Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs. It causes contraction and swelling of the airways of the lungs which causes an obstruction in the airways resulting in breathlessness.

An Ayurvedic Aspect of Asthma

Asthma in Ayurveda is known as “TamakShavas”, which is caused by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. There are three doshas in the body called Pitta, Vata and Kapha dosha. An imbalance in the three doshas leads to the origin of the disease.

Symptoms of Asthma

1. Coughing
2. Chest pain and chest tightness
3. Breathlessness
4. Whistling sound on breathe

These symptoms become worse in the early morning and at night and or when you do excessive exercise and exposure to cold air.

Causes of Asthma

The specific cause of asthma is not known but the possible caused can be some factors such as genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors: It may run in families through genes.

Environmental Factors: It can be caused because of exposure to allergens, air pollution, stress, physical activities, and use of some medications like beta-blockers and aspirin, etc.

Reference: Charak Samhita, Part 2/ Chikitsathanam/ Chapter no. 17/ Shlok. 13

This verse explains the pathology of lung infection. Excessive exposure to pollen, dust, and polluted air makes toxins to build up in the respiratory tract that causes lung infections. It is more likely to develop in a person who is exposed to cold water, cold areas. It is also caused by coitus, excessive exercise and excessive intake of dry fruits.

Diagnosis of Asthma

The diagnosis of asthma is done by physical examination and asking the medical history of patients. Some tests are also recommended by the doctor for the diagnosis of asthma.

1. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
2. Peak flow
3. Spirometry

Treatment of  Asthma

Ayurveda provides various herbs, pranayama, and diet for the treatment of asthma. These herbs help in balancing the three doshas of the body. Pranayama helps in calming the body and refreshing the mind. Diet also helps to manage the symptoms of the disease.

Some Effective Herbs for Treating Asthma

1. Ashwagandha
2. Tulsi
3. Haridra
4. Mulethi
5. Neem, etc

These herbs are also used in the formulation of the herbal remedies and Planet Ayurveda offers the best products for asthma.

Herbal Remedies for Asthma from Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal products for the treatment of asthma. The combination of products named as Asthma Care Pack. It included some products which are made by using the best herbs and under the guidance of Ayurvedic practitioner. These products contain no chemicals, preservatives and produce no side effects.

Products Description

1. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care is an effective herbal product of Planet Ayurveda which contains many effective herbs such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) which are very useful for asthmatic patients. Neem helps to cleanse the body systems and very effective in infection and allergies. It possesses anti-bacterial property. Ashwagandha is a natural rejuvenating herb and have has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, properties. This herb fights against infection, allergies, and inflammations. Haridra is very effective in allergies and rhinitis. It shows is anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. Sirish is known as vish-ghan which means removing poison (toxin) which occurs due to the imbalance of tridoshas. So, Aller-G Care capsules provide relief from symptoms associated with asthma such as coughing, wheezing, breath shortness, and chest tightness.

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

2. Praanraksak Churna

Praanraksak Churna is prepared by the combination of very useful herbs Shirish (Albezzia lebbeck) Vaasa (Adhtodavasica), Annathmool (typhlora Asthmatica), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylinca) Bharangi (Clerodandrum Serritum) kantkari (Solanum  xanthocarpum) and Mulethi (Glycer rhiza glabra).These all herbs show anti-allergic property which gives effective results in allergy and asthma. These herbs increase the positive results of each other when given in combination that’s why Praanraksak Churna is an effective herbal remedy for chronic asthma disease. The herbs Kantakri, Bharangi and Shirish has an anti-histaminic property that is very useful in acute and chronic attacks of asthma. This churna is also helpful in other respiratory tract infections.

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meals

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi capsules are prepared from the pure extract herb Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). It is considered as a holy plant in India. It possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has very useful results on the respiratory system and is beneficial in various respiratory diseases and inflammations like sinusitis and rhinitis. These capsules help to relieve the symptoms of asthma such as wheezing sound, coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness.

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

4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

Shwash Kuthar Ras is a Herbo mineral classical formulation. This formulation is really effective in almost all the respiratory problems but has it’s best result in Asthma.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after meals.

Home Remedies to Get Relief from Asthma

There are various things or food for asthma patients who are usually found in our kitchen  Such as:

1. Amla

You can take Amla with honey. Add 1 teaspoon of Amla powder in 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix it and have it. For better results take it on regular basis every morning.

2. Garlic

You can find garlic easily in your kitchen. Add 10 garlic cloves in 1 glass of milk. Boil it until it remains one fourth. Strain it properly and drink it.

3.  Turmeric

It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective in Asthma. It acts as a strong wound healer. You can take it by mixing a half teaspoon in a glass of hot or warm milk every day.

Pranayama for Asthma

Pranayama is known as breathing exercise which helps in managing the breath and is the symptoms associated with asthma. Pranayama improves the functioning of the lungs and cleans the blocked airways in the lungs. It also helps to calm the body and mind reduces the stress and tension which are the most common causes of asthma.

Some Pranayama are the following:

1. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
2. Bhastrika Pranayama
3. Kapalbhati Pranayama
4. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
5. Ardha Matsyendrasana
6. Savasana
7. Bhujangasana