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Bronchitis
& Asthma
In
Ayurveda, Bronchial Asthma – an allergic
condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or
more allergens and is one of the most fatal respiratory
diseases – is named `tamaka shvasa’ and
its seat of manifestation is the lungs.
Symptoms:
During an attack of Bronchial Asthma you have to literally
gasp for every breath – breathing out being more difficult
than breathing in, since the air cannot be properly driven
out of the lungs before you have to take another breath. For
chronic patients these frequent attacks, specially in the
night or early morning, are often preceded by nasal
congestion and sneezing.
Root
Causes:
Either allergy inducing factors as weather conditions, dust,
food, drugs, perfumes, pollution etc. or psychological
factors as deep-seated emotional insecurity, an intense need
for parental love etc. or hereditary / genetic factors.
Herbs which is useful :
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) :
Apart from the religious significance, it also has
substantial medical significance and is used in Ayurvedic
treatment.
Tulsi has antimicrobal properties since it is also anti -
inflammatory. It is useful in respiratory tract infection.
Ursolic acid, present in tulsi, has anti-allergic
properties.
The plant can play a role in the management of
immunological disorders such as allergies and asthma.
This plant is not indigenous to Suriname, holy basil was
brought to this country by Indian immigrants.
The plant also has a place in Suriname's traditional
medicine.
The juice of the leaves are used against fever and as an
antidote for snake and scorpion bites. It's anti-spasmodic
properties, relieves abdominal pains and it helps in
lowering the blood sugar level.
Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda) :
The leaves of the plant contain the alkaloid vasicine
(C11H12N2O), which is responsible for the small but
persistent bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is
chiefly responsible for the expectorant action. The leaves
and roots contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone
and vasicol, which may contribute to the bronchodilatory
effect through anticholinergic action on the vagal
innervation of the bronchii. The bronchodilation effect is
considerably increased after atropine administration.
Studies have also shown vasa to be effective in the
treatment of amlapitta (dyspepsia) and pyorrhea .
The juice expressed from the leaves and the decoction of the
leaves and roots are useful in asthma, bronchitis, and other
chronic coughs. Dried leaves are used in dhoomapana
(smoking) in the treatment of bronchial asthma. The leaf
decoction is an excellent expectorant when decocted with
punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and then combined with ginger
juice and black pepper. Another effective preparation for
the treatment of asthma is the decoction of vasa, guduci (Tinospora
cordifolia), and kantakari (Solanum surratense) mixed with
honey.
Vasa has also been used to treat skin conditons by combining
it with triphala and using the decoction both internally and
externally. Vasa was also indicated in the treatment of
internal hemmorhage; for this indication it was ususally
decocted with haritaki, made into a ghrita, or taken alone
as the leaf juice. A famous passage from the Harita Samhita
states: "In the presence of Vasa why should those
suffering from intrinsic hemmorhage, wasting, and cough be
doubtful that there is hope for survival?".
Diet :
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A
limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
-
A
liberal amount of alkali-forming foods – fresh
fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains.
-
Avoid
foods which tend to produce phlegm – rice, sugar,
lentils and curd.
-
Avoid
difficult-to-digest foods – strong tea, coffee,
alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces and all
refined and processed foods.
Life
Style :
Ayurvedic Supplements :
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