Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease of the lung which impairs breathing. The disease includes two main conditions: emphysema, which damages the air sacs or alveoli in the lungs and chronic bronchitis that inflames and constricts the bronchial tubes. The leading cause of COPD is the long-term exposure to irritants, most often cigarette smoke. Other causes are air pollution, occupational dust, and fumes.
In Ayurveda, COPD is related to a breathing disorder called ‘Tamaka Shwasa’. According to Ayurveda, your body has three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. COPD is characterised by Vata (air and movement) and Kapha (mucus and fluid) and only sometimes, Pitta (heat and inflammation) imbalance.
When Kapha blocks the small airways in your lungs, Vata (air) also gets blocked. This trapped air pushes against and damages your lungs. Pitta may also cause heat and inflammation. This is why you feel chest tightness, breathlessness, coughing with phlegm, or even wheezing.
Ayurvedic treatment for COPD aims at clearing your blocked airways, balancing doshas and strengthening your lungs. Cure for COPD in Ayurveda includes:
With this all natural and holistic approach, Ayurveda aims to improve not only your COPD symptoms but also your complete lung health and energy levels.
COPD does not appear suddenly. Rather, it develops slowly and becomes increasingly severe with time. Doctors perform a breathing test called FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) to see how your lungs are working. Based on this, COPD is categorised into four stages:
At this stage, you might not even realise something is wrong. You may just feel short of breath when you go up stairs or walk fast. Here, the lung damage is minor and your FEV1 score is still 80% or more of normal.
Now, when you progress to this stage, the symptoms are harder to ignore. You may cough more often, feel your chest tightening, or have to stop and catch your breath even when walking on normal ground. Here, FEV1 ranges between 50% and 80% of normal.
In this stage, breathing becomes even harder. You may feel breathless even while dressing or bathing. You might also get tired easily or feel weak. FEV1 reaches 30% -50% at this stage.
This is the most serious stage. You might have trouble breathing even at rest and your oxygen levels might be really low. In this stage, the risk for heart or lung failure is also more. Here, FEV1 is less than 30%.
As we have discussed, COPD develops slowly over time and generally begins with damage to your lungs that you do not even realise. The main causes of COPD are:
Difficulty getting enough air. The breathing becomes shallower and usually worsens with exertion.
Persistent cough that will often bring up large volumes of phlegm (mucus).
Wheeze, a high-pitched whistling or squeaky sound when inhaling or exhaling.
Feeling tight in the chest
Increased incidence of pneumonia, common colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.
Lack of energy and feeling tired with exertion
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of COPD using evidence-based and time-tested Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are made specifically to target the root causes of COPD, and instead of just treating the symptoms, they focus on complete healing, balance and stability.
Ayurveda offers a natural method to manage COPD with proven herbs that help to strengthen your lungs, reduce inflammation, and expel mucus from your airways. These herbs support easier breathing and improve your overall energy and immunity.
These are some effective Ayurvedic herbs and natural remedies commonly used as cure for COPD in Ayurveda:
Vasaka is one of the most important herbs for respiratory problems. It clears unwanted mucus from lungs, chest, and nose to help you breathe much better. Also, it is considered effective in lung infections and other respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Pushkarmool works best in people who have trouble breathing and feel tightness in their chest. It helps with wheezing and coughing by clearing mucus and opening up your airways. It also supports normal lung function and better oxygen flow.
Mulethi is a sweet-tasting root that soothes your lungs and is used for dry or productive coughs. It reduces chest pain, clears phlegm and helps you breathe better. It contains compounds like glycyrrhizic acid which lower inflammation and prevent your lung tissues from further damage. It is especially useful if your mucus is yellow or green, which indicates an infection.
Tulsi is also called "Queen of Herbs." It acts as an expectorant, i.e, it breaks down and removes mucus from your lungs. Tulsi also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect your lungs and reduce breathing difficulty.
Ashwagandha strengthens your body and increases your energy levels if you are struggling with COPD. It helps to reduce fatigue, improves breathing and clears thick mucus from your lungs and nose. It also supports your immune system, which is usually weak if you have chronic lung problems.
Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin. This is basically an antioxidant that protects you from lung inflammation. It protects your lung’s tissues from damage and helps you breathe better. Curcumin is especially effective against chronic lung inflammation.
Ginger has warming and anti-inflammatory properties. It clears your blocked airways and supports lung detox. Ginger also strengthens your digestion which is important for the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory diseases.
Cardamom helps clear mucus and calm your respiratory tract. It refreshes your breath and supports better airflow through the lungs. It is generally added to herbal mixtures for its therapeutic benefits.
Trikatu is prepared by combining three herbs- black pepper, long pepper and ginger. It improves your digestion and metabolism and clears toxins from your lungs. It also improves the absorption of other herbs for faster recovery.
Pippali is believed to strengthen your lungs and clear out accumulated phlegm. It also improves your breathing capacity and controls recurring lung infections.
Garlic possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. It helps to reduce mucus buildup, fights infection, and supports lung health. It also increases blood circulation for better oxygen delivery.
It has been seen that most people with COPD have low amounts of vitamin D. This Vitamin helps keep your lungs healthy and also aids in preventing severe signs. Taking it under Ayurvedic supervision can help with your recovery.
These Ayurvedic herbs are often taken together depending on your condition and stage of COPD. Before starting any herbal treatment, it is important that you speak with a licensed Ayurvedic doctor, particularly if you're on any other medication or have any other health problem.
Ayurveda considers this disease an imbalance of both Kapha (Earth and water) and Vata doshas, involved with the respiratory system (Prana Vaha Srotas). Ayurveda treatment primarily focuses on-
Diet and exercise are important supportive measures for managing COPD.
COPD is a progressive disease with no cure, but its progression can be slowed, and symptoms can be managed.
While smoking is the leading cause, exposure to air pollution, occupational dusts and fumes, and genetic factors can also contribute.
The lung damage caused by COPD is generally irreversible, but treatment can help improve lung function and quality of life.
Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can be helpful for managing shortness of breath. Pranayama techniques from yoga are also beneficial.
Ayurveda can be an excellent adjunct therapy, but it is always recommended to consult with a medical doctor and an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Avoid mucus-forming foods like dairy products, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Focus on warm, cooked foods and plenty of fluids.
Avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke and air pollution, keep vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, and follow your treatment plan.
Yes, but it worsens breathing. Techniques to manage stress are helpful.
COPD is staged with respect to lung function tests (FEV1).
Yes, they can. Some herbs do interact with medications. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are on any herbal supplements.
