dander
2. Eating food that causes allergic reactions in a person
3. Exposure to cold air
4. Stress
5. Infections like rhinitis, sinusitis, common cold, and flu.
6. Medical conditions like GERD.
7. Exposure to pollutants such as smoke
8. Use of certain medications like NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and aspirin
9. Overexertion
10. Preserved foods like Pickles, dried fruits, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, and citrus juices (presence of sulfites).

Symptoms

1. Shortness of Breath
2. Chest tightness
3. Chest Pain
4. Rapid breathing (Tachypnea)
5. Rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia)
6. Cough or urge to cough
7. Wheezing sound when you breath
8. Trouble speaking, eating, and sleeping due to coughing, shortness of breath
9. Anxiousness
10. Fatigue

Diagnosis

1. Spirometry
2. Peak expiratory flow (PEF)test
3. Allergy tests
4. Sputum analysis
5. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) test
6. Imaging: Chest X-RAY, CT Scan

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, Asthma is correlated with Tamak Shwasa. Tamak Shwasa consists of two words Tamak and Shwasa. Tamaka means darkness while Shwasa means shortness of breath. The patient buries into darkness due to shortness of breath. Mithya ahar and vihar (improper food and lifestyle) cause aggravation of Kapha and Vata dosha. It hampers the functioning of Pranavayu and causes its Pratiloma gati (opposite movement). Due to increased Kapha dosha, there is increased production of mucus. Kapha dosha obstructs (avaritia) the Vata. This aggravated Vata affects the elasticity of the lungs and causes hardness and roughness in the airways. Due to ruksha guna of vata, mucous secretions dry out causing difficulty in breathing. The patient complains of coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing sound when you breathe, trouble speaking and sleeping. The patient also experiences darkness before the eyes after coughing.

Treatment

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach in order to manage asthma. Nidana Parivarjan, Shodhan Chikitsa, Shaman Chikitsa, and Sthanika Chikitsa are done in order to manage this condition.

Nidana Parivarjan (Avoiding causes and Triggers)

• In order to avoid exacerbation of symptoms one should avoid triggers of asthma.

Shodhan Chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy)

• Vaman (Emesis)

According to Acharya Charak, Vaman should be done by taking decoction of Madanphala (Randia dumetorum), Saindhav Lavan (Rock salt), and Madhu (Honey).

• Nitya Virechana (Purgation done on a daily basis):

Acharya Charak has mentioned “ Tamake tu virechane

This means that virechana should be done in Tamak Shwasa.

Nitya Virechana is done by the administration of Triphala Kwatha or Castor oil.

• Dhumpana (Inhaling herbal smoke):

Dhumpana is done in order to clean the Kapha dosha. Dhumavarti is made with Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), the root of castor (Ricinus communis), haldi (Curcuma longa) etc.

Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy)

• Shaman Chikitsa is done with the help of Kapha and Vata pacifying herbs.

In Charak Chikitsa Sthana, Acharya Charak has mentioned the following classical formulations for Asthma

1. Sauvarchaladi Churna
2. Shatyadi Churna
3. Muktadi Churna
4. Dashmooladi Ghrita
5. Tejovatyadi Ghrita
6. Manahshilaadi Ghrita
7. Pathadha Asav

Acharya Charak has also mentioned some Yusha (soup) and Yavagu (gruel) to be given for Asthma:

1. Rasnaadi Yusha
2. Mudhagadi Yusha
3. Hingwadi Yavagu
4. Dashmuladi Yavagu

Sthanika Chikitsa (Topical therapy)

Acharya Charak has given very much importance to Sthanika Chikitsa in Asthma. Abhyanga (Massage) is done with warm tila tailam (Sesame oil) and Saindhava Lavan (Rock salt) on the urapradesha (chest region) followed by nadi swedana (type of sudation).

Herbal Remedies for Asthma by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers amazing herbal remedies for the management of asthma. All the products are scientific and formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are free from chemicals, colors, additives, and preservatives. These products are formulated by experienced MD Doctors and are pure, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal formulations in Asthma Care Pack given below:

1. Aller-G Care
2. Praanrakshak Churna
3. Tulsi capsules
4. Shwash Kuthar Ras

Product Description

1. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care is a herbal formulation that contains Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck) and various other herbs. It contains Haridra which is a potent immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and rich in antioxidants. It is hot in potency and balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It is used to manage inflammation of the airways thereby relieving chest tightness and breathlessness seen in asthma. Neem balances Pitta and Kapha. It is Kasahara (relieves cough), urushihara (relieves anorexia), and truthara (relieves excessive thirst). It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties. In total Aller-G care capsules help in managing symptoms like Shortness of Breath, Chest tightness, Chest Pain, etc.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

2. Praanrakshak Churna

Praanrakshar Churna is a herbal formulation that contains Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum) and various other herbs. This herbal powder contains Vasa which balances Kapha and Pitta. Vasa is exclusively used in chronic respiratory infections. Dalchini present in this powder is pungent, bitter, and sweet in taste. It is hot in potency and balances vata and kapha dosha. It is considered Kantashuddikara (cleans throat), Kaphakasahara (relieves cough and sputum), and Peenasahara (relieves runny nose). This powder is helpful in managing cough and all the symptoms associated with asthma and bronchitis.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily, with plain water, after meals.

3. Tulsi capsules

Tulsi capsule is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Tulsi is pungent and bitter in taste. It is hot in potency and balances Vata and Kapha dosha. It relieves excess sputum, manages cold coughs and relieves asthma symptoms. Tulsi is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and rich in antioxidants. It is helpful in relieving cough, shortness of breath, allergy symptoms, anorexia, etc.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

4. Shwash Kuthar Ras

Shwash Kuthar Ras is a polyherbal formulation that contains Maricha (Piper nigrum), Shudha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox), Shudha Gandhak (Purified Sulphur) and various other herbs. Maricha present in Shwash Kuthar Ras is Pungent in taste and hot in potency. It helps in balancing Kapha and Vata. It relieves cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It also helps in reducing excessive sputum. This formulation also contains Shudha Vatsanabha which is hot in potency and balances Vata and Kapha. It is used to manage a wide range of disorders like cough, asthma, bronchitis, etc. Shwash Kuthar Ras is an amazing formulation that helps in managing all the symptoms associated with asthma.

Dosage: 1 tablets twice a day with extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or Powder of Pippali (Piper longum)

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes the narrowing of airways. Women are more prone to asthma. There are various triggers that can bring asthma attacks like pollen, dust, fungal spores, exposure to cold air, stress, sulfite-rich food, etc. The patient complains of difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, chest pain, tachypnea, tachycardia, Cough or urges to cough, and trouble speaking and eating due to the cough. In Ayurveda, Asthma is correlated with Tamak Shwasa. Aggravation of Kapha and Vata dosha in urapradesha (chest region) causes Tamak Shwasa. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach in order to manage Asthma through Nidana Parivarjan, Shodhan Chikitsa, Shaman Chikitsa, and Sthanika Chikitsa. One should avoid all the triggers that cause exacerbation of symptoms in asthma.