Asthma - Have Ayurveda At Your Rescue!

Are you suffering from wheezing or recurring symptoms of breathlessness and pressure in the chest? The good news is that these symptoms of asthma can be managed, controlled and relieved by an alternative treatment of Ayurveda.

Here are six Ayurvedic remedies for asthma:

1. Diet and nutrition: You should chew your food properly and eat attentively. Avoid over-fullness of the chest and eat a little lesser than your capacity. The following fluid and food items are beneficial to prevent the onset of asthma:
   • Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits
   • Onions, as they contain an anti-inflammatory compound called Quercetin
   • Tulsi, as it contains therapeutic benefits, which have the power to prevent asthma
   • Turmeric and honey as they can minimize nasal acuteness
   • Lukewarm water throughout the day
   • Ginger and pepper
2. Foods to avoid:
   • Foods that aid in phlegm formation like too much sugar, pickles, ice cream, curd, cold beverages, etc.
   • Spicy and pungent food
   • Allergen-rich food like certain meat, fish, chocolate, preservatives, etc.
3. Lifestyle changes and daily routine: It is essential to establish a daily routine in order to maintain a balanced bodily rhythm. When we eat, sleep or exercise at the wrong time, our body loses its natural cycle and will not cleanse or heal itself. Therefore, create a daily schedule to do the right things at the right time.
4. Stress management: Asthma is often worsened by heightened levels of stress, anxiety and mental fatigue.
   • Hormonal changes caused by stress can aggravate the nervous system and depress the immune response.
   • Keep stress at bay and prevent asthma by doing some healthy breathing exercises.
   • For instance, practice pranayama to keep your lungs healthy and enable a fresh flow of air with its breathing techniques. Identify your trigger points for stress and alleviate them.
5. Massage with herbal oil: Soothe and balance your nervous system with naturally herb-induced oils. The herbs present in the oils will penetrate your tissue beds and stabilize the affected areas:
   • Massage mustard oil and camphor over the chest and back of the chest to relieve breathing problems.
   • Sesame oil can also be applied to the chest.
6. Yoga: According to Ayurveda, the accumulation of toxins in the body lead to asthma. Impaired digestion leads to the deposit of mucus or phlegm in the lungs, causing an obstruction in breathing. Yoga is a proven remedy for asthma. It aims to have a positive effect on the body’s healing response and also strengthens the body's digestive system.
7. Prevent asthmatic triggers: Make it a point to keep your surroundings neat and clean. Keep away from pollutants, dust, smoke, pollen and other medications that can trigger asthma.