What
is Asthma ?
Asthma
is a more severe form of cough condition that involves gasping, wheezing
and difficult breathing. Causes include allergies, complications of
other lung diseases, and hereditary factors. It is mainly a Kapha
(water) syndrome and treatment is like other Kapha lung disorders;
though differentiation of humoral types also exists. Bronchial asthma
can be from any of the three humors but is most often Kapha in nature.
Cardiac asthma is usually Pitta (fire), and renal asthma is usually
Kapha (water).
Vata
type asthma is characterized by dry cough and wheezing. Additional
symptoms are thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, constipation, anxiety and
craving for warm drinks. Attacks occur predominantly at Vata time,
dawn and dusk. Pitta type asthma is characterized by cough and wheezing
with yellow phlegm. Other symptoms are fever, sweating, irritability
and need
for cool air. Attacks are at Pitta time, noon and midnight.
Kapha
type asthma is characterized by cough and wheezing with abundant clear
or white phlegm. The lungs will be full of water, producing a raling
sound. Attacks are at Kapha time, morning and evening. Smoking of
herbs relieves them.
What
are the General Treatment ?
Care
must be taken to differentiate syndromes, as the condition can change
quickly. Acute wheezing is treated by bronchodilators such as ephedra
or vasa. Lung tonics like ashwagandha or ginseng may aggravate this
condition, as they tend to close or consolidate the energy of the
lungs. Acute asthmatic attacks can be dangerous and should be treated
by a professional. In clinical situations in Ayurveda asthma is mainly
treated with emetic therapy. Milder symptoms can be treated with diet
and herbs.
Special
Ayurvedic treatment involves smoking bronchodilating and antispasmodic
herbs such as cloves, ephedra, and datura. The latter toxic substances,
however, require special attention.
For
allergic type asthma, turmeric powder is helpful. It should be warmed
in butter with raw sugar and taken frequently in teaspoonful doses
during acute attacks.
