Asthma occurs when bronchial tubes are chronically inflamed. Not only does this constrict the airways but also the tubes become highly sensitive to various allergens and triggers. Asthma is characterized by wheezing and difficulty breathing.
In ancient Hindu medicinal texts, yoga breathing exercises were prescribed to manage asthma. Certain herbs are also prescribed by Ayurveda to reduce inflammation, reduce bronchial phlegm and provide relief in asthma.
The most important herbs are Vasaka also known as Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica) and Boswellia also known as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata).
Vasaka acts as a broncho dilator. It helps to liquify phlegm and aids in expectoration of the sputum. Very effective in lung and bronchial conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and coughs and colds, Vasaka's healing properties are attributed to the vasicine and essential oils it contains.
Vasaka is very effective in combination with Boswellia the well known antiinflammatory. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Germany, forty patients, the age range of 18 - 75 years having bronchial asthma, between 6-9 years were treated with a preparation of gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as dyspnoea, rhonchi, number of attacks, increase in FEV subset1, FVC and PEFR as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and ESR.
Read more on Vasaka benefits and research
Read more on Boswellia benefits and research
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