Understanding Asthma and Wheezing Through an Ayurvedic Lens

Asthma and Wheezing Bronchial asthma is characterized by sudden attacks of short, gasping breaths accompanied by wheezing. If the attack is not stopped, the person may have increasing difficulty breathing. The underlying cause of all asthmatic conditions is increased kapha dosha in the stomach. From there it moves into the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.

The increased kapha blocks the natural flow of air, creating spasm in the bronchial tree and resulting in asthma and wheezing. Ayurvedic treatment for asthma aims to bring the kapha lodged in the lungs and bronchi back to the stomach, from which it can be eliminated. Asthma may be brought on by allergies, a cold, congestion, cough, or hay fever. It can be instigated by pollen, dust, animal hair, or various foods, or an increase of kapha internally.

Regardless of the cause, during an asthmatic attack it is important to immediately relieve the difficult breathing and asthmatic wheezing. To Immediately Stop Wheezing Boil 1 teaspoon of licorice root (yashti madhu) in a cup of water for a couple of minutes to make a licorice tea. Just before drinking the tea, add 5 to 10 drops of mahanarayan oil if you have some, or use ½ teaspoon of plain ghee. Take one sip of this tea every 5 to 10 minutes.

In some instances, the licorice tea may induce vomiting. This is beneficial: It eliminates kapha and relieves the spasm of the bronchial tubes, and the person usually feels better immediately. You can use this licorice tea not only for emergencies but, if you are prone to develop asthma, every day as a preventive. The only exception is that individuals with hypertension should not use much licorice tea, as it makes the body retain sodium.

They may take it as an emergency measure to avert an asthma attack, but they should not drink it regularly. : Prepare the tea as soon as you begin to feel an attack coming on, when NOTE there is tightness in the chest, some difficulty breathing, or whatever warning bell symptoms you recognize from past experiences. Don’t wait until you are already having serious problems breathing. Once you prepare the tea, it can last for 72 hours and not lose its effectiveness.