Your lungs are the breath of life and they supply life to all the cells in your body. However, with time as the air is polluted, seasonal allergies, stress, and poor immunity, more than ever before, good respiratory health is needed. To clean, strengthen and rejuvenate natural lungs, the ancient Indian natural medicinal therapy Ayurveda offers solutions which have long been tested to achieve the desired results and have been effective over the ages. Contrary to synthetic medicines, Ayurvedic products are systemic, and they increase your overall capacity in your lungs and respiratory functioning without side effects.
This paper will discuss Ayurveda to improve the lungs and enhance the respiratory system and the herbs, lifestyle, and breath exercises that can be used in achieving a better lung functioning and sustainability.
The Lung Health in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the Vata or sub-dosha controls breathing and it is the one that distributes the energy and also the flow of oxygen and inhalation. The kapha dosha influences the lungs and the throat along with the nasal passages and keeps them wet and oily.
When Vata or Kapha is not balanced (through pollution, unhealthy dieting, smoking or exercise) it leads to congestion, difficulty in breathing, allergies, and weak lungs. Ayurveda includes balancing of these doshas through the help of herbs, diet and lifestyle in order to restore the best respiration levels.
Common Causes of Poor Breathing and Weak Lungs
Before we turn to the Ayurvedic cures, it would prove interesting to learn what causes the lungs to be weak:
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Due to extreme exposure to pollutants and allergens.
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Smoking or secondhand smoke
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Lack of physical activity
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Infectious diseases of the lungs that are permanent.
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Poor diet and weak digestion
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Stress and anxiety
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Cold and damp weather
Ayurveda treats all these root causes in a holistic manner as it focuses on the foundation of detoxification, enhancing immunity and normal flow of Prana (vital energy) in the body.
The Ayurvedic Herbs Best to Strengthen Lungs
Ayurveda also has a lot of herbs, which purify the respiratory system, mucus, and strengthen the lung tissues. The best ones are the following:
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial against Ayurveda. It cleanses, sustains breathing and improves immunity.
Benefits:
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Clears phlegm and mucus
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Relieves cough and cold
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Enhances lung function
Mulethi (Licorice Root)
Mulethi is also known as Yashtimadhu and it cools the lungs and the throat. It aids in the decrease of irritation, inflammation, and the cough that is dry.
Benefits:
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Kills airway inflammation.
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Expectorant of nature.
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Assists the general respiratory strength.
Pippali (Long Pepper)
Pippali is an excellent herb in cooling the lungs. It improves the breathing in of oxygen and helps in the breathing out of toxins in the respiratory system.
Benefits:
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Improves lung capacity
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Clears blocked airways
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Rises in metabolism and digestion.
Vasaka (Adhatoda Vasica)
It is widely available in the Ayurvedic preparations used in respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and persistent cough.
Benefits:
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Acts as a bronchodilator
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Disperses congestion and dilates breathing.
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Enhances oxygen intake
Giloy (Guduchi)
Giloy is a natural immunity building agent, where it cleans lungs and immunizes lungs and respiratory system.
Benefits:
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Fights infections
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Reduces inflammation
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Stimulates lung well-being in the long run.
Ashwagandha
Stress-level is also reduced by Ashwagandha and it is one of the main factors that affect the breathing patterns. It enhances the body and the working of lungs.
Benefits:
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Reduces stress-induced problems in breathing.
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Boosts oxygen utilization
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Improves the overall physical power and vitality.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies to Happy Lungs
Even herbs cannot be called a guarantee of respiratory health. Ayurveda recommends some lifestyle practices that help in lung power and cleansing.
Do Pranayama (Exercises of Breathing)
The Pranayama enhances the flow of oxygen and removal of toxins. Simple techniques like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), Kapalabhati (cleaning breath) improve the oxygen capacity and efficiency of the lungs.
Administer Daily Steam Inhalation
When steam is inhaled, hot water with tulsi, eucalyptus or camphor oil prevents congestion and infection in the airways and frees the air.
Warmth and No Exposure to Cold
Kapha dosha may be aggravated by cold weather, which may also increase respiratory congestion. Warm up your chest, throat and head especially in the winter.
Eat Lung-Friendly Foods
Include light, warm and easy to digest foodstuffs such as soups, khichdi and herbal teas. No cold, fried or processed food adds to mucus.
Oil Pulling and Nasya
Nasya (application of oils on the nose) using herbal oils like Anu Taila helps in lubricating the nose passages and prevents parchedness or stuffiness.
Cleaning up of Lungs in the Ayurvedic Manner
The build-up of toxins is one of the greatest reasons for respiratory weakness (Ama). Ayurveda also proposes certain mild cleansing to clear the mucus and rejuvenate the lung tissues.
Herbal Teas for Lung Detox
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Ginger- Turmeric Tea: This reduces inflammation and cleanses toxins.
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Tulsi and Mulethi Tea: Relaxes the throat and enhances breathing.
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Giloy and Amla Tea: Refreshes the body immunity and enhances respiration network.
Panchakarma Therapy
Some Ayurvedic medicines like Vamana (vomiting using herbs) and Swedana (steam using herbs) are complicated Ayurvedic procedures done in special Ayurvedic clinics to get rid of deep rooted toxins of the respiratory system.
Yoga to Increase Lung Performance
Opening the chest, improving the air flow, and increasing the strength of the lungs can be done with certain yoga poses.
Best Asanas for Lung Health
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Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Opens the chest and makes up the lungs.
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Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Strengthens the ability of breathing.
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Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This enhances the blood circulation towards the lungs.
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Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Expands the chest and helps the body to take in more oxygen.
The elasticity of lungs is enhanced by the daily practice of these asanas and also the respiratory system is cleansed in a natural manner.
The Immunity and the Respiratory Health Role
A very high immunity is the first defense against respiratory infection. Ashwagandha, Amla, and Chyawanprash are some of the examples of herbs that help in the development of immunity especially during season change.
A healthy digestive system is equally very essential since 70 percent of your immunity will be in your gut. Ayurveda encourages Agni (digestive fire) with the help of a healthier diet and herbal supplement in order to stimulate immune and lung capacity.
Conclusion
Your lungs are working like clockwork to have you alive and you are supposed to take care of them. Ayurveda provides natural treatment to boost the lungs, improve respiratory power and immunity with no side effects through the use of natural herbs, balanced diet system and practice consciously.
It is possible to change your breath and improve it with natural causes of Ayurvedic herbs, including Tulsi, Giloy, Mulethi, and Ashwagandha, yoga, and lifestyle change. And in making a purchase choice, Ayurvedic products, trust the legitimate and scientifically established manufacturers be it Varah who introduce genuineness, creativity, and sustainability in every product of his.