Why Is My Asthma Getting Worse, and Can Ayurveda Help?

Question

I’ve had asthma since childhood, and for the most part, it was manageable with an inhaler. But over the past year, my symptoms have gotten worse. I feel short of breath even when I’m not doing anything physically demanding, and cold air or even strong smells like perfume can set off an attack. Some nights, I wake up wheezing, and I have to use my inhaler just to breathe properly.

I talked to my doctor, and they suggested increasing my medication, but I really don’t want to rely on steroids long-term. I started looking into natural ways to manage asthma, and I came across Ayurveda. From what I understand, Ayurveda considers asthma to be related to imbalances in Kapha and Vata doshas, which lead to excess mucus and airway constriction. Does this mean my asthma could improve by making changes to my diet and lifestyle?

I read that certain herbs like Tulsi, black seed oil, and licorice root can help open up the airways. Has anyone tried these for asthma relief? Do they actually work? Also, are there breathing techniques or pranayama exercises that could strengthen my lungs over time?

Another thing I’m wondering about is whether my diet is making things worse. I eat a lot of dairy and processed foods—could that be contributing to my asthma symptoms? Should I be avoiding specific foods to reduce inflammation and mucus buildup?

I really want to find a long-term solution rather than just increasing my dependence on inhalers and medication. If anyone has successfully controlled asthma with Ayurveda or natural methods, I’d love to hear what worked for you. What changes did you make, and how long did it take before you noticed improvement?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Asthma, especially when worsening over time, can often be linked to inflammation, excess mucus production, and airway sensitivity, which aligns with Ayurveda’s view of it being a Kapha-Vata imbalance. This means that lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and herbal remedies could potentially help reduce symptoms and strengthen your respiratory system naturally.

Many people have found relief through Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Licorice Root, and Black Seed Oil, which help open up the airways and reduce inflammation. Daily practices like pranayama (breathing exercises), steam inhalation with eucalyptus or mint, and warm herbal teas can also support lung function over time. Avoiding cold, heavy, and mucus-forming foods—such as dairy, processed foods, and excess sugar—can be beneficial, as they tend to increase congestion. Instead, opting for warm, easy-to-digest meals with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger may help reduce flare-ups.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution, consistency is key. Many people notice gradual improvement over a few months when following an Ayurvedic routine alongside their prescribed medication. It’s also important to work with a practitioner if you’re planning to make major changes. Would you be interested in a specific daily routine that could help with lung strength and reducing asthma symptoms naturally?

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