Asthma:

Cause: Paralysis of the muscles governing the respiratory system whereby occur paroxysm in breathing, wheezing, and a distressing feeling of tightness in the chest.

Symptoms: breathing difficulty, craving for fresh air by the window but inability to get it, restlessness until phlegm is discharged. perspiration upon coughing in the winter, increased distress at night.

Treatment: For old asthma, Chyabanpras, Swasahar and Vargi Gur. Massage the head with Maha Bhringaraj Taila and the chest with Brihat Sarchandanadi Taila twice daily. If there is suffocation during respiration, prescribe Sar chandanadi Taila with three or four drops of milk. This medicine will thin the phlegm. Asthma is generally relieved by Brahmajasti Mul cum Saragunbalijarita Makaradhwaja, Basanta Tilak, and Brihat Bat Chintamani, taken with powder of long pepper and honey. If there is fever, give Mrityunjoy Ras with honey and betel leaf juice. If there is constipation, give the same medicine with ginger juice and rock-salt. Jwarasani Lauha is good for chronic asthma; it should be accompanied by honey and betel leaf juice. For loss of appetite, give Bhaskar Lavan after each meal. If there are such symptoms as continuous breathing trouble, fever, ache on chest, pain in the sides, irregular pulse, low temperature, burning in the limbs, give Basantatilak and Swaschintamani Ras with ginger juice and honey. This is to be continued for a long time. Additional medicines for asthma are: Swaskuthar, Sringadi Curna, Mahaswasari Lauha, Kanchanabhra Ras, etc. All are important and useful. Keep the bowels clear. When there is constipation, use Kosthasuddhi Modak or Haritaki Khanda. Swashara Jog is always helpful to the asthma patient.

Diet: Any food that does not bring indigestion and loss of appetite, milk (goat milk is best), leaf vegetables. Acid foods, curds, boal fish, musuri and maskalai lentils are not allowed.