Bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory diseases that affects approximately eight million people in the United States as well as in other countries each year. So, let us understand how one can treat bronchitis in Ayurveda.
What is Bronchitis?
The inflammation of the tubes called the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs is called Bronchitis. The condition leads to the swelling of the bronchial tube and causes frequent coughing that produces discolored and thickened mucus and leads to fever, fatigue, weakness, and wheezing.
Bronchitis may either be chronic or acute and may be explained as:-
1) Chronic Bronchitis:
Chronic Bronchitis is the severe version of the condition that persists for longer durations and reappears even if temporarily cured. It leads to constant inflammation and irritation in the bronchial tubes and is usually caused due to smoking.
2) Acute Bronchitis:
This type usually results from common respiratory troubles like cold and cough and is also termed a chest cold. Acute Bronchitis can be easily treated within a short span of a week or ten days, while the cough may persist longer.
What are the Causes of Bronchitis?
The Causes of Bronchitis are similar to that of the common cold and influenza, which are viruses, bacteria, air pollution, or environmental factors like dust or season change.
Smoking is another reason that contributes to chronic bronchitis. Passive or second-hand smoking can also lead to this condition.
What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis are the same for both its types – Chronic and Acute Bronchitis, and include:
- Mucus producing cough
- Fatigues
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of energy
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Discomfort in the chest
- Headache in the case of Acute Bronchitis
Treatment of Bronchitis
This common respiratory disease can cause irritation but the good news is that acute bronchitis can be easily cured with a little extra care and precautions that shall be discussed in the article. Using Ayurvedic treatment procedures and principles to treat bronchitis naturally, can be extremely effective and free from any kinds of side effects. The uses of home remedies, natural herbal products, yoga, and therapy can contribute to the successful treatment of bronchitis and ensure a speedy recovery.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Bronchitis
Ayurvedic Treatment of Bronchitis using herbs and natural ingredients is extremely effective. Let us take a look at a few home remedies and natural procedures using herbal ingredients to treat this respiratory ailment.
1) Turmeric:
The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric make it a perfect solution to treat bronchitis naturally. The anti-oxidant property helps in boosting immunity and reduces irritation and discomfort.
Turmeric can be added in different forms to your diet to ensure maximum results.
- Add ½ tsp of turmeric to a warm glass of water and drink it daily.
- Turmeric milk is also an excellent solution.
- Add turmeric to your food while cooking.
- The same can also be taken in the form of tablets.
- Turmeric tea can also help to soothe the symptoms.
2) Garlic:
Garlic helps in controlling the growth of the infectious bronchitis virus. Fresh garlic works most effectively for the treatment of bronchitis but it may also be taken in capsule form.
Adding garlic to your food while cooking also yields results.
3) Ginger:
Ginger helps in treating various kinds of respiratory infections. This natural remedy has a maximum effect if used naturally but you may also choose supplements or dried ginger.
Other than that, fresh ginger can be used in the following forms:
- To make ginger tea.
- Crystalised ginger.
- Ginger pickles.
- Candied ginger.
4) Salt-Water:
Salt-water gargling is another effective natural remedy that helps in dissolving the mucus and provides relief from throat inflammation and pain.
5) Steam:
Inhaling steam can make a significant difference in treating the disease by breaking up mucus and helping in expelling it from the system more easily. Steam also helps in relaxing the mind, and throat muscles from excessive coughing.
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Taking proper and quality sleep is vital for proper immune system functioning and recovery.
- Avoid smoking or being around people to prevent passive or secondhand smoking.
- Wear a face mask when traveling outdoors especially if the pollution is high.
- Consume a balanced and nutritious diet that helps in boosting immunity.
- Exercise and yoga have a great impact on treating various respiratory conditions by enhancing muscle performance and oxygen concentration in the body.
- Few yoga asanas that help in managing bronchitis and its symptoms include:
- Ustrasana or the Camel pose
- Bhujangasana or The Cobra Pose
- Chakrasana or The Wheel Pose
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana or The Upward Facing Dog pose
Herbal Remedies for Bronchitis
1) Aller GI
This herbal formulation by Life Aveda is a unique blend of four medicinal herbs – Haridra, Neem, Ashwagandha, and Shirish that help in strengthening respiratory health and functioning. It helps in promoting immunity and good health by protecting the body against infections and diseases. The antioxidant and immune-boosting properties help in fighting against viruses and bacteria that cause different respiratory disorders like bronchitis, common cold, cough, headache, flu, body ache, itchy throat, runny nose, migraine, etc.
2) Respire Syrup
Life Aveda’s Respire Syrup is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties that help in building immunity and protect the body against various viral and bacterial infections. It is a combination of fourteen natural herbs that help in controlling respiratory problems like cold, cough, bronchitis, etc and aids in pacifying the Kapha Dosha.
3) Premium Secure Lungs
Premium Secure Lungs is a combination of eight medicinal herbs that aid in treating respiratory illness. The anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties present in the capsules help in providing relief from cough and congestion and help in clearing the respiratory tract from excess mucus. This provides relief from the common cold and cough, flu, asthma, bronchitis, etc.
Conclusion
Natural remedies and a few lifestyle changes can help to treat bronchitis and increase immunity at the same time. In case the symptoms continue then one must get in touch with a doctor or a healthcare provider to seek guidance and proper treatment. For this, you can book your appointment for a consultation with our expert Ayurvedic Doctors who will provide Ayurvedic treatment using herbal supplements and medicines that yield maximum results.