Well, breathing is tantamount to life and most of us take it for granted until we are gasping for breath. Right from air pollutants, unhealthy foods, the state of gut health, improper sleep, stress, and anxiety can immensely impact the health of the respiratory system. With the rising number of coronavirus cases and the new variant of concern omicron, has set a panic button among the populace all again, hence it is all more essential to safeguard and strengthen the lungs and boost respiratory health. Thanks to the holistic system of ayurveda for conferring with a wealth of herbal formulations that are potential in uplifting the health of the lungs.
Vasavaleha is one such classical herbal medicine available in the form of a jam or paste, which is mainly used in treating respiratory disorders. It offers respite from a host of respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. It is an incredible expectorant that is beneficial in alleviating respiratory problems by dissolving the sticky phlegm and expelling it. While it also lessens the inflammation in the lungs thus offering relief from asthma attacks.
Also Read: Respiratory Health: 5 Incredible Herbs To Boost Your Lung Power
Uses of Vasavaleha
As per the traditional system of medicine, Vasavaleha can help with Swas Roga (respiratory ailment) owing to its Kapha balancing action. This aids in removing excess mucus from the lungs and offer relief from asthma. Besides these, Vasavaleha also has strong Vata balancing traits, these actions help eliminate dryness and release sputum out of the respiratory tract. Additionally, it provides aid in bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis.
How to Make Vasavaleha
Ingredients
Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
Long Pepper (Piper longum)
Clarified butter
Sugar
Method:
Vasa and sugar are heated well until they attain a semi-solid consistency. While during the process of heating a specified quantity of clarified butter is added. Then grounded long pepper is blended with it. Finally, honey is added to form a homogenous jam-like mixture.
Key Ayurvedic Properties of Vasavaleha
This typical formulation contains herbs like vasa and pippali. Vasa is a powerful herb blessed with strong properties such as a bronchodilator, Anti-asthmatic, expectorant, Anti-ulcerative, anti-allergy, anti-tubercular, and antimicrobial. The richness of phytochemicals presents in the herb such as alkaloids, maiontone, vasicinolone and vasicinol is credited to have anti-asthmatic, immunomodulatory, Hepatoprotective effects. Thus, the incredible medicinal and therapeutic characteristics of this formulation support bolster immunity, combat disease-causing pathogens, and prevent ulcers.
Also Read: Sitopaladi Churna: This Traditional Medicine Helps You Breathe Easy
Health Benefits Of Vasavaleha
Remedies Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the airways to the lungs are narrowed and inflamed and secrete mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Vata and Kapha doshas are involved in asthma, where the weakened Vata combines with deranged Kapha dosha in the lungs causing difficulty in the respiratory passage. Vasavaleha helps to lessen the symptoms of asthma and offers respite in case of breathlessness. Thus, taking this herbal formulation helps to balance Kapha and get rid of excess mucus from the lungs and treat asthma.
Treats Bronchitis
Any inflammation in the windpipe and bronchi of the lungs results in the accumulation of sputum and the condition is known as bronchitis. Generally, it is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. When Vata dosha gets imbalanced, it blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract resulting in the accumulation of mucus and obstructing the air passage. Vasavaleha is a powerful formulation that support removing dryness and expel sputum out of the respiratory tract. Further, it also triggers the immune system and keeps infections at bay.
Cures Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease (COPD)
Chronic inflammatory lung disease (COPD) is caused due to an imbalance of all three doshas- Kapha, Vata and Pitta that hinders the airflow from the lungs. Vasavaleha laden with wealth of phytochemicals and alkaloids helps to balance all three doshas and makes breathing easier. Moreover, potent bronchodilator property of Vasavaleha uplifts the functioning of the respiratory system and optimise overall health.
Prevent Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is also called hay fever that is categorised by sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and a sore throat. It is known as Vata-Kaphaj- Pratishyaya which is caused due to impaired gut health and imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Taking Vasavaleha regularly helps in easing symptoms of allergic rhinitis owing to its Kapha and Vata balancing properties.
Provides Relief From Cough
A cough is a symptom of Kapha disorder that is caused due to the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Vasavaleha is one of the effective Ayurvedic formulations that aid to alleviate cough associated with the common cold. Taking this herbal medicine daily with honey also facilitates to pacify Kapha dosha and revitalizing lung health due to its strong Rasayana property.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for adults is 6-12 grams twice a day after meals, to be taken along with warm water, milk or honey or as advised by an ayurvedic practitioner.
Children below 5 years of age - 1-2 grams once or twice a day, along with a teaspoon of honey or warm water/milk
Children between 5-12 years of age - 5 grams once or twice a day, along with a teaspoon of honey or warm water/milk.
Side Effects
Vasavaleha is generally well tolerated by most healthy adults when taken in the prescribed amounts. There are no known side effects for this formulation. However, if taken in large amounts it may cause stomach irritation. Diabetic patients should seek advice from the doctor before taking this.
