Bronchitis is a very common respiratory disorder which is characterized by cough as its predominant symptom. It is caused due to the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the respiratory passages (bronchi). The duration of bronchitis may be of a short duration (acute bronchitis – less than 3 weeks) or it may be prevailing since a longer duration (chronic bronchitis – symptoms existing for 3 months consecutively for more than 2 years). The intensity of the symptoms depends on the duration of illness, age, immunity, exposure to allergens etc.
Symptoms of Bronchitis (summed up):
- Cough – with or without expectoration of mucus (phlegm)
- Wheezing
- Chest Pain
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Running nose
- Nasal congestion (coryza)
- Fever
- Production of sputum
- Pleurisy, etc.
Bronchitis is a very annoying disease and needs medical care for a longer period.
BRONCHITIS
Now why don’t we try a simple home made remedy for Bronchitis?
It is very effective and I call it Pippalimula compound because Pippalimula or Roots of Long Pepper is the main ingredient of the preparation.
Ingredients: We have only 3 drugs in this compound. They are:
Pippalimula: Roots of Piper longum (Long Pepper) – It is chiefly said to be Shwasahara (relieves shortness of breath by clearing the blocks and stagnated mucus) and Krimihara (antihelmenthic). Thus it can be used in bronchitis involving infections too. It is a good appetizer (deepana) and a digestant (pachana). Since Ayurveda believes the origin of respiratory diseases from Pitta sthana (digestive system), Pippalimula helps in correction of root cause of the disease. It also alleviates vitiated kapha and vayu and hence relieves the obstruction and bouts of cough. It is also a mild laxative and channel cleanser (bhedana).
Shunti: Zingiber officinale (Dry Ginger): Dry Ginger is a good pachana (digestant and hence relieves ama or endotoxins), relieves kapha and vata vitiation which are the chief morbid elements in bronchitis (causing congestion). It relieves vibandha (blocks in the passages), cough, dyspnoea, sore throat, cold, congestion etc. Due to its predominance in the agni guna (fire element) it is said to relieve the tissues and body of the ill-effects of excessive fluidity and coldness (“toyamsha parishoshanam”).
Bibhitaki: Terminalia bellirica (Beleric Myrobalan): Due to its kashaya rasa (astringent taste) & ushna virya (hot potency) it is antagonistic to kapha and owing to its bhedana property, it cleanses the channels and tissues of their blocks. It alleviates kapha and vayu and relieves cough and hoarseness of voice (sore throat). Being a good anti microbial (krimihara), it can be used in infected conditions also.
How it is prepared?
All the above said 3 ingredients are taken and pounded individually. They are sieved to get their powder. Now equal quantities of these powders are taken and pounded together to make a homogenous compound. Now the Pippalimula compound is ready.
How to take?
- 3-5 grams of the powder is taken mixed in 1 spoon honey
- It is to be taken for 3-4 times a day or as recommended by the Ayurveda doctor for better relief.
Benefits:
- Relieves cough associated with bronchitis quickly
- Relieves sputum blocks (stubborn mucus plugs) and hence cures shortness of breath
- Liquefies the sputum and facilitates easy expectoration
- Cures nasal congestion, running nose, chest tightness and pain
- Clears the passages and cells of the blocks from ama (endotoxins) and makes circulation of blood and nutrients easy. It makes us feel light and energetic. Fever also gets reduced after the ama is cleared.
- Rectifies the metabolism and regulates appetite and digestion process.
- Destroys the microorganisms (pathogens) and cures infection
- Gives a mild laxative effect and throws out the unwanted excreta
Disclaimer:
- Self medication is dangerous
- This is a formulation tried on suitable patients in mild to moderate conditions of bronchitis. Other disease modifying medications might be required depending on the condition of the disease and diseased.
- The compound might not yield a desired effect in very severe and serious cases and in persons with less immunity
- Causes need to be identified and segregated. Smoking, air pollution, irritating fumes, occupational allergens and dust exposure as in coal mining, textiles, farming, grain and husk handling, chalk dust in teachers, chemical lung irritants as in paints, etc need to be kept away from
- Necessary lifestyle changes and disease specific diet recommendations are mandatory for relief.
Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA
For Health Awareness
By: Dr Raghuram Y.S.
MD(Ayurveda)
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Ph: +91-9480071422
Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com
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