
Ayurvedic Medicine for Dry Cough or Bronchitis
Bronchitis or chronic chest infection is a type of infection wherein the passage to the lungs get infected or inflamed. When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, it can lead to building of mucus inside the walls. Owing to the presence of mucus, it becomes extremely difficult for people to breathe. Constant coughing can also be associated sign of chest infection.
There are two stages of bronchitis namely acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis can last up for few days; however, coughing may persist. Chronic bronchitis is even more severe and can last for an even longer period of time, ranging from 3 months to even 2 years or more.
Causes of Bronchitis
There can be a lot of different causes, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Some of the common causes are as follows.
- Smoking remains by far one of the most prominent causes for this problem. Those who tend to smoke heavily are much more likely to suffer from chronic infection of chest. Smoking has a tendency of impacting the lungs and it can harm the entire passage as well.
- Occupational cause: Not only this, there are other reasons too which can lead to such problems. People who work at coal mines or work with asbestos and carry out welding and handle grains are at a higher risk of contracting chronic bronchitis.
- Any kind of infection for dust or specific particle can trigger this disease.
Symptoms Of Chronic Cough or Bronchitis
There are a lot of different symptoms that indicate that you are suffering from bronchitis or chronic cough. You need to keep an eye on these symptoms to analyse if bronchitis has set in.
- Regular and constant coughing.
- Spitting of huge amount of mucus while coughing.
- Difficulty in breathing because of the presence of mucus. It blocks the passage and this makes breathing a tedious task.
- Sometimes patients may develop blue lips and even have nail beds.
- Chances of pneumonia to onset are very high.
- Fatigue, chills and fever are also common.
- Discomfort in chest is also common.
- Running nose and severe headache.
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Sore throat
- Change of voice tone.
- Nasal congestion
No doubt, the symptoms can appear and disappear because chronic bronchitis has a habit of disappearing and recurring constantly.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Bronchitis
As per the ayurvedic belief, bronchitis can be caused because of troubles in Kapha Dosha. Ayurveda believes that the main cause of this disease is because of the imbalance that is generated. It is important that the right balance of the body is restored for the sake of getting the right treatment for a disease.
Ayurveda believes that bronchitis can occur due to a mix of digestion issues, poor diet, lifestyle problems, accumulation of toxins in respiratory tract and even lowering down of the immunity of the body as well. Hence, ayurveda believes that there can be a lot of different reasons.
Herbal Remedies of Bronchitis and Chronic Cough
Following herbs have been used traditionally to alleviate excess cough and help with bronchitis:
Sitopladi churna:
It has been considered to be one of the most effective ayurvedic herbal formula for respiratory problems. It acts both as an expectorant and even a bronchodilator. This helps in bringing almost immediate relief. Further, this powder formulation is also useful for those who are suffering from digestion issues. As ayurveda traces bronchitis to digestive issues, this formulation helps in restoring overall balance. It helps in increasing the energy balance in the body and can also aid in lessening the congestion because of sinus.
Sitopladi churna is considered to have powerful anti-oxidant properties and this polyherbal medicine is very effective in respiratory tract disorders. In a study conducted by Inder Kumar Makhija et al on the anti-oxidant properties of sitopladi churna it was found that the phenolic compounds present in its ingredients are a possible cause for its anti-oxidant nature.
Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
Mulethi it is perhaps one of the most versatile ayurvedic herbs and comes with a lot of different medicinal benefits. Along with having aphrodisiac properties, it also works as an expectorant and has anti viral and anti bacterial properties. Mulethi is mentioned in ayurvedic texts and time tested for centuries to be one of the most effective ayurvedic herb for different types of cough like asthma, whopping cough, sore throat, dry cough and bronchitis.
In a study conducted by Yasmeen Jahan et al, to understand the medicinal properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of bronchitis/chronic cough, it was found that an inhibition of 35.62%, in cough on the administration of ethanol extract of glycyrrhiza glabra.
Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa):
This ayurvedic herb is considered as an effective treatment for respiratory disorders. It helps in reducing the excessive kapha which is water from your respiratory tract and also helps in nourishment of the lung tissue. The vasodilatation property helps it in bringing relief to those who are suffering from bronchitis.
A research paper presented by Prachi Sharma and Prahlad Dube states that the root of Innula racemose is an effective herbal medicine for the diseases associated with respiratory tract as it sooths the irritated bronchial tree. Pushkarmool (Inula racemose) has anti-histaminic and bronchodilator action that makes it useful in shvasa roga.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia):
Giloy helps in improving the immunity of the body and thus your body will get the power to fight against different kind of infections. It also has digestive and anti inflammatory properties which means that it can help treat bronchitis that occurs because of these two reasons.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Chronic Cough or Bronchitis
Panchkarma detox:
Panchkarma actually infers to an amalgamation of five different treatments, which aid in detoxification of your body. As bronchitis is believed to be caused because of imbalance in the body, this ayurvedic treatment method helps in getting relief from pain and can also aid in efficient and regular breathing as well.
Depending on the specific cause of a respiratory disorder, the Ayurvedic doctor may recommend one of the following Panchkarma Detox therapies for cleansing of ama/toxins from the body. These therapies should only be prescribed by a qualified aurvedic doctor and should be performed under close supervision of same.
Vamana (vomiting): Therapeutic vomiting helps to get rid of the excess mucus in the respiratory tract that causes imbalance in kapha dosha.
Virechana (purgation): This medicated purgation therapy helps to cleanse the toxins from the gall bladder and liver.
Vasti ( Herbal Enema): This medicated enema therapy is performed by the introduction of a medicated oil, milk, ghee or a herbal decoction preparation into the rectum. This enema allows the elimination of toxins through the feces.
Nasyam (Instillation of Herbal nasal drops): Nasyam is a therapy in which a herbal juice or a medicated oil is administered through the nose. This helps to remove the excessive doshas that may have accumulated in the throat and the sinuses, giving relief from respiratory problems.
Breathing Exercises or Pranayama for Bronchitis and Respiratory Health
Breathing exercises, called pranayama, helps to improve the lung function and also reduces the frequency of symptoms in patients with chronic respiratory problems. There are different types of breathing exercises that help in different conditions.
For example, Sukha Pranayama or anulom vilom or alternate nostril breathing helps patients with wheezing and hay fever. In this technique, the right nostril is first closed with the right thumb as the person inhales through the left nostril.Now the right nostril is released, the left nostril is closed with the right ring finger as the breath is exhaled through the right nostril.
Other types of breathing exercises may also be prescribed such as Bhastrika Pranayama, which works well for congestion, and Ujjayi Pranayama, which help to improve immunity so that respiratory health is maintained.
Yoga for Respiratory Problems
Some yoga postures may be helpful in people who suffer from chronic respiratory disorders. When these are performed on a regular basis, they help to reduce the frequency as well as the severity of the symptoms. Some of the generally prescribed yogasanas include Surya Namaskara (Sun salutation), Sarvanagasana (Shoulder Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Shalabhasana (Grasshopper Pose).
Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Cough or Bronchitis
Along with medication, therapy, yogasana and breathing exercises, Ayurveda also recommends certain lifestyle and dietary changes such as:
- Dry foods that are difficult to digest, curds, chillies and fish should be avoided.
- Avoid using cold water and don’t reside in a cold place
- Get enough sleep; avoid staying awake till late at night
- smoking should be avoided
- Keep yourself mentally calm and avoid anxiety provoking situations​
As bronchitis can also be an occupational hazard, it is important to ensure that you opt for a change of lifestyle. Try and stay away from germs and things you may be allergic to. Also you should include healthy habits and make sure that you have an efficient digestive system as well.
If you wish to enquire more information on Bronchitis Ayurvedic Natural Treatment in Melbourne, you may contact us at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic.
Disclaimer: The information on ayurvedic products and medicines on our website is for educational purposes only. One should not buy these products over the counter. These should only be taken after ayurvedic consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner. The uses and indications of these herbal products are based on Traditional Ayurvedic text books. These herbs should be supplemented with appropriate diet and lifestyle to get beneficial effects. Although there is a lot of research done on Ayurveda these days, yet these herbal products might not hold enough current research based evidence.
References
1.Yasmeen Jahan, Hefazat H Siddiqui, ‘Study Of Antitussive Potential Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra And Adhatoda Vasica Using A Cough Model Induced By Sulphur Dioxide Gas In Mice’, Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266871130_STUDY_OF_ANTITUSSIVE_POTENTIAL_OF_GLYCYRRHIZA_GLABRA_AND_ADHATODA_VASICA_USING_A_COUGH_MODEL_INDUCED_BY_SULPHUR_DIOXIDE_GAS_IN_MICE
2.Prachi Sharma and Prahlad Debe, ‘A review on the role of an important medicinal plant Inula racemosa Hook. F. in asthma management’, International Journal of Global Science Research, Vol. 4, Issue. 2, October 2017, pp. 609-613, https://www.ijgsr.com/webadmin/uploads/ijgsr83.pdf
3.Inder Kumar Makhija, H N Aswatha Ram, C S Shreedhara, Vijay Kumar S, Raviraj Devkar, ‘In vitro antioxidant studies of Sitopaladi Churna, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation’, Open Access, https://www.phcogfirst.com/sites/default/files/AX_1_2_8.pdf
Sitopladi churna:
It has been considered to be one of the most effective ayurvedic herbal formula for respiratory problems. It acts both as an expectorant and even a bronchodilator. This helps in bringing almost immediate relief. Further, this powder formulation is also useful for those who are suffering from digestion issues. As ayurveda traces bronchitis to digestive issues, this formulation helps in restoring overall balance. It helps in increasing the energy balance in the body and can also aid in lessening the congestion because of sinus.
Sitopladi churna is considered to have powerful anti-oxidant properties and this polyherbal medicine is very effective in respiratory tract disorders. In a study conducted by Inder Kumar Makhija et al on the anti-oxidant properties of sitopladi churna it was found that the phenolic compounds present in its ingredients are a possible cause for its anti-oxidant nature.
Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
Mulethi it is perhaps one of the most versatile ayurvedic herbs and comes with a lot of different medicinal benefits. Along with having aphrodisiac properties, it also works as an expectorant and has anti viral and anti bacterial properties. Mulethi is mentioned in ayurvedic texts and time tested for centuries to be one of the most effective ayurvedic herb for different types of cough like asthma, whopping cough, sore throat, dry cough and bronchitis.
In a study conducted by Yasmeen Jahan et al, to understand the medicinal properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of bronchitis/chronic cough, it was found that an inhibition of 35.62%, in cough on the administration of ethanol extract of glycyrrhiza glabra.
Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa):
This ayurvedic herb is considered as an effective treatment for respiratory disorders. It helps in reducing the excessive kapha which is water from your respiratory tract and also helps in nourishment of the lung tissue. The vasodilatation property helps it in bringing relief to those who are suffering from bronchitis.
A research paper presented by Prachi Sharma and Prahlad Dube states that the root of Innula racemose is an effective herbal medicine for the diseases associated with respiratory tract as it sooths the irritated bronchial tree. Pushkarmool (Inula racemose) has anti-histaminic and bronchodilator action that makes it useful in shvasa roga.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia):
Giloy helps in improving the immunity of the body and thus your body will get the power to fight against different kind of infections. It also has digestive and anti inflammatory properties which means that it can help treat bronchitis that occurs because of these two reasons.