Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder in which the inner lining of the respiratory tract becomes inflamed. Alternatively it could be blocked with a layer of mucus or could become constricted due to some other reason. All these factors could lead to severe problems in respiration, which could even result in death of the person.

Though asthma is a chronic disorder, it does not manifest itself all the time. It is exacerbated by certain triggers, which can lead to the bouts of respiratory problems, known as asthmatic attacks. During an asthmatic attack, there is severe difficulty in breathing, characterized by wheezing, gasping, shortness of breath and inability of speech. Generally an attack does not last more than a few minutes. However, a severe attack could kill within those few moments the attack lasts.

The exact cause of asthma is not known. But in asthmatic people, the attacks are caused due to some environmental factors to which they are allergic. There are many allergenic factors in the environment such as dust, hair, pollen, lint, smoke, cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorants and many others. When such an allergen is present in the environment of the person whose respiratory tract is inflamed, the person develops a violent reaction. This is known as an asthmatic attack.

Asthma is known as Shwaasa roga in Ayurveda. There are five main types of asthma in Ayurveda: tamaka shwaasa roga, urdhwa shwaasa roga, chinna shwaasa roga, maha shwaasa roga and kshudra shwaasa roga. All these kinds of shwaasa roga are due to vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. The main types of vata that are vitiated are the praana vata and the udaana vata.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Asthma

- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)

Aniseed is useful in the treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) The bark of the arjuna plant has benefits in the treatment of asthma. It is taken in a powder form sprinkled on the preparation of rice and condensed milk known as kheer.

- Asafetida (Ferula fetida) Along with whooping cough and bronchitis, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of asthma. For better results, its gum is taken in a mixture with honey.

- Bay Berry (Myrica nagi) Bay berry bark is effective in the treatment of asthma. It can be taken in the form of either a decoction or a powder.

- Bishop's Weed (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop's weed is an expectorant. It can relieve dried up phlegm within the respiratory tract. It can be taken with buttermilk for best results.

- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) Black nightshade can remove the catarrh and phlegm deposited in the bronchial tubes. Its fruits are taken for the remedy.

- Celery (Apium graveolens) Celery has antispasmodic properties; hence it is beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Either the herb itself or its seeds can be used for the purpose.

- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Clove has expectorant properties; hence it is effective in the treatment of asthma.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

Regular use of garlic can reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is used in treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Asthma

The following dietary guidelines must be followed in order to reduce asthma:-

- Sour foods such as curd and buttermilk must be avoided.

- Cold fruits such as bananas, guavas, watermelons and papayas are very risky as they can build up phlegm in the bronchial tubes.

- Fried and pungent foods must be avoided.

- Dry grapes are beneficial in asthmatic patients.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma

Sitopaladi choorna is a very common medicine taken by asthmatic patients. It is to be taken thrice or four times a day, mixed with honey. One alternative to sitopaladi choorna is the pippaladi choorna.

Agastya rasayana is another popular medicine which is prepared with Chebulic Myroblan as its main ingredient. Along with Chyavanprasha, it is commonly prescribed to asthmatic patients.

There are some specific Ayurvedic preparations that are prescribed in order to reduce the attacks of asthma immediately. These are Shwasa Kaasa Chintamani rasa, Suwarna Pushpasuga rasa, Kanakasava, etc.

(4) Home Medications

- Mix a couple of leaves of the holy basil with honey and consume them every morning. This is a very effective remedy to keep asthmatic attacks away.

- When an attack is about to come, then chewing on some leaves of the holy basil mixed with rock salt.

- In order to clean the respiratory tract, roast gram and have them with milk just before going to bed.

- Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.

- For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew on some black pepper before going to bed.

- For temporary relief from asthmatic attacks, mix some leaves of the holy basil with black pepper and consume them.

- One more remedy is to mix some lemon juice with ginger and consume it once a day.

- Chewing a single fruit of the Chebulic Myroblan (harad) every night will give tremendous relief from asthmatic attacks.

- Boil six cloves in half a cup of water. Take a teaspoonful of this decoction with honey thrice a day.