Siddha Medicine for Respiratory Problems
Siddha medicine offers a holistic approach to respiratory problems, rooted in ancient Indian healing traditions. Utilizing a combination of herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications, Siddha practitioners aim to alleviate respiratory ailments and promote lung health. Commonly used herbs such as Adathodai (Adhatoda vasica) and Nilavembu (Andrographis paniculata) are known for their bronchodilator and immune-boosting properties, offering relief from conditions like asthma and bronchitis. By balancing the body’s vital energies, Siddha medicine provides a comprehensive approach to respiratory wellness.
What are Respiratory Diseases?
Respiratory diseases are any diseases, discomforts or disorders of the airways and lungs that affect human respiration. Respiratory conditions are either acute or chronic. Usually, respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, influenza, etc., may be mild and self-limiting. Sometimes, it may lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, asthma, lung cancer, obstructive pulmonary diseases, and covid-19.
Symptoms of Respiratory Problems
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or fast breathing
- Shallow breaths
- Increase in heart rate
- Cough with the production of phlegm
- Bluish discolouration of lips, skin tone and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Chest pain or heaviness in the chest
- Wheezing or crackling sound from the chest
- Extreme tiredness
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Fever
- Confusion
Causes of Respiratory Problems
The most common causes are,
- Environment – exposure to air pollution.
- Lifestyle habits – smoking, alcohol, usage of drugs.
- Allergies – pollution, dust or animal allergies.
- Infections – flu or pneumonia, etc.
- Family history or genetics.
- Reaction to certain medications – medicines used to treat cancer or arrhythmia.
- Certain medical conditions – chest trauma and infection, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, etc.
Treatment in Siddha for Respiratory Problems
Siddha treatment analyses and treats the root cause of the respiratory problems. It occurs due to the derangement of the three humors. So initially, by using purgatives or emetics, the deranged kapham and pitham should get normalized. It helps to remove the excess phlegm. Then, the patients can be given internal medicines based on their condition and the disease’s nature. Along with internal medication, kaya Kalpa treatment gives the importance of breathing exercises or pranayama in treating this disease. It helps regulate vasi / saram / breath, helps reduce stress, and provides a healthy atmosphere for the mind, body, and soul.
Herbs Used in Siddha Medicine for Respiratory Problems
- Athimathuram (Licorice / Glycyrrhiza glabra) protects the respiratory tract from illnesses such as the common cold, cough, etc.
- Adathodai (Malabar nut / Adathoda vasica) is a respiratory healer and bronchodilator. It protects the respiratory system and expels phlegm.
- Nilavembu (Andrographis paniculata) is used to alleviate respiratory issues like cold, flu, and fever due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, supporting respiratory health naturally.
- Koshtam (Crepe ginger / Costus speciosus) is an expectorant that acts well in respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, etc. It releases the bronchioles and helps in breathing easily.
- Thippili (Long pepper / Piper longum) helps boost respiratory health and cure pulmonary disorders.
- Kandankathiri (Yellow fruit nightshade / Solanum xanthocarpum) has expectorant properties and helps release excess mucus. It gives relief from all kinds of respiratory disorders.
Benefits of using Siddha Medicines for Respiratory Problems
Siddha treatment analyzes and treats the root cause of respiratory problems. The Siddha system follows the holistic way of treating a disease. The imbalance in 3 humors causes respiratory disorders. So, the main goal of Siddha medicine is to restore the right balance to root out illnesses.
Siddha Tips that Enhance Respiratory Health
The following are some of the tips for a healthy respiratory system,
- Quit smoking
- Practice regular exercise or yoga
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Practice pranayama or deep breathing
- Maintain healthy weight
- Maintain a pollution-free home environment
- Practice good hygienic habits
