Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Ayurvedic Asthma Treatments?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

Different Ayurvedic asthma treatments include consuming licorice tea and using brown mustard oil to help alleviate symptoms. Ayurvedic medicine also frequently recommends avoiding triggers, such as environmental allergens and dairy products, to reduce the likelihood of future asthma attacks. Other Ayurvedic asthma treatments include yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises.

Individuals suffering from asthma often seek alternative treatments for this condition. Mainstream medical doctors will sometimes recommend complementary medicine, which includes certain Ayurvedic asthma treatments, as a way to control the effects of asthma. Research indicates that several Ayurvedic asthma treatments are helpful and do, in fact, work to prevent the number and severity of asthma attacks from which a person might suffer.

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

Examples of Ayurvedic asthma treatments include drinking tea made from licorice. Such tea often causes people to expel mucus and some may even begin to vomit. As licorice has natural expectorant properties, this type of expulsion is considered to be helpful in relieving the body of large amounts of mucus, which may contribute to asthma symptoms.

While in the throes of an asthma attack, experts recommend contacting a doctor or taking medications previously prescribed by one. At the same time, however, rubbing brown mustard oil directly onto the chest may also help loosen airways and enable a person to breathe easier. Brown mustard oil also helps improve circulation and is often used in Ayurvedic massage treatments.

Yoga is part of Ayurvedic treatment for asthma.
Yoga is part of Ayurvedic treatment for asthma.

Ayurvedic doctors typically prescribe several methods believed to be useful in rebalancing the body and its energy flow. When a particular asthma treatment method is prescribed, Ayurvedic doctors will usually also make suggestions on avoiding things that trigger asthma attacks. A few such examples may include avoiding allergens, such as pollen and dust, and may also include avoiding certain dietary ingredients such as dairy products.

It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.

Holistic approaches to eliminating disease and disorders are intrinsic to Ayurvedic treatments. In keeping with this approach, practitioners frequently prescribe different forms of exercise as effective Ayurvedic asthma treatments. Yoga is believed to be effective, as are deep breathing exercises in general. Meditating on the breath while breathing deeply works by calming the mind and strengthening the lungs, increasing their capacity to expand and hold oxygen.

It is important to discuss any Ayurvedic asthma treatments with a doctor before beginning.
It is important to discuss any Ayurvedic asthma treatments with a doctor before beginning.

Individuals seeking Ayurvedic asthma treatments are often advised to visit an Ayurvedic medical center to consult with Ayurvedic doctors before beginning a particular treatment. This is because treatment approaches in Ayurveda are typically prescribed to be unique to an individual patient. Doctors prefer to meet with patients first to assess their physical form and take inventory of possible mental and emotional factors that may contribute to a dysfunction in the body. With this information, suggestions for relief using Ayurvedic asthma treatments are offered.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • Yoga is part of Ayurvedic treatment for asthma.
      By: Deklofenak
      Yoga is part of Ayurvedic treatment for asthma.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
    • It is important to discuss any Ayurvedic asthma treatments with a doctor before beginning.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      It is important to discuss any Ayurvedic asthma treatments with a doctor before beginning.