Difficulty in breathing is termed as Shwas Roga in Ayurveda. For description, Ayurveda classifies the specific difficulties in breathing into 5 different types. One of these types relates to the commonly known bronchial asthma. In this condition, an obliteration of the respiratory passage is caused by a vitiated Vata and Kapha, leading to an acute attack of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, an intake of incompatible foods and internal generation or exposure to toxic substances cause vitiation, leading to bronchial problems.
Natural Remedies For Bronchitis
- Spogel Seeds
Ayurveda considers that the attacks of breathlessness are more actively precipitated by constipation. To prevent them or to control their intensity, make sure you have regular bowel movements. For this purpose, you may frequently use Spogel seeds. This herb is also called Psyllium.
- Ginger and Honey
If your bronchial problem is a seasonal one, take 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger juice mixed with an equal volume of honey. Taking this bronchitis home remedy twice a day helps to check the frequency and intensity of your problem. When you have an acute attack of breathlessness, don’t depend on a home remedy alone. Take your routine medication as advised by your physician.
- Mustard oil and Camphor
Take 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of mustard oil or any other vegetable oil. Warm it well. Dissolve about 2 grams of camphor in the oil. Apply this oil gently all over the chest, neck, and back. Do not massage. Allow the oil to work for a few minutes. Later, give a dry fomentation. This is a simple measure, generally good for all ages. Make sure that your skin is not allergic to camphor.
- Using Steam
Research has shown that antibiotics are not effective for the treatment of bronchitis. You can do that just by taking a hot shower or pouring steaming hot water into a bowl and leaning over it. Inhaling the steam will help loosen the secretions in your lungs to make the steam treatment even more effective. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water, it will help soften mucus in obstructed airways and has some antibacterial properties.
- Ginger and Black Pepper
Add one teaspoon of each ginger powder and black pepper to a cup of boiling water. Boil it for a few minutes, then add some honey and drink it twice a day.
- Turmeric and Milk
One of the Bronchitis home remedies includes a combination of Turmeric and Milk. Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and boil it for a few minutes. Drink it two to three times a day.
- Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds have medicinal properties that can cure bronchitis and help relieve chest congestion associated with it. Mix half a teaspoon of sesame seed powder and two tablespoons of water and take it twice daily.
- Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is extremely rich in vitamin C, which helps to reduce the excessive formation of mucus during bronchitis. Drink tomato soup at least twice in a day to get rid of a bronchitis cough.
- Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can bring relief from bronchitis symptoms, especially when you are suffering from acute bronchitis. You can take an Epsom salt bath by adding a few tablespoons of Epsom salt in your bathing water, and soak yourself in the water for half an hour.
- Salt Water
Add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and use it to gargle several times a day. This will soothe the inflammation of the throat. Also, it will cut through some of the mucus that may be irritating the throat, be careful not to use too much salt as it may cause a burning sensation in the throat and too little would be ineffective. Be sure to spit out the water after gargling.