One of the most irksome and inescapable ailment of the respiratory system is bronchitis. It might either be a meek, irritating cough; allergic cough; dry or productive cough – Bronchitis is generally aggravating for the patient.
Why Be Aware?
You actually need to be aware about this physical respiratory health issue. This is because although you might try to ignore the symptoms of cough at first, yet at times when the simple signs of cough are ignored or even suppressed, it may take the form of a more grave disease like Asthma or even Tuberculosis.
Check For These Symptoms of Bronchitis
- In case you could be suffering from Bronchitis, you need to know that this particular disease is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs.
- Initially all you could experience is an irritating but frequent, dry cough along with retro-sternal pain or discomfort in the chest region.
- Then, later on, the cough become all the more persistent and productive and you could have lot of mucous and even sometimes blood-streaked sputum along with cough.
- You might also feel a sensation of tightness in the chest.
- There is difficulty in breathing and wheezing sound become apparent.
- A person experiencing these symptoms, might also suffer from mild to moderate fever, malaise, and also sore throat.
Ayurveda’s View of Bronchitis
Ayurveda, the ancient Science of Life, conveys that there are mainly five types of bronchitis or “Kasa Roga” and this is mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts.
- Born out of vitiation of Vata dosha or the air humor.
- When there is vitiation of Pitta dosha or the fire body humor.
- Also, the ailment could result from vitiation of Kapha dosha or the phlegm body humor.
- Sometimes the disease of bronchitis might result from an injury or infection.
- When this respiratory affliction is caused as a consequence of tuberculosis.
Ayurvedic Herbs as Respiratory Healers
There are a number of Ayurvedic herbs to encounter the malady of cough. Herbs like –
- Tulsi or the Holy Basil
- Paan or Betel leaf
- Adrak or Ginger
- Kali Mirch or the Black Pepper
- Haridra / Haldi or Turmeric
- Choti Elaychi or the Cardamom.
These natural herbs and kitchen spices come handy when dealing with the symptoms of respiratory ailments. Most of these herbs are part and parcel of home remedies. One herb that I would definitely want to highlight for relieving the ailment of Bronchitis is the Holy Basil.
Holy Basil – Herb for Bronchitis
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is one of the prime Ayurveda herbs that bestow incredible support in strengthening and curing the ailments relating to the respiratory system.
What Ayurveda Conveys?
According to Ayurveda texts, Tulsi or the Holy Basil tends to decrease the aggravated Vata dosha or air humor, as well as the Kapha dosha or the phlegm body humor. This makes this herb highly beneficial for preventing as well as curing respiratory ailments.
Natural Properties Of Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Ayurveda counsels the herb of Tulsi as a perfect effective respiratory aid.
- Not only this, Tulsi is believed to have anti-toxic properties.
- Also, it is nice to know that the seeds of the herb of Holy Basil are energy giving
- And therefore Ayurveda supports to use the Tulsi seeds also to overcome general weakness.
Which Part Of Tulsi Should Be Used?
The leaf part of the herb is commonly used.
Other than this, flowers, seeds and the root of Tulsi are also used for medicinal purposes.
Properties of Holy Basil
The herb of Tulsi or the Holy Basil is rough and light by nature. The taste of the herb is bitter and pungent and the aftertaste is pungent. It is hot in potency.
How To Use Tulsi (Holy Basil) For Bronchitis?
- You need to mix about five to ten ml of the freshly extracted juice by pounding Basil leaves with a little Honey. Take this mixture twice a day to relieve cough and also the related symptoms of bronchitis.
- Research has proved this particular herb of Tulsi to possess unique anti-asthmatic and anti-tubercular properties.
Make This Basil Tea
When bronchitis is accompanied by fever, you can make some tea made with fresh leaves of this herb of Tulsi. This is how it could help –
- This herbal tea would bring about a mild perspiration lowering the elevated body temperature and relieve you from fever.
- Also, the phlegm combating nature of the herb would work as a good aid in relieving productive cough.
- You may also supplement Basil tea with a pinch of ground Cloves, Pepper and Cinnamon.
Try This Home Remedy
You can easily prepare this herb remedy at home. Tulsi leaves may also be crushed lightly and taken in along with some Black Pepper corns. In case you find it very pungent, best is add some Honey or Mishri (Crystalline Sugar) in moderate quantities. This makes it easy to extract phlegm, thus making Holy Basil a good expectorant herb for you.
- For more details please visit Dr Sonica Krishan’s website and blogs