Exploring the Potential of Ayurveda: Can it Cure Lung Disease?

By Dr. Arun Radhesh R | May 30, 2024

Exploring the Potential of Ayurveda: Can it Cure Lung Disease?

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is renowned for its holistic approach to health and wellness. But can it effectively treat lung disease? In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of ayurveda for lungs and explore its potential in providing relief for respiratory problems. From ayurvedic treatment for lungs to the best practices in lung detox ayurvedic medicine, let’s uncover the healing power of Ayurveda.

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What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In Ayurveda, it is known as Shwas Rog. This is a serious lung condition where air does not flow properly in and out of the lungs. People with COPD often feel:

• Shortness of breath
• Chronic (long-term) cough
• Excess mucus (wet cough)
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Vomiting in severe cases

How Does COPD Happen?

In COPD, the airways (breathing tubes) inside the lungs become inflamed. This swelling blocks the airflow, making it hard to breathe. It also causes chest tightness, wheezing sounds, and frequent coughing with mucus.

Ayurvedic Tips to Manage COPD Naturally

1. Use Castor Oil at Night

Castor oil reduces inflammation in the body.

• Take 1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) with warm water before sleep.
  
• If it causes loose stools, reduce the dose slightly.
• It also helps with joint pain and other inflammations.

2. Clean Your Intestines (Every 20–25 Days)

This helps remove toxins.

• Take 30–50 ml of castor oil early morning on an empty stomach with warm water.
  
• It causes gentle bowel cleansing.
  
• Helps you breathe better after the cleanse.

3. Maintain Good Vitamin D3 Levels

• Low Vitamin D3 = more inflammation.
  
• Check your Vitamin D3 levels. Ideal: 70–80 ng/mL.
  
• It helps improve lung function and reduces symptoms.
  

4. Try Nasya (Ayurvedic Nasal Drops)

• Put 2 drops of oil in each nostril in the morning.
• Oils: Anu Tailam or Shadbindu Tailam (or mustard oil if these are not available).
• Helps open airways and reduces head congestion.
  

 5. Use Ayurvedic Herbs like ‘Trikatu’

Trikatu is a mix of 3 herbs: black pepper, long pepper, and dry ginger.

• • Take 2 tablets, twice a day (after meals or empty stomach).
    
  • It improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and boosts energy.
    

6. Take Zinc Supplements
Zinc supports lung health and immunity.

• • • Use Zinc Glycinate or Citrate, 50 mg daily after meals.
    • Take for 2–3 months, then take a 1-month break before starting again.

7. Practice Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)

These simple yoga exercises improve breathing:

• • • Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing)
    • Bhastrika Pranayama (Strong inhaling/exhaling)

Do them once or twice daily for 3 months. They increase oxygen flow and reduce breathlessness.

Ayurvedic Diet for COPD Patients

Foods to Avoid

• • • Cold foods or drinks
    • Fermented foods (like dosa, idli, curd)
    • Tomatoes and potatoes
    • Rice products
    • Yogurt
    • Oily and spicy foods
    • Coconut oil and dairy products

Foods to Eat

• • • Bitter vegetables (bitter gourd, bottle gourd)
    • Garlic and ginger (reduce mucus and inflammation)
    • Hot soups with pepper, garlic, and ginger
    • Green gram (moong dal)
    • Moringa (drumstick) in any form
    • Fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds
    • Use mustard oil in small amounts for cooking
    • Drink warm water throughout the day

Difference Between Asthma and COPD

Important Safety Tips

• • • Don’t smoke or use tobacco
    • Avoid dusty or polluted places
    • Use a mask when going outside
    • Drink enough water daily
    • Avoid outside junk and bakery food
    • Maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a health condition where a person finds it hard to breathe properly. People with asthma often feel:

• • • Tightness in the chest
    • Shortness of breath
    • Difficulty in inhaling and exhaling
    • Fatigue after walking even short distances

These symptoms make it hard to do everyday activities like climbing stairs or going outside.

 What Causes Asthma?

Asthma can be triggered by different causes, also known as allergens or irritants, such as:

• • • Dust and pollen
    • Air pollution
    • Strong smells or smoke
    • Cold air or weather changes

In today’s world, even children are developing asthma due to the increasing air pollution in cities.

How Ayurveda Helps in Asthma Treatment

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical science, offers natural remedies to manage asthma. It focuses on healing the body using herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Here are the three main goals of Ayurvedic asthma treatment:

 1. Relax the Airways (Bronchi)

Some Ayurvedic ingredients help open the breathing tubes in the lungs. This makes it easier for asthma patients to breathe.

Helpful herbs and natural ingredients:

• • • Ginger
      
    • Honey
      
    • Garlic
      
    • Peppermint
      
    • Figs
      
    • Turmeric
    • Lemon

These work by relaxing the muscles of the lungs and dilating (widening) the airways.

 2. Reduce Mucus Formation

Excess mucus makes breathing more difficult for asthma patients. Ayurveda offers herbs that help in controlling and reducing mucus slowly and naturally.

Effective herbs include:

• • • Elecampane (Pushkarmool)
    • Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
    • Black pepper
    • Flax seeds
    • Antalkali ginger (a special Ayurvedic preparation)

These herbs clear the chest and allow air to flow more freely.

Understanding Lung Disease in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, lung diseases are often associated with imbalances in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. When these doshas are aggravated, it can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and even more serious conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ayurvedic practitioners believe that restoring balance to the doshas is essential for treating and preventing lung diseases.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Lung Health

The Role of Ayurveda in Lung Detoxification

Detoxification is an essential aspect of Ayurvedic healing, and it also applies to lung health. Lung detox ayurvedic medicine focuses on eliminating toxins and mucus from the respiratory system, thereby reducing inflammation and improving breathing capacity. Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma therapy include specific procedures aimed at cleansing the lungs and rejuvenating respiratory tissues.

Ayurvedic Centers in Kerala: A Hub of Healing

Discover Ayur Wakeup in Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” where traditional Ayurvedic treatments are popular. Kerala has calm places, skilled experts, and old remedies for respiratory problems. Whether you have asthma, allergies, or other lung issues, Kerala’s Ayurvedic centers have special treatments that match your needs.

Conclusion

While Ayurveda may not offer a cure for all lung diseases, it provides valuable insights and effective remedies for managing respiratory problems. From herbal formulations to lifestyle recommendations, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to lung health that focuses on addressing the root cause of the issue. By embracing Ayurvedic principles and seeking guidance from qualified practitioners, individuals can experience relief from respiratory ailments and improve their overall well-being.

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