As the air quality in the world decreases with spikes in industrialization, there has also been known cases of asthma to increase gradually. In western medicine, Asthma is controlled, (not cured), with the use of steroid inhalers and generally long term use is indicated. People who suffer from asthma, especially children, often look for alternative ways to manage their condition. So what is Ayurveda's take on asthma? Ayurveda says asthma occurs because of a problem in digestive system, and not in lungs. The major health concerns that lead to Asthma (Tamaka Shwasa) as described in ancient Ayurveda are: Regularly having dry, cold, heavy to digest, incompatible food. Irregular intake of food (having food at bizarre hours). Drinking unboiled, cold milk (in the form of milkshakes, ice creams etc). Drinking cold water or cold drinks. Regular intake of oily spicy foods. Exposure to cold (A.C) and traveling in cold weather. Exposure to pollutants, pollens, smoke etc. Suppression of natural urges. It could be a few or all of these causes that lead to the imbalance of doshas and cause the asthma to develop. Here are some Ayurvedic Recommendations for those who suffer from Asthma: Always drink warm water Add wheat, rice, Green Moong, Barley, and Snake gourd beans to the diet. Include Ginger, Garlic, Black pepper and turmeric in diet daily. Always have freshly prepared and warm food. Do not eat heavy to digest food, deep fried food or stale food. Ayurveda also has a unique treatment branch called Rasayan Therapy, which increases the immunity of the person. This can surely helps to protect the person from recurrent infections which are risk factors for Asthma. A medicine prepared from Pippali or Piper longum is especially advised as rasayan in patients with chronic respiratory diseases including asthma. Of course it is always wise and best to seek help from your physician for your particular case if you have asthma before you try anything on your own!
