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Asthma is a clinical syndrome characterised by wheezing and paroxysmal dysponea due to increased resistance to the flow of air through the narrowed bronchi. Narrowing of bronchi is due to the spasm of the bronchial smooth muscles, oedema of the bronchial mucosa, infiltration and blockage by mucus within the bronchial lumen.Asthma occurs in response to triggers likeallergen, exposure to an environmental stimulant, cold air, emotional stress, exercise, viral infection etc. The underlying cause of asthma is not known.
An acute asthma attack is caused by the inflammation in the airways of the lungs resulting in contraction and narrowing of the bronchioles which restrict the airflow and make breathing difficult. It is followed by frequent asthma attacks needing extensive medical management for prevention of acute attacks. Wide arrays of drugs and dosage forms have been developed to control and prevent asthma symptoms, to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations and reverse the airflow obstructions.
Quick relief medications includeshort acting 2 agonists, methyl xanthenes, leukotriene modifiers, immunoglobulin E, antibody blocker (Omalizumab) and other antibiotics but there is a concern about the use of inhaled corticosteroids as patients fear long term side effects such asosteoporosis and stunned growth in children. Even after regular use of inhaled corticosteroids, there is no improvement in the condition of the patient but in Ayurveda, asthma can be controlled by lifestyle and home remedies. People are looking for alternative treatment which can cure the disease from the root and Ayurveda has the power to cure the diseases from the root without causing any side effects.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease with airway hypo-responsiveness leading to recurring episodes of wheezing, cough and chest tightness. In developed countries, asthma is affecting up to 1 in 4 urban children from this non-communicable respiratory disease. The prevalence of asthma is increasing with growing urbanisation. Asthma accounts for approximately 4500 deaths and 4,65,000 hospitalisations and estimated 1.8 million emergency room visits. In India, asthma affects 15-20 million people. It is an important cause of morbidity.
Asthma according to Ayurveda
Asthma is known as Tamak-Shvasa in ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine. The Doshas involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma areVata, Pitta and Kapha. It develops when Kapha dosha in the body increases, undigested material (Ama), coming in contact with air containing irritant gases, dust, pollens or smoke, cold water, residing in cold and damp places.
Ayurveda states that there are three types of asthma based on doshasair element (dry type asthma), fire element (infection type asthma) and water element (congestion type asthma). Ayurvedic physicians confirm the diagnosis by a detailed case history of the patient and an objective examination is done to determine the imbalances between various constituents. Ayurvedic line of treatment in asthmatic attack is usually
Removal of svasarvarodha (obstruction of respiratory passage) by eliminating Kapha.
Srotoshuddhiremoval of broncho-constriction caused by Vata.
What are the symptoms of Asthma
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Dark black in front of the eyes
Chest tightness
Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Asthma:
Local application of any balm containing Eucalyptus oil, clove oil or cinnamon oil on the chest or at the back also helps in improving stamina.
5 grams of Amla (Indian gooseberry) or dry powder of amla mixed with 1 teaspoonful of honey forms an effective medicinal expectorant and tonic. It must be consumed regularly.
During the attack, rub mustard oil mixed with camphor on the chest. This will loosen up the phlegm and ease in breathing.
A teaspoon of bitter gourd (karela) root is mixed with an equal amount of honey or juice of the holy basil (tulsi) is an excellent expectorant and is a useful remedy for asthma. Taking this preparation for 1 month is quite beneficial.
Dry figs (Anjeer) helps in clearing the mucous from bronchial tubes and therefore a valuable remedy for asthma.
Take warm milk boiled with garlic at night before sleep.
Treatment of Asthma by Planet Ayurveda
Herbs have always been the highly esteemed source of medicine throughout the human history. About 25-30 % of todays prescription of drugs contain chemical moieties derived from the plants. Asthma care pack by Planet Ayurveda is a herbal formulation which is designed judiciously for the proper care of respiratory tract. The herbs used also possess concomitant properties likeanti-oxidants to support the digestive, cardiac and nerve functions in addition to expectorant as well as soothing herbs.
Asthma care pack -Asthma natural treatment
Aller-G care
Praanrakshak Churna
Tulsi Capsules
Aller-G care is a natural product manufactured by Planet Ayurveda which is the combination of powerful herbsAshwagandha (Withania somnifera), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Shirish (Albizzia lebbock).
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily.
Praanrakshak Churna
Praanrakshak Churan is a wonderful herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda. It contains the goodness of herbs such asShirish (Albezzia lebbock), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Anantmool (Tylphora asthmatica), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) and Madhuyashti (Glycorrhiza glabra).
Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily.
Tulsi Capsules
Tulsi capsules of Planet Ayurveda are packed with pure extract of best quality Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily.
Lifestyle Management & Diet
Stay away from pollen, dust or the factors that trigger the attack. Mustard oil, old jaggery, soups, honey, barley, lukewarm water, dates can be included in diet. Avoid sour, fried substances, cold water, bananas, milk and milk products in the diet. Take light dinner. Avoid eating curd, ice-creams especially during night
