Asthma

Question

Iam writing to you because my son(12 y.o.)he is suffering from asthma since long time. Everytime he has these attacks, it makes me very worried and sad. we try to manage with inhalers and some medicines but still, the frequency of attacks is too much. I am looking for some aayurvedic solutions or remedies that can help reduce these asthma attacks and make his breathin more easy. What do you suggest for us? Any specific herbs or treatments that can helping?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Mrs Jiya,
Ayurveda can definitely help you manage the condition of your son and improve his quality of breathing. 
Ayurvedic management of childhood asthma focuses on balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), improving the immune response and strengthening the respiratory system. Here are some common approaches:

Dietary Recommendations:
Emphasize warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest.
Incorporate spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper to aid digestion and reduce mucus.
Avoid cold, heavy, and processed foods like bananas , paneer, fried food as well as dairy, which can increase Kapha. Avoid heavy foods especially at night.

Herbal Remedies:
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps in relieving respiratory issues. Use it in herbal teas or make a concoction by boiling it with ginger & pepper . This will reduce congestion in the chest. You can give this to him once daily.

Panchakarma:
Detoxification therapies such as Nasya (nasal administration of oils) can help clear the sinuses and improve breathing. Consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor for this is ideal.

Home therapy- 
Application of warm sesame oil along with some salt over the chest area and followed with hot Bath will help in reducing congestion in the chest and improving breathing.

Lifestyle Practices:
Encourage regular physical activity appropriate for the child’s age to enhance lung capacity.
Practice pranayama (breathing exercises) to strengthen the lungs and improve respiratory function.
Avoid direct exposure to fan, AC or water bodies like pools, springs etc .

Stress Management:
Techniques like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Environmental Considerations:
Maintain a clean and dust-free environment to minimize allergens.
Use air purifiers if necessary.

Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment plans, especially for children.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your son's struggles with asthma. Ayurveda offers several approaches and remedies that may help manage his condition and reduce the frequency of attacks. First, ensure he has a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to strengthen his immune system. Foods like apples, pears, and berries, along with green leafy vegetables, are beneficial. Incorporating warm, cooked foods can also help, as they are easier to digest. Herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and black pepper can reduce inflammation and support respiratory health. For asthma specifically, consider using tulsi, or holy basil, known for its anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits. You can make tulsi tea by boiling fresh leaves in water, and drinking this tea regularly may help alleviate asthma symptoms. Vasaka, or Adhatoda vasica, is another herb traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions, helping to relax bronchial muscles and ease breathing. You can find vasaka syrup or capsules in Ayurvedic stores. Triphala, a combination of three fruits, is excellent for detoxification and may improve overall health, aiding digestion, which is important for respiratory health. Triphala powder can be taken with warm water before bedtime. Pippali, or long pepper, is known to improve lung function and support respiratory health, and pippali powder can be mixed with honey and taken daily. Fresh ginger can also soothe the airways; prepare ginger tea by boiling slices of ginger in water and adding honey for taste to ease breathing during an asthma attack. In addition to herbal remedies, incorporating breathing exercises like pranayama into his routine can strengthen lung capacity and improve overall respiratory function. Regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can also enhance lung function, but be sure he avoids any triggers during exercise.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

I totally get how worrisome it must be for you to see your son struggling with asthma. Ayurveda offers some ways to help ease those symptoms and might even help reduce those frequency of attacks. It's all about aiming for balance, specifically addressing kapha dosha, which tends to be involved in asthma issues.

For herbs, there's a few that come to mind. Vasaka (or Malabar nut) is one of the stars. It’s known for its ability to clear respiratory pathways and soothe symptoms. Then there's Tulsi, the holy basil, which can also assist with easing respiratory distress. Having Tulsi tea regularly — like one or two times a day — could help. You could also look into Pippali powder, taken with honey, for it's warming effect which clears mucus.

In terms of lifestyle changes, try seeing if there are any environmental triggers around your home. Dust, smoke, strong odors — getting rid of those can make a big difference in managing asthma symptoms. Also, encourage regular steam inhalation, adding drops of eucalyptus oil if possible, helps to keep nasal passageways clearer.

Diet wise, warm foods that do not aggravate kapha should be the focus. So maybe cut back on cold, oily, or processed food stuff, and try incorporating warm soups or broths.

Make sure he stays hydrated, but avoid cold beverages. Instead, warm water with a pinch of turmeric and ginger could be soothing and also act as an anti-inflammatory.

Finally, yoga! Simple breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom or Bhramari Pranayama could improve lung capacity and help in calming the mind during attacks.

Please keep in mind, though, that if there's any severe or worsening of his symptoms, it's really crucial to get medical attention right away. Always best to consult with your current healthcare provider before making any changes, especially with something as sensitive as asthma. It's about finding a gentle, supportive path forward for your son.

Asthma - #7

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