5 Crucial Ayurvedic Health Tips to Take Care of Your Respiratory Health

The respiratory system is a robust network of tissues and organs. They supply oxygen for the body to function correctly. There are, however, many factors that can hamper its efficiency. Some of them include air pollutants, unhealthy food, harmful sleeping patterns, stress, and anxiety. With the global pandemic posing a severe threat to this system, taking proper care has become even more essential. In this aspect, you can consider specific Ayurveda lung health tips that have proven effective.

One of the elements of ayurvedic care in this regard is botanicals such as ashwagandha, Guduchi, and Shatavari. As per recent studies, these have helped in COVID-19 management concerning both developing immunity and supporting the cardio-respiratory system. Other studies link. Ayurveda and the health of the respiratory system too, and yoga is believed to help it perform better. Some asanas recommended for this include tadasana, bhujangasana, Pawan muktasana, and different pranayama exercises to enhance breathing capacity.

Another study revealed the efficacy of an ayurvedic herbal formulation, Vyaghriharitaki Avaleha, in the effective management of chronic bronchitis. A case study also reported how a COVID-positive patient with hypoxia was administered ayurvedic formulations along with oxygen therapy. The patient showed drastic improvement within a day, with her SPO2 levels reaching 95-98%. All these studies reveal the pivotal role of Ayurveda in strengthening your respiratory health.

Here are a few ayurvedic health tips you can try,

Build a robust respiratory system with these foods 

Having honey either in pure form or in combination with tulsi or amla juice boosts your respiratory health. The sweetness of honey produces more saliva, which helps lubricate your respiratory tract and minimize sore throat or cough issues.

Another effective ingredient to be included in your diet is amla. Since amla is rich in Vitamin C, consuming it with jaggery and mint helps treat colds and other respiratory ailments. Figs are yet another food that is effective in draining phlegm, which is common during respiratory infections. Soak figs overnight in water and have them regularly to build a solid respiratory system.

Boost your respiratory health with these herbs 

Among different ayurvedic health tips, using herbs is an effective way to improve your respiratory health. Not only do they eliminate harmful pollutants, but they also promote your breathing capacity. Herbs like astragalus, pippali, licorice, kalmegh, and Vasaka play an essential role in ayurvedic lung care techniques. While astragalus helps strengthen your immune system, pippali is effective in clearing nasal congestion and mucus. Another herb that is effective in removing the nasal passage is licorice. Drink a licorice mixture or chew its twig to eliminate respiratory issues. Consuming a drink made of vasaka leaves helps to alleviate cold as it is considered a respiratory healer.

Practice Gandusha Karma or oil pulling to strengthen lungs 

The nose contains a filtering mechanism to ward off harmful pollutants from getting into the body. However, these pollutants may enter through the mouth while breathing. To eliminate this, gargling with oil is a potent technique. This technique is popular in Ayurveda. Place medicated oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes and swirl it around before spitting it out. This is called oil pulling therapy or Gandusha Karma, which removes phlegm and clears your sinuses.

Cleanse your nasal passage with anu taila and steam inhalation 

Anu taila is a traditional ayurvedic formulation of nasal drops that lubricates the respiratory system and cleanses the nasal tract. Add one or two drops of this taila on each nostril to get relief from sinusitis or migraine. Before this, do a simple facial oil massage and inhale steam to helps fight sinusitis.

Purify your respiratory tract with diaphragmatic breathing exercises 

Following breathing techniques like kapalbhati and pranayama are beneficial in cleansing your respiratory tract. Pranayama helps increase your lung capacity while boosting your respiratory health. Nadi shodhan pranayama is an alternate nostril breathing method that helps in clearing blocked nasal passages. Doing kapalbhati regularly helps in clearing mucus from the nasal tract and chest congestion. All these ayurvedic breathing techniques promote good lung health.