With inputs from Dr. Sharika Menon, Sri Sri Ayurveda doctor*

With 300 million patients worldwide, asthma is one of the most prevalent, non-communicable diseases in the world. The disease has also grown among children. Ayurveda attends to the cause of asthma, providing a holistic approach to treatment.

According to Ayurveda, certain lifestyle changes and ayurvedic therapies can address asthma. But before we delve into its solutions, let’s understand: what causes this lung condition?

Causes of asthma

According to Ayurveda, asthma is the result of an imbalance in the vata and kapha doshas. Any food item or activity that increases the doshas perpetuates asthma, such as:

  • Exposure to dust, smoke, and wind
  • Residing in a cold place/use of cold water
  • Cold winds, drinks, and food that aggravate vata or kapha
  • Intake of ingredients which obstruct the channels of circulation
  • Metabolic residue
  • Dryness
  • Weakness of the respiratory system
  • Excessive fasting and administration of elimination therapies
  • Upward movement of the abdominal gases
  • Intake of meat and fish
  • Intake of excess of curd and un-boiled milk

Treatment of asthma in Ayurveda

Certain dietary changes and suitable ayurvedic therapies are recommended.

Home remedies for asthma: What can asthmatics eat?

  • Old rice/paddy
  • Red rice
  • Horse gram
  • Wheat, barley
  • Old ghee
  • Goat milk
  • Honey
  • Gourds, ivy gourd
  • Citron
  • Amaranthus
  • Raisins, cardamom
  • It would be best to avoid:
  • Sheep milk
  • Ghee extracted from sheep milk
  • Contaminated water
  • Meat, fish
  • Tubers
  • Mustard
  • Dry, fried, spicy food
  • Cold and refrigerated food
  • Foods heavy to digest
  • Excess of curd and un-boiled milk

Ayurveda therapies for asthma

The kapha in the body dissolves by the heat generated by the process of fomentation. Hot fomentation of sesame oil over the back and chest relieves the symptoms of Asthma.

Special ayurvedic therapies help to loosen kapha from the microchannels of the respiratory system. It softens the channels and aids the normal movement of the vata dosha.

There are several other treatments as well. Doctors also advice medication to relieve the condition and rejuvenate the respiratory system.

With awareness and proper care, it is possible to get relief from asthma. For effective results, it’s best to get a personalized pulse diagnosis (Nadi pariksha) done with a certified Ayurveda doctor.