Ayurvedic rituals to fight off pollution and smog

The onset of the winter season marks the seasonal change that the world goes through, and the festivities with firecrackers, deforestation, and climate change add to the struggles of the national capital and its adjoining cities to deal with the rising level of air pollution. Pollution and the allergies caused due to the changing season can damage your lungs, making it necessary to include proper measures to keep your lungs and body healthy. But with little precaution and hacks can help you survive this menace. Shrawan Daga, Founder of Krishna's Herbal and Ayurveda suggests a few Ayurvedic remedies for increasing pollution levels.

Tulsi is known for its pollution fighting capability. Its plants help to absorb the pollution and, therefore, must be planted at every house. In addition, drinking 10-15 ml of tulsi juice helps clear pollutants from the respiratory tract.

Herbal preparations with neem help absorb impurities and detox the body. Washing skin and hair with neem leaves boiled in the water will clear the pollutants stuck to the skin and mucosal membrane. Eating three to four leaves at least twice a week also helps to purify the blood and lymphatic tissue.

Another super herb for purifying lungs that enables easy breathing is the Pippali. In addition, it's very effective against lung infections due to its rejuvenating properties. Consuming Pippali powder with recommended portions of ginger and turmeric mixed in honey and later washed down with warm water can be taken for a maximum of seven days. It can be magical for the ailing lung.

Similar to the line of Pippali is Adusa also known as Malabar nut. Intake of powdered Adusa and honey, as per recommendation, is considered beneficial for respiratory infections such as whooping cough, bronchitis, and asthma. In addition, it helps promote the secretion of sputum from the air passages due to its expectorant property.

1. Steam therapy is one of the most efficient ways to cleanse the lungs, as inhaling vapour opens the air passage and helps drain mucus from the lungs.
2. Another gem of Ayurveda is practising pranayama, which helps clear mucus, relieves congestion, and improves lung function. Putting one drop of sesame oil in each nostril after practising pranayama can double the benefits of the exercise.
3. Consumption of Chawanprash on a regular basis helps build up immunity and puts up a tough fight against the invaders to harm the body.
4. Avoid eating out in restaurants. Instead, opt for home-cooked food incorporating herbs like ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, cayenne pepper.
5. Similarly, consuming triphala, turmeric, mulethi, jaggery can also purify lungs and keep them healthy.