12 Ayurvedic hacks to survive Delhi’s nasty pollution

Existing vehicular pollution in Delhi and other neighboring cities is making the air condition worse. Hospitals are reporting a significant spike in respiratory conditions this week. 12 Ayurvedic hacks But there are ways you can minimize the ill effects of this nasty pollution that's hurting your lungs. We spoke to Ayurvedic experts to know about hacks that can help you survive this menace.
1) NEEM

Dr. Nitin Rajan Kochar (MD) (Ayurveda), Hon. Ayurveda consultant at K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, suggests, “There are herbal preparations, which adsorb pollutants and may also help detoxify the effects.” One must wash the skin and hair with neem leaves boiled in the water. It will clear the pollutants stuck to skin and mucosal membrane. If possible, also try to eat three to four leaves at least twice a week. It helps to purify blood and lymphatic tissue.

2) TULSI (BASIL)

Tulsi (basil) should be planted at every house to absorb the pollution. In addition, one should drink 10-15 ml of tulsi juice, as it helps clear pollutants from the respiratory tract, adds Dr. Kochar.

3) TURMERIC (HALDI)

“Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of ghee or honey should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning,” advises Dr. Lipsa Shah, Hon. Ayurveda Consultant at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai.

4) GHEE

Dr. Shah recommends, “One can put 2 drops of cow ghee in each nostril every day in the morning and at bedtime to stay clear from pollutants.” Dr. Kochar adds, “It is important to have two to three teaspoons of homemade ghee daily. It is very useful to chelate the toxic effects of metals like lead and mercury and does not allow them to accumulate in bones, kidneys, and liver.”

5) PIPPALI

Rosme Chaube, an Ayurvedic doctor, says, “Pippali is one of the super herbs for purifying lungs that enable easy breathing. It’s very effective against lung infections due to its rejuvenative properties. A simple way to consume this is ¼ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, and 1/8 teaspoon pippali powder mixed in 1 tbsp honey and washed down with warm water. This should, however, be taken for a maximum of seven days and not used in infants.”

6) TRIPHALA

Pollution causes imbalance in tridosha, and Triphala helps restore the same, thus bolstering immunity. One tablespoon of Triphala with 1 teaspoon of honey at night is the recommended dosage, recommends Dr. Chaube.

7) POMEGRANATE JUICE

Drink pomegranate juice, as it is known to purify blood and is also a brilliant cardioprotective fruit.

8) MASSAGE

Dr. Piyush Juneja, Vedicgram, suggests a daily full-body warm oil massage, aka Abhyangam, therefore, acts as a powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.

9) STEAM

Luke Coutinho, a holistic healing expert, recommends taking steam with 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil or a drop of peppermint oil. This should be done for five minutes twice a day.

10) AYURVEDIC HERB SMOKE

Dhoop (smoke created in an earthen bowl) of Guggulu and Aguru, which are Ayurvedic herbs, can be used to prevent dampness in the house, which is a leading cause of allergic cold and breathlessness, adds Dr. Shah.

11) WARM HOME-COOKED FOOD

Eat home-cooked, warm food instead of eating out at restaurants. Incorporate herbs like turmeric, cayenne pepper, carom seeds, ginger, etc. in food. Add some pepper and basil leaves to your regular cup of chai.

12) PRACTICE BREATHING

Practice simple breathing asanas such as pranayam, kapalbhati, and jal neti to combat the ill effects of pollution. “Inhale from the nose and hold for four seconds. Exhale from the nose and breathe out the maximum air you can from the nose, and then open your mouth and push out the last air left with a sound. Do it in a standing position, 5-10 times a day,” suggests Luke.

PRODUCT/S AT J-AMADA REMEDIES WHICH HELP FIGHT POLLUTION IS/ARE THE SHIELD (click to know more).