With no let up in toxic smog which has engulfed parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas, leaving many with a congested nose, sore throat and coughing, ayurveda experts from the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the national Capital have suggested that medicinal herbs like Juffa, found in high mountainous regions, can be effective in providing protection against the respiratory problems.
“There are certain herbs and spices that will not only ensure good lung health but also keep respiratory ailments at bay. Consumption of Juffa with Tulsi, Cloves, Peepli, Gojiya, Cinnamon, Kateli, Baheda, Dried Fig and Unab can offer relief from mucus and cough,” informed Dr RP Prashar, Head of Prashant Vihar- based Ayurveda Hospital.
In fact, herbal pharma giant AIMIL Pharmaceuticals has prepared Jufex Forte Syrup-based on these herbs which can be consumed with lukewarm water for effective results.
Doctors say that most of the people troubled by dry cough are those who are out in the open for long hours, breathing in the toxic air. They are usually two-wheeler riders or those doing field work as part of their duty. “If the cough lasts more than three days, then one should immediately take medical help. It can be a sign of a serious medical condition,” warned the doctors.
It has been found that herbs like Juffa, Tulsi, Bhringraj and others are useful in cleansing the respiratory pipe, expelling cough from the body system. These herbs also help boost the body’s immunity, they said.
Senior herbal expert from the AIIA, Dr Shantanu Kumar added that on account of air pollution in Delhi, many people are contracting anti-allergy symptoms which include cough, mucus, fever and headache; these if not treated early can turn contagious. “Consuming tea and milk containing turmeric, tulsi, ginger, cloves and black pepper can help heal the sore throat, and remove toxic elements from the body system,” he said.
According to a few researches, some house plants too can take in toxins from the air and purify the air including bamboo, Erica palm, peace lily and money plants. Other methods may include use of beeswax candles, salt lamps or essential oils including rosemary, thyme, oregano, tea tree, lemongrass and cinnamon to cleanse the air, according to the studies.