Hmm…let’s break it down and see if we can make this easier to understand:
Your body needs oxygen for everything. From thinking to digesting food, oxygen affects all. More than just helping you think clearer, breathing right can help you sleep better, help with digestion, lower stress, and boost the immune system. This all comes down to the system in your body that helps you breathe: your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. A healthy respiratory tract is crucial for good breathing.
But what if there’s a problem in this system, say an infection? Respiratory tract infections can throw a spanner in the works. We’ll delve into that topic today, and also discuss how certain herbs can help treat these infections.
Let’s talk about what respiratory tract infections are. They are diseases caused by infections in the respiratory tract. They come in two main types:
1. Upper respiratory tract infections: These affect the parts of your breathing system above your vocal cords, like your nose, sinuses, and throat. So, things like colds, flu, sinusitis, and laryngitis fall into this category.
2. Lower respiratory tract infections: These happen in the parts below your vocal cords, like your windpipe and lungs. These infections, like bronchitis and pneumonia, are more serious.
Let’s look at the main culprits of these infections:
Upper infections are generally caused by the common cold, ear infections, or pharyngitis.
Lower infections are caused by bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
These infections usually come with a range of symptoms. From a runny nose to a severe cough, feeling tired all the time and body aches are all signs of an infection in the respiratory tract. If you experience loss of consciousness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or a fever over 103° F, you should see a doctor right away.
Everyone can get these infections, but some of us are more prone than others. If you’re a child or an older adult, smoke, or have a weak immune system, you’re more likely to get these infections. Existing heart or lung disease patients are also at higher risk.
Respiratory tract infections can lead to serious problems like heart failure and abnormal functioning of the lungs. In some cases, the lungs can stop working. These are diagnosed by doctors examining your breathing and possibly running a few tests like CT scans and X-rays, or performing pulse oximetry.
Thankfully, nature has provided a few herbs renowned for fending off these infections like Guduchi, Manjishtha, Curcumin, and Yashtimadhu. And there’s more you can do to steer clear of respiratory tract infections. Make sure to cover your face, avoid sick people, clean anything used by a sick person, and stay home if you’re feeling ill.
In conclusion, herbs have been offering us their healing power for ages. The four herbs mentioned are especially effective at treating respiratory infections naturally. Adding Ayurvedic remedies from Planet Ayurveda to your routine can be a great way to keep these infections at bay.
This article was written by Dr. Vikram Chauhan, an Ayurveda consultant based in Chandigarh, India. He’s an expert in herbs and their use, and the founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda. His work centers around bringing the wisdom from ancient Ayurvedic texts to modern life to help people stay healthy naturally.
