- Asthma is one of the most commonly occurring respiratory tract diseases which is characterized by an obstructed flow of air in lungs. In this disease, bronchial tubes are obstructed, inflamed and there is swelling in the inner surface of the tubes.
- Asthma is of 2 types- atopic and non-atopic
- In atopic asthma symptoms occur due to allergens
- In non-atopic asthma the cause of symptoms is not allergens.
According to Ayurveda, Asthma is of 2 types which are as follows:
- Pratamak– occurs due to physiological factors
- Santamak– aggravates during night and associated with fever.
What are the causes of asthma:
There are various causative factors which can lead to asthma are-
- Allergens
- Patient having aspirin for prolonged period of time
- Exertion or exercise
- Alcoholism is also one of the cause of asthma in some patients
- Air irritants
- Smoking is also another cause for the asthma
- Sudden climate changes, trauma to throat and chest
- Hereditary- about 40% of patients suffer from asthma due to this reason
What are the symptoms of asthma:
- The most common symptoms of asthma are dyspnoea (shortness of breath), coughing, and wheezing and chest tightness.
Natural treatment of asthma
- People are turning towards natural treatment and also getting good results with it. It is also believed that changes in diet can also lead to the better condition.
Diet for asthma patients
Keep it in mind that food will not help in eradication of asthma but at least helps in non worsening of this condition.
- Apples– according to some studies, it is believed that if you eat 2-5 apples per week, the risk of asthma decrease by 32% because apples have flavonoids in it which help in opening up of airways.
- Cantaloupe– it may ward off lung damage by fighting free radicals because it contains vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant.
- Carrots– it is also an another antioxidant which reduces the incidence of exercise induced asthma.
- Coffee– daily have at least 2 cups of coffee a day because caffeine is a potent bronchodilator which helps in improving airflow.
- Flax seeds– it contains magnesium which helps in relaxing the muscles surrounding the bronchi and ultimately open up the airways.
- Garlic– Garlic is also another powerful antioxidant and have anti-inflammatory properties which helps in fighting with the inflammation in the asthma.
- Do not add peanuts, salt, shellfish, wine in your diet as these products can worsen the condition.
Natural remedies for asthma:
Ginger:
- Ginger is very effective natural treatment for asthma. It helps in inhibition of airway contraction and also helps in reduction of airway inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Use
- Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger in half cup of water and take 1 tablespoon of this drink before sleeping.
- Another option, mix ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Have 1 tablespoon of this mixture twice or thrice daily.
- You can also eat a piece of raw ginger mixed with a pinch of salt.
- Alternatively, add one inch of ginger into boiling water. Steep it for 5 minutes and then allow it to cool then have this drink on the regular basis.
Mustard oil:
- Massage mustard oil on to the respiratory passages which helps in clearing respiratory passages and helps in restoring normal breathing in case of attack of asthma.
How to use
- Heat some amount of mustard oil along with small amount of camphor in it. Allow it to cool and then rub and massage it on the upper back and chest. Repeat this process several times until the symptoms of asthma subside.
Figs:
- Its nutritional properties helps in drainage of phlegm and getting rid of breathing difficulties. It also helps in promoting respiratory health.
How to Use
- Soak 3 dried figs in water for 8 hours. Next morning, eat the soaked figs and drink fig water on an empty stomach. Follow this treatment for few months.
Garlic:
- During the early stages of asthma, garlic helps in clearing the congestion in your lungs.
How to Use
- Add 2-3 cloves of garlic in a cup of milk and boil it. Allow this milk to cool for 5 minutes and drink it at least once a day for better results.
Coffee:
- Its Broncho dilating properties help in controlling asthma attacks. It also helps in relaxing the airways as well as clearing the airways.
How to Use
- Have at least 2-3 cups of coffee daily. Coffee should be strong as stronger will be the coffee, better will be the results.
Eucalyptus oil:
- The decongestant properties of this oil help in the treatment of symptoms of asthma. It also helps in break down of mucus because it contains a compound which is called as eucalyptol.
How to Use
- Add 2-3 drops of this oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam which will help in the treatment of the symptoms of asthma.
- Add few drops of thus oil on the paper towel and breathe in the aroma of it for the better results.
Honey:
- It helps in the treatment of asthma symptoms due to presence of ethereal and alcohol oils in it. It is one of the oldest and effective cure of asthma.
How to Use
- Eat 1 teaspoon of honey along with half teaspoon of cinnamon powder, before sleeping which will help in the removal of phlegm from your chest and clear the airways.
- Alternatively, you can simple inhale the smell of honey which shows positive results.
Onions:
- Onion helps in reducing the airway constriction due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Onion also consists of sulphur which helps in reduction of inflammation.
How to Use
- You can eat raw onion and get the results.
- You can add onion in salads and in meals also.
Natural Supplements for Asthma
- There are various supplements available in the market for the treatment of asthma such as Tulsi, Praanrakshak Churna and Aller-G Care etc. Which are very effective and beneficial in the treatment of asthma.
