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How to Prevent Asthma Through Ayurveda – Alternative Medicines

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a very serious illness that affects a very large number of the population. It is a respiratory disorder which has very adverse effects on the patient. The person suffering from asthma will feel difficulty in breathing and in severe cases he/ she may face problems while talking also. Avoiding the triggers of asthma will help to avoid the asthma attacks. Asthma affects the quality of life very badly. The person finds it difficult to remain physically active. The treatment in modern medicine will include various therapies which will ease life up to some extent. Let’s discuss it in detail!

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is a chronic illness which affects people of all age groups especially the children. Asthma is a respiratory disorder that occurs because of inflammatory changes in the airway. The airway to lungs gets inflamed in this condition. Normally the air travels from the nose or mouth to throat and eventually to lungs. There are various air passages that help in transferring the oxygen from the air to the bloodstream. In asthma, the lining of the airways undergo inflammatory changes and swell up. This results in tightening the muscles of the lungs. The person will experience difficulty in breathing. This will result in an asthma attack.

Asthma

CAUSES

There are various causes and triggers that differ from person to person. There is no known specific cause of asthma identified yet. Some of the factors that are estimated to cause asthma are genetics i.e. family history of asthma, history of infections such as viral infections etc. There are various triggers of asthma. Triggers are the factors that will aggravate the condition. Triggers will differ from person to person. The most common types of triggers are as follows- animal dander (hair), strenuous physical work, respiratory tract infections , extreme emotions, and certain types of medicinal drugs such as aspirin, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

SYMPTOMS

Wheezing is the most common clinical feature of asthma. The person’s breathing will be accompanied with a whistling sound. The symptoms of asthma will differ from patient to patient. The symptoms that are seen in most of the cases are coughing, abnormal breathing either rapid breathing or shortness of breath. The patient may feel tired very easily. He/ she may experience difficulty in completing the day to day task because of low energy. Asthma may also lead to anxiousness, chest pain and frequent infections. The person experiences difficulty in breathing so he will not be able to sleep properly. The coughing will especially increase at night time or during laughing.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of asthma will include both, the clinical examination by the doctor and the laboratory investigations. The doctor will observe the signs and symptoms of the patient and if the features suggest asthma then further examinations are advised. The signs and symptoms are described above. The lab investigations will include various lung function tests such as spirometry (it will determine the amount and speed of air flowing in and out from the lungs.) and peak flow, etc. Various other tests performed are chest x- rays, allergy testing, sputum examination, nitric oxide test etc.

TREATMENT

The management of asthma will include prevention and long term control to stop the asthma attacks. The specific medicine regimen will depend on the patient’s age, symptoms, triggers and health status. In general, the treatment will include bronchodilators which are in the form of inhalers that provide instant relief and facilitate easier breathing. Various medications are given orally such as cortico steroids, beta- agonists, theophylline, anticholinergic agents, etc. In some cases, allergy is reported as the main trigger factor. In such cases, the allergy needs to be treated first. So, the allergy medications are prescribed which include immunotherapy, or different types of oral antihistamine drugs.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Ayurveda always presents a unique perspective about each concept related to the body. In case of asthma, we can correlate it with tamak shwas. It is a condition caused by the increased levels of kapha dosha, which affects the pranavaha srotas (airway passages). This leads to different types of breathing difficulties such as dyspnoea (i.e. difficulty in breathing), coughing, difficulty in speaking etc. The increased levels of kapha dosha will obstruct the path of vata dosha and will aggravate the condition. Thus, the treatment will include balancing the levels of kapha and vata dosha. The patient feels relieved by the use of hot potency products. The management will include detoxifying the body especially the airways to pacify the vata dosha. There are various types of herbs known to benefit the condition such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), turmeric (Curcuma longa), pippali (Piper longum), ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), etc.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

When Ayurvedic herbs are used in pure form and appropriately, they show great results on health. Planet Ayurveda prepares various formulations of natural herbs such as Aller- G care, Praanrakshak Churna, Tulsi Capsules, Shwash Kuthar Ras etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the respiratory system of the body. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting health and curing the diseased state.

Aller-G Care
Praanrakshak Churna
Tulsi Capsules
Shwash Kuthar Ras

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda using the following herbs -Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Shirish (Albizia Lubbock), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), etc. The combination of these drugs promotes the health of the respiratory system. These help to promote overall health of the body. These show anti- inflammatory effects on the airways and hence facilitate breathing.

Dose: 1-2 Capsules should be given two times a day. The Aller-G Care capsules are given with plain water and after meals.

2. Praanrakshak Churna

Praanrakshak Churna by planet Ayurveda contains Shirish (Mimosa Tree) (Albizia lubbock), Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica), Anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. These drugs improve the respiratory system of the body. It soothes the throat and aids breathing.

Dose: This churna is given 1-2 teaspoons three times a day, with plain water after meals.

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has been known to exhibit a variety of medicinal properties since ancient times. The herb of tulsi contains anti- inflammatory properties, gives relief in cold, cough, fever, etc. It improves the immunity of the body and thus improves the overall health of the body. These capsules are prepared from pure extract of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

Dose: One to two capsules are given twice a day with plain water.

4. Shwash Kuthar Ras

Shwash Kuthar Ras is prepared with a number of medicinal ingredients such as Maricha Churna (Piper nigrum), Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury), Shuddha Sulphur (Purified Sulphur), Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox), Shuddha Tankan (Purified Citrus tankan), Shuddha Manahshila (Purified Realgar), Shunthi Churna (Zingiber officinale), Pippali Churna (Piper longum), etc. This combination helps to get relief from, cold, cough, etc. This preparation benefits the condition of asthma as it promotes the overall respiratory health of the patient.

Dose: 1 tablet two times a day.

CONCLUSION

The Ayurvedic principles consider that the causative factor behind shwasa roga related to asthma is the imbalance in the levels of vata and kapha dosha. And as discussed above, the increased levels of kapha will result in obstruction in the path of vata dosha. So, the target of treatment of asthma will be to reduce the levels of kapha dosha. Managing the proper levels of kapha and vata dosha will lead to the healthy state of the body. So, as the Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes on treating the root cause of the condition it is capable of eliminating the disease permanently. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that with appropriate and timely management of kapha and vata levels of the body, asthma can be improved in almost all of the cases leading to better quality of life.

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. This occurs due to inflammation in the bronchial tree. There are episodic attacks of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and congestion of airways. During the attack of asthma, the swelling occurs in the lining of the air passages and surrounding muscles of the airways become narrow. This leads to the decrease in the airflow that can pass through the airway. It is directly linked with allergies or can be linked to the diseases like chronic nasal polyps, middle ear infections and sinusitis. If allergies and asthma is linked together, then there is the formation of worst conditions as more strong and high dosage is required to control the symptoms of this disease. Some people possess very sensitive airways, in such cases there is the possibility of formation in the chronic conditions in this disease. Thesymptoms of bronchial asthma can be aggravated by breathing in allergens.

The disease asthma is linked to the eosinophils, mast cells and T lymphocytes. In the body mast cells performs the function of releasing chemicals like histamine. The role of histamine is very crucial as it produces the nasal stuffiness, constriction of airways in asthma and itching in the particular areas during skin allergies. Eosinophils and T lymphocytes are white blood cells which provides the first line defense in these infection. The problems associated with bronchial asthma can become chronic if not treated on time. Balance diet and changes in lifestyle can also be helpful in providing relief in such condition.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath

Congestion or chest tightness

Wheezing and coughing

Here are the top 5 effective herbs for bronchial asthma, which can be used to reduce the symptoms of the disease

1. Tulsi

Tulsi is very common in relieving bronchial asthma with Ayurveda. It is famous as “holy basil” and is effective against various allergic reactions. It kills microbes and reduces the inflammation. So it is used in the condition of bronchial asthma. According to Ayurveda it reduces the kapha dosha, hence it removes phlegm from the bronchioles. It helps in relieving the condition of congestion, which is the major problem in asthma. These all symptoms of bronchial asthma are relieved by tulsi so it is the best supportive remedy for it. The use of 2-3 leaves daily by chewing can be beneficial. It can also be added in the tea.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric or Haridra is also a beneficial herb in this category. It is used in controlling many diseases related to the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems. It reduces the microorganisms count like bacteria, fungi and virus. The inflammation and swelling can also be reduced by the use of this herb. The compound of turmeric named curcumin is helpful in reducing the allergic conditions. ‘Kaphahara’ is the name given by Ayurveda to Haridra. This means the removal of kapha i.e. phlegmatic condition. Routine use of turmeric in daily diet can be useful. The powder can be used in warm milk to reduce the impact of asthmatic conditions.

3. Black Pepper

The use of black pepper is being done by centuries to get benefit in various bronchial diseases. It has been used to prepare tonics for cold and cough. It helps in expelling out the mucous and phlegm, due to the presence of excess kapha dosha. It is very useful in many respiratory problems like bronchitis whooping cough, sinus, congestion and breathing difficulties. Useful in sinusitis and nasal congestion. Beneficial in removing mucus and phlegm blockages from the respiratory tract area, thus provides relief in the asthmatic conditions. The use of warm milk with pinch of black pepper can be beneficial in asthmatic conditions.

4. Garlic

The use of Garlic is very important and well explained in Ayurveda. Garlic is an immune booster and can be used to relief many symptoms related to asthma. The compounds allicin and sulfhydryl present in garlic are important in dealing with such diseases. These compounds list garlic among the best herbs against asthma and respiratory diseases. If garlic is incorporated in the daily diet, it can strengthen the immune system and creates the barrier for invading microbes. It can be directly used by adding soups or dishes

4. Ginger

Ginger is also very renowned herb used since centuries to deal with many asthmatic, allergies and respiratory diseases. The use of ginger tea during the respiratory infections is very common. It possesses the quality of preventing and relieving colds or flu. It possesses the quality of antimicrobial, which helps in protecting the body from foreign microbes. These microbes can cause chronic infections in the body. Ginger tea or chopped or grated can be used. It can be added into various dishes to consume regularly. Also by keeping a piece of ginger in the mouth, can be beneficial in treating cold and cough.

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