10 Best Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies, Yogic Kriyas, and Yoga Asana for Asthma

May 15, 2024

Respiratory ailments like asthma have become increasingly common, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Ayurveda offers herbal remedies and therapeutic practices that can aid in managing asthma symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.

In this article, we delve into the realm of Ayurvedic herbal remedies and yoga asanas specifically tailored to address asthma. Whether you're seeking alternative options or looking to complement your existing asthma management plan, this exploration of Ayurveda offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering respiratory well-being.

Herbal Remedies for Asthma

Here are ten potent herbal remedies traditionally used in Ayurveda for managing asthma.

Aniseed

Benefits: Aniseed has expectorant properties that may help loosen mucus in the airways, potentially easing breathing difficulties associated with asthma.

Uses: Aniseed can be consumed as a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day to potentially help alleviate asthma symptoms.

Chebulic Myrobalan

Benefits: Also known as Haritaki, this herb is used in Ayurveda for respiratory ailments. It may help alleviate asthma symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects.

Uses: Prepare a decoction by boiling 1 teaspoon of powdered chebulic myrobalan in water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink twice daily to benefit from its anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Indian gooseberry supports respiratory health by strengthening the immune system and reducing oxidative stress in the lungs, potentially aiding in asthma management.

Uses: Consume fresh Indian gooseberries or drink amla juice daily to strengthen the immune system and support respiratory health. Alternatively, you can take amla supplements.

Hyssop

Benefits: Hyssop contains compounds like anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antispasmodic which help relax the bronchial muscles, clearance of mucus, alleviate congestion, and reduce inflammation in the airways.

Uses: Hyssop tea can be made by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried hyssop leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day to potentially help alleviate asthma symptoms.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Benefits: Revered in Ayurveda, holy basil exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects, potentially reducing bronchial inflammation and improving lung function in individuals with asthma.

Uses: Chew fresh holy basil leaves daily or prepare tulsi tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink this tea two to three times daily to benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties.

Vasaka

Benefits: Also known as Adhatoda, Vasaka is traditionally used in Ayurveda for respiratory conditions like asthma. Its bronchodilator and expectorant properties can aid in easing breathing difficulties.

Uses: Prepare a decoction by boiling 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried vasaka leaves in water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this herbal tea twice daily to benefit from its bronchodilator and expectorant properties.

Marjoram

Benefits: Marjoram may offer relief for asthma symptoms due to its antispasmodic properties, potentially helping to relax bronchial muscles and reduce bronchospasms.

Uses: Marjoram can be used in cooking or added to teas. You can also inhale marjoram essential oil by adding a few drops to hot water and inhaling the steam for potential relief from asthma symptoms.

Turmeric

Benefits: Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help reduce airway inflammation, a common feature of asthma. Curcumin, its active compound, also exhibits bronchodilator effects, aiding in easier breathing.

Uses: Add turmeric powder to your meals or beverages daily. You can also prepare turmeric tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea twice daily to potentially help reduce airway inflammation associated with asthma.

Ginger

Benefits: Ginger acts as a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the airways. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief from asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation.

Uses: Drink ginger tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Consume this tea two to three times daily to potentially help reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function.

Licorice

Benefits: Licorice root contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, making it beneficial for asthma management. It can help relax the bronchial muscles and reduce inflammation in the airways.

Uses: Licorice root can be brewed as tea by simmering 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea twice daily to potentially benefit from its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

Boswellia

Benefits: Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia contains boswellic acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties. It can help alleviate inflammation in the airways and improve breathing in individuals with asthma.

Uses: You can apply boswellia essential oil diluted in carrier oil to the chest for topical relief from asthma symptoms.

Yogic Kriyas for Asthama

Here are Yogic Kriyas that are traditionally used to manage asthma.

Neti (Nasal Cleansing)

Neti involves the cleansing of nasal passages using a saline solution (a mixture of water & salt). This practice helps clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, promoting easier breathing and reducing the risk of asthma triggers. There are two types of Neti:

Jal Neti: It involves rinsing the nasal passages with lukewarm saline water using a specially designed neti pot. By flushing out mucus, allergens, and debris from the nasal passages, Jal Neti helps clear congestion, alleviate sinus symptoms, and promote easier breathing.

Sutra Neti: It involves nasal cleansing using a waxed string or rubber catheter. The practitioner gently inserts one end of the string through one nostril, guides it along the nasal passage, and pulls it out through the mouth, repeating the process for the other nostril. Sutra Neti helps remove stubborn mucus and debris from the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and improving respiratory function. Both Yogic Kriyas should be done under expert guidance.

Kunjal (Vomiting Cleansing)

Kunjal involves drinking saline water to induce vomiting, which helps clear excessive mucus and toxins from the stomach and respiratory tract. This practice can aid in relieving congestion and improving respiratory function.

Yoga Asana for Asthma

Here are Yoga Asanas that are traditionally used to manage asthma.

Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)

Supta Virasana involves reclining backward with the torso supported by the forearms or the floor. This pose helps open the chest and improve lung capacity, making it beneficial for individuals with asthma.

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Vajrasana involves sitting on the heels with the spine straight. This pose promotes deep breathing and relaxation, potentially reducing stress-related asthma symptoms.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Matsyasana involves lying on the back and arching the chest upward while supporting the body with the forearms. This pose stretches the chest and throat, potentially improving respiratory function and reducing asthma symptoms.

Halasana (Plow Pose)

Halasana involves lying on the back and lifting the legs overhead to touch the floor behind the head. This pose stretches the spine and shoulders, stimulating the respiratory system and promoting better breathing.

Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

Gomukhasana involves sitting with one knee stacked on top of the other and the arms in a specific position resembling a cow's face. This pose stretches the chest and shoulders, potentially improving lung capacity and easing breathing difficulties.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Bhujangasana involves lying on the stomach and lifting the chest off the ground while keeping the pelvis and lower body grounded. This pose opens the chest and lungs, potentially improving respiratory function and reducing asthma symptoms.

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Nadi Shodhana involves alternating breathing through the nostrils to balance the flow of energy in the body. This pranayama technique can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall respiratory function.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Ustrasana involves kneeling and arching the back while reaching for the heels with the hands. This pose opens the chest and throat, potentially improving lung capacity and easing breathing difficulties.