Respiratory diseases are like that bug on our windshield that keeps coming back no matter how many times one tries to get rid of it. This is especially true during the winter months, when common colds or one of the major chronic disease like pneumonia are always lurking around, just waiting to attach our immunity system. Pneumonia can occur for various reasons. For example, it may develop due to varied illness or infection, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the flu, or even COVID-19. Unfortunately, the air we breathe is also a mix of smog, pollutants, exhaust fumes and other irritants that leave us susceptible to respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to look for respiratory disease treatments. Pneumonia is an alveoli infection caused by various bacteria and viruses.
Some common reasons that cause pneumonia and other respiratory disease range from improper diet, obesity, smoking/alcohol or drug consumption, air pollution, anxiety and stress. A lot of the times one forgets focusing on a healthy lifestyle because one has too much going on in one’s life. The sad part is that India has too much high levels of air pollution and most of us take it for granted. We tend to believe we have somehow developed immunity to these pollutants but we haven’t. What further exacerbates the sensitivity of our immune system is the use of substances like smoking or drugs, even passive smoking. World Pneumonia Day is marked on 12th November every year to raise awareness about the disease. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder, Ayushakti, about some ayurvedic tips to relieve pneumonia.
Ayurvedic remedies to relieve pneumonia
Some common symptoms pneumonia includes are cough, fever, cold, chills, breathing difficulty and chest pain. It is contagious in nature and can spread to people via coughing, sneezing or even touching. The main point though is not the cause but what treatment is best suited to provide a long term relief from such diseases. Where synthetic drugs, surgery and medicines fail, there are more possibilities for turning towards natural solutions to get some relief. Here are some simple Ayurvedic home remedies to get some quick relief from Pneumonia:
1. Basil tea
The tea is known for its proven property as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. The essential oil in it is a decongestant that gives you relief from an allergy, cold, cough, breathing difficulty.
Ingredients:
20 fresh basil leaves (or dried leaves), 1-inch long cinnamon stick, 3 black peppercorns. Boil 2 cups of water, add all ingredients, allow the mixture to steep for about ten minutes, strain, cool and drink the tea. You can add jaggery as a sweetener if required.
Also read: The 6 Types of Pneumonia, Their Symptoms and Causes
Method:
Drink this tea 2-3 times a day. Basil and cinnamon boost your immunity and help in reducing the episodes of allergic cough, cold and wheezing.
2. Ginger water
Ginger water is also one of the best ayurvedic remedies for pneumonia. Drinking warm ginger water throughout the day remarkably helps relieves chest congestions, melts the sticky mucous in the respiratory and airway passages and removes it through the digestive tract.
3. Ayurvedic herbs
- Adhatoda Vasica (Adulsa) – Proven to relieve cough
- Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) – Anti-allergic and immune booster. Thus relief from frequent allergies
- Turmeric (Haldi) – Anti-inflammatory. Treats respiratory blockages, inflammation and combats infections
- Ginger (Adrak) – Boost immunity. Anti-allergic. Can help to liquefy and digest the sputum
4. Fruit- Bibhitaki
Bibhitaki is an exotic fruit that is found in the entire country. It is similar to a walnut and has an astringent flavour added to it. The Triphala composition includes this exact herb of Bibhitaki, as Bibhitaki is extremely helpful in easing any symptoms of Kapha disorder. Thus, Bibhitaki can be used whenever there is a Kapha disorder in any part of the body. Because of the astringent taste, it tends to absorb the micro-water particles present in the Kapha dosha and sometimes its shell is used to cure any kind of oral problems.
Also read: 5 Serious Complications of Pneumonia That You Should Know About
5. Ayurvedic herbal pill for cough
Ayurvedic herbal pill can also be used to cure pneumonia symptom of cough. It can soothe throat irritation. But, it should only be taken after talking to an Ayurveda expert.
Ingredients: Turmeric powder ¼ teaspoon
Liquorice powder ¼ teaspoon
Method: Add enough honey to make a pill and then suck this pill for 3-6 times a day.
Apart from these home remedies for pneumonia patient, one should maintain a balanced diet and avoid junk food, physical activities, sleeping during the day and over eating.
Image credits: Freepik