Asthma Ayurvedic Medicine And Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and tightness of muscle around the airways which makes it difficult to breathe. In normal people, when they breathe the airways are relaxed and it’s easier for air to move but in asthmatic patients, the airways constrict and the lining of the airways become swollen and it won’t let as much air in and out of the lungs. Asthma has several causes such as allergic and non allergic. Asthma causes mild to severe symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, heaviness etc. It is a major non-communicable disease that affects both children and adults but is the most common chronic disease among children. In this article we will discuss the signs, symptoms, causes, prevention & herbal treatment for asthma according to Ayurveda and modern point of view.

Introduction

Asthma is also known as bronchial asthma, and it is a disease which affects the lungs. It is a condition of airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. It can make breathing difficult and also trigger coughing, shortness of breath, chest heaviness and wheezing sound. It can be a minor nuisance for some people but for some people it can be a major problem that disrupts normal daily activities. Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S, in which 5 million are children. Asthma symptoms result from inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs and affected about 265 million people in 2019 and caused 4,55,000 deaths. Asthma is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in low- and middle-income countries. People with undertreated asthma may suffer from sleep disruption, daytime fatigue and poor concentration. Asthma sufferers and their families may miss school and work, which has a financial impact on the family and the wider community. If symptoms are severe, people with asthma may need emergency healthcare and may be admitted to hospital for treatment and monitoring. In the most severe cases, asthma can even lead to death

Types

According to modern science asthma is of two types

1. Allergic (Extrinsic): It is more common in childhood
2. Non-Allergic (Intrinsic): It is usually after the age of 30 years

Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but there are some genetic and environmental factors that can cause asthma. Some factors include

1. Allergy : People who are having allergy more prone to asthma
2. Environmental factors : Some people can develop asthma after exposure to such things that irritate the airway.

Risk Factors

1. Family History: If family member have asthma then there might chance of having asthma
2. Being a smoker
3. Being overweight
4. Air pollution
5. Dust Mites
6. Excessive exercise
7. Tobacco smoke
8. Strong smell chemicals and perfumes

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of asthma vary from person to person, such as

1. Shortness of breath
2. Tightness and heaviness in chest
3. Cough
4. Wheezing
5. Trouble sleeping caused by coughing, breathing problem

Diagnosis

Asthma will likely be diagnosed based on medical history, signs, symptoms and physical examination. Several methods are used to find out the main cause of the pain that are

1. Chest X-ray
2. Spirometry

Ayurvedic View

In Ayurveda, asthma can be correlated with Shwas roga. Acharya Charak has told about shwas roga in Charak Samhita Chikitsa sthana 17 chapter

यदा स्रोतांसि संरुध्य मारुतः कफपूर्वकः।
विष्वग्व्रजति संरुद्ध्स्तदा श्वासान्करोति।।

The above shloka states that when the aggravated Vata due to Kapha vitiation blocks the Pranavaha, Annavaha and Udaka Vaha Srotas (Channels) and spreads in all directions (in the entire lung region), it gives rise to Shwas Roga.

Causative Factors

Shwas roga is mainly caused by vitiation of Vata and Kapha, hence Vata and Kapha aggravating factors are the common diagnosis of Shwas roga, such as excessive exercise, excessive sexual intercourse, living in a cold place, obstruction of the senses, consumption of dry food, consumption of curd, heavy food. 

Types of Shwas Roga

There are five types of shwas roga, they are

1. Maha Shwas (Fatal Dyspnea)
2. Urdhva Shwas (Gasping Respiration)
3. Chinn Shwas (Cheyne Stokes Breathing)
4. Tamak Shwas (Bronchial Asthma)
5. Kshudra Shwas (Exertional Dyspnea)

Treatment

यथाअद्रिकुञ्जेष्वर्कांशुतप्तं विष्यन्दते हिमम्।
शलेष्म तप्तः स्थिरो देहे स्वेदैर्विष्यन्द्ते तथा।।

The above shloka states that first of all, asthma patients should massage with sesame oil and rock salt and then do sudation using Nadi Sweda or Prastar Sweda or Sankra Sweda method containing oily substances.

Lifestyle and Diet changes

1. Cover nose and mouth if it’s cold outside
2. Consume diet which is rich in minerals, nutrients like vitamin c, e and omega-3 fatty acids
3. Avoid processed food
4. Consume fiber rich diet
5. Drink plenty of fluids

Journey of Pink with Asthma

She had been suffering from asthma since childhood. Pink is one of many celebrities who have shared details of their battle with the coronavirus, and in an interview, the singer nearly cried when she detailed an asthma attack she had at the peak of her symptoms. She has suffered from asthma her whole life, but didn’t rely on her inhaler for three decades before she contracted COVID-19. Pink said contracting coronavirus was ‘the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life’ . She has to wear two masks. She didn’t get sick until March 18-20 when her sore throat turned into a full-blown asthma attack in the middle of the night, but she never got a fever. She had really bad asthma, to the point where sometimes she would end up in the hospital. She would wake up in the middle of the night and she couldn’t breathe. She needed her nebulizer for the first time in 30 years. She couldn’t function without it. That’s when she started getting really scared.

Asthma is very well managed with ayurveda. Ayurveda has many herbs that are beneficial in asthma. Some of the best herbs are:

1. Vasa: Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) helps in respiratory disorders because it helps in pacifying the kapha dosha due to its astringent properties. There is an alkaloid present in vasa named vasicinine that has antitussive, anti asthmatic properties.
2. Yashtimadhu: Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) acts as a Rasayan. It helps in balancing the aggravated vata and pitta dosha. Mulethi might have potential to manage asthma.
3. Tulsi: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) helps in managing respiratory disorders due to its kapha balancing nature. Due to the expectorant properties of basil, it can help expel mucus from the respiratory tract. It acts as a decongestant, reducing nasal and lung congestion.
4. Shunthi: Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) helps in managing the vata and kapha vyadhis. It is kapha vata shamak because of its ushna veerya and  anti-inflammatory property
5. Haridra: According to Ayurveda Haridra (Cucrcuma longa) is said to be “Kaphahara” due to its tikta ras, ruksha guna and ushna veerya. That is why it helps in asthmatic conditions.

Home Remedies For Asthma By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that offers a comprehensive array of herbal supplements and wellness products formulated using traditional Ayurvedic recipes and potent herbs. In modern science asthma is treated by bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and inhalers. But prolonged use of these medicines can cause many complications like indigestion, stomach pain, decreased alertness etc. As we know that Ayurveda does not cause any side effects and lead to a healthy lifestyle. For better treatment Planet Ayurveda has asthma care pack which contains four formulations that are

1. Aller-G Care
2. Praanrakshak churna
3. Tulsi Capsules
4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

Product Description

1. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care capsules contain various herbs like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcumin longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. These herbs have anti- asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and rejuvenating properties that help in the functioning of lungs. The herbs present in aller-g care capsules pacify all the three doshas.It helps in removing the excess kapha thus relieving from the symptoms like chest congestion, difficulty in breathing, etc. It also promotes lung health.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals

2. Praanrakshak Churna

This herbal formulation contain various herbs like Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica), dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. These herbs act very well in asthma because of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, properties. These herbs help in balancing vata and kapha dosha and asthma occurs due to the vitiation of kapha and vata dosha. It is very useful in managing the symptoms of asthma. 

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi capsules contain the standardised extract of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). It contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. These capsules result in problems like coughing, wheezing sound, breathlessness etc. It acts as a bronchodilator. It helps in reducing the symptoms of asthma because of its kapha balancing nature due to its rasayan (rejuvenating) properties. . 

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals

4. Shwash Kuthar Ras

Shwas Kuthar Ras is a polyherbal formulation. It contains Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper Nigrum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), etc. These herbs have kasa hara properties. It helps in balancing the kapha and vata dosha thus helps in reducing the symptoms of asthma. These herbs have anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic properties.  It supports proper functioning of airways and keeps lungs healthy by improving breathing. 

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily after meals

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which the lungs are affected. Shwas has been described as one of the diseases in Ayurvedic literature. Repeated interventions are required to prevent disease recurrence and improve quality of life.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment will enhance the quality of life. It also prevents conversion of acute asthma to chronic asthma. Ayurvedic treatment and medicines can provide excellent relief to patients from the bothersome symptoms of asthma. Planet Ayurveda opens a new gate for treatment of asthma through their holistic approaches in an era where there is no permanent cure for asthma.