Plants have been used since ancient times particularly in India to treat many diseases. There are wide variety of plants in the plant kingdom which act on the symptoms of bronchial asthma. From the ancient Ayurveda texts to modern scientific research, evidence suggest that certain plants possess anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and expectorant properties, making them potential allies in the fight against asthma.

In this blog we will delve in to the world of plants, exploring their uses in treating asthma.

1.Tulsi :

• Tulsi (Occimum sanctum) belongs to the family Lamiaceae, originated in north central India.
• According to Ayurveda, tulsi is known as the queen of herbs.
• In India not only for medicinal purposes but also it is adapted in the spiritual rituals and lifestyle practices.
• Latest scientific research says that tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solution to modern day health problems.
• Tulsi has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties which helps in reducing bronchial inflammation and congestion.
• In homeopathy there is a medicine Occimum Sanctum made from the tulsi plant used in respiratory condition like bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cough etc.

2.Adhatoda

• Adhatoda is a small evergreen tree which grows in India prominently in the lower Himalayan region .
• It belongs to acanthaceae family.
• Adhatoda contains compounds which helps in bronchodilatation, helps loosen and clear mucus from the airways and it helps in increasing the immunity of person.
• Homeopathic medicine prepared from adhatoda is Justicia adhatoda that is used to treat respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma.

3.Kantakari ( Yellow Berried Night shade)

• It belongs to solanaceae family and is seen in the India’s arid areas.
• It is a very useful ayurvedic herb ,used widely in the treatment of cough, cold and other respiratory conditions.
• Kantakari’s roots and fruits contain compounds that help relax the airway muscles and it antinflammatory properties reduce inflammation and swelling .
• Kanatakari’s antioxidant properties help protect the lungs from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
• The medicine prepared from kantakari in homeopathy is Solanum Xanthocarpum which is used for various conditions like asthma, bronchitis and cough.

4.Pippali( Long pepper)

• It belongs to the piperaceae family and is found in the hotter parts of India from central Himalayas to Assam ,khasi and mikker hills. It is also found in the western ghats from Konkan to Kerala.
• Pippali is an essential herb used in various ayurvedic medicines.
• Pippali is an effective home remedy that can be used in managing cough and cold.
• Pippali also have some bioactive compounds which helping in relaxing the muscles and helps to loosen the mucus in the chest.
• In homeopathy this is used to prepare medicine known as piper longum which is used to treat respiratory infections, influenza and digestive issues.

5.Haridra ( Turmeric)

• It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a perennial,rhizomatous,herbaceous plant native to Indian subcontinent and south east Asia.
• For cold cough and asthma turmeric with honey is the best remedy.
• Haridra has a potent antinflammatory compound curcumin which helps in reducing the inflammation and swelling in the airways.
• Haridra removes toxins from blood and increases heamoglobin percentage.
• Curcuma longa is the homeopathic medicine prepared from turmeric.

6. Ginger

• It belongs to the family zingiberaceae and is usually found in Northeast India , South India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Ginger has the ability to enhance the powers of bronchodilators and to relax the airway.
• Research shows that ginger has some anti-asthmatic feature and a suppressive impact on mast cell production of histamine.
• Zingiber, a homeopathic medicine prepared from ginger is used to treat cold, asthma and bronchitis.

7.Pothos Foetidus

• Pothos foetidus commonly known as skunk cabbage is a plant found in the eastern parts of North America.
• It is a perennial plant.
• It belongs to the family Araceae.
• Traditionally, various parts of the plant were used for treating respiratory ailments including asthma, cough and bronchitis.
• The leaves and root were also used for its anti-expectorant property.
• In Homeopathy medicine prepared from pothos is pothos foetidus which is commonly used for conditions like spasmodic cough, difficulty in breathing and asthma.

8.Tylophora indica :

• Tylophora is a plant that grows in the tropical parts of Asia, including India.
• It belongs to the apocynaceae family.
• Tylophora seems to increase airflow and reduce allergic reactions.
• In homeopathy, tylophora indica is the medicine prepared from tylophora and is used in treating bronchitis, asthma, cough etc.

9.Coleus aromaticus :

• It belongs to the Lamiaceae family.
• The plant has is found in Southern and Eastern Africa, Arabian peninsula and India.
• It has been traditionally used to treat malarial fever, renal and vesical calculi, chronic asthma and bronchitis.
• In homeopathy, coleus aromaticus cures chronic lung infection, cough, breathing difficulties etc.

10.Garlic:

• It is found in India in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab.
• It belongs to Amaryllidaceae family.
• Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antinflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
• It helps to reduce lung inflammation, fight infections and promote expulsion mucus from the lungs.
• In homeopathy, Allium Sativum is the medicine prepared from garlic.

CONCLUSION

Above mentioned are some of the plants that can be used to relieve the symptoms of bronchial asthma. But one should always remember that these plants can only ease your symptoms and cannot replace medications.  For effective fast relief without recurrences, consult a homeopathic physician as soon as possible.