Pulmonary Congestion: Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes & Natural Remedies
Congestion in the lungs that may arise from over-intake of sour foods.
Last updated:
Recommended Herbs for Pulmonary Congestion
Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.) Kumari / Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. The text provides extensive coverage of this herb. The fleshy leaves contain a gel (Kumari svarasa) and a yellow latex (dried to form Aloe/Musabbar). It is described as bitter, sweet, heavy, unctuous, slimy, and cold in potency. It is a versatile herb acting as a purgative, nourishing agent, aphrodisiac, eye tonic, and rejuvenative. The text mentions four varieties: (1) Curacao/Barbados aloes from A. vera var. officinalis, (2) Socotrine aloes, (3) Zanzibar aloes, and (4) Cape aloes from A. ferox. The dried extract (Musabbar) contains 20%+ Aloin. Various skin conditions, liver disorders, eye diseases, constipation, fever, and blood disorders are treated with it. The gel is cooling and soothing externally. Dose: fresh juice 10-20 ml; dried Aloe powder 1-2 ratti. Verse refs: pages 419-421. Cayenne Pepper A strong circulatory and digestive stimulant and dispeller of internal and external cold, valued for enhancing Agni and the properties of other herbs. Cinnamon Cinnamomum cassia Blume Dalchini (Ceylon Cinnamon) is the inner bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is one of the finest spice barks, thin and delicate compared to cassia. The bark is aromatic with a pleasant sweet-spicy flavor. It is widely used in Ayurveda as a digestive, carminative, and flavoring agent. It has significant antimicrobial properties. The essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde as the principal component. It pacifies Vata and Kapha and is used in cough, cold, digestive disorders, and oral care. It also has aphrodisiac properties. Dalchini is used internally in typhoid and externally for skin conditions. Clove Syzygium aromaticum Lavanga (Cloves) are the dried unopened flower buds of the clove tree. Despite being pungent, they have a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), which makes them unique among spices. Cloves are one of the most versatile aromatic drugs in Ayurveda - they improve digestion, relieve nausea and vomiting, benefit the heart, and help in respiratory conditions. The essential oil is rich in Eugenol which has strong antiseptic and analgesic properties, making cloves particularly useful for dental pain. Mother cloves (fruits) are also used. Cloves pacify all three doshas. Garlic Allium sativum Linn Arteriosclerosis, asthma, blood and lymphcleanser (anti- ama ); nerve and bone tissue rasayana (rejuvenative); cholesterol, colds, colic, convulsions, cough, detoxifier, ear problems (external use), edema, flu, gas, heart disease, hemor-rhoids, hypertension, hysteria, impotence, indiges-tion, lung/bronchial antiseptic and antispasmodic,memory, paralysis, rheumatism, skin diseases, T.B., tremor, tumors, Vayu fevers, Vayu/Kapharasayana , worms (round). Used effectively on parasites in dogs. Spiritual Uses: It is tamasic , and only suggested as medicine; not as a food for thehealthy. Haritaki is its spiritual substitute.Precautions: Hyperacidity, toxic blood heat, excess Pitta, cause mental dullness, not for spiritual devo-tees except as medicine. Ginger (Ardraka Zingiber officinale Roscoe — synonym Inchi; fresh ginger rhizome. Licorice Glycyzrrhiza glabra Linn Excellent for acidity, voice, and heart tonic (with warm milk), Vayu dossha , bronchitis, colds, cough, laryngitis, general debility, emetic (in large doses), inflammation, mental calming, mucus liquefying and expectorating, mucus membrane tonerand soother, muscle spasms, sore throat, ulcers(contains natural ulcer-healing steroid precursers),urination pain. Cleanses lungs and stomach of Kapha. For colds and flu, mix with ginger (1:1).Blood purification, abdominal pain, nourishes thebrain increasing cranial and cerebrospinal fluid.Improves complexion, hair, and vision. Spiritual Uses: Sattwic ; gives contentment and harmony Mustard Brassica nigra/juncea •
These little black or brown seeds
have a warming and stimulating
effect on the digestion and lungs.
A wonderful home remedy for
nipping the onset of a cold in
the bud. Turmeric Curcuma longa Linn Amenorrhea, anemia, arthritis, blood purifier, blood tissue formation, circulation, cookingspice, cough, diabetes, worms, jaundice, eye problems, fevers, gas, hemorrhoids, edema, indigestion, ligament stretching, metabolism regulator; mucusrelief, and hysteria (from inhaling fumes); phar-yngitis, protein digesting, skin disorders, abscess,urinary diseases, wound and bruise healer; a natural antibiotic which also improves intestinal flora;inflammatory bowel syndrome (e.g., ulcerativecolitis), Crohn s Disease, chronic hepatitis, chronicbronchial asthma, psoriasis, all inflammatory con-ditions. External acne, insect bites, sore eyes, withhoney or aloe gel for bruises or sprains. Spiritual Uses: Gives one the Divine Goddess s energy and prosperity; chakra and subtle body cleanser; limbers for yoga asana practice
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.