ABSTRACT
In modern medicine, respiratory tract drugs include antiallergic drugs, antiasthmatic drugs, and antitussives.1 In Ayurveda, respiratory problems are considered to arise from poor digestion2 and therefore the herbs prescribed in Ayurveda for treatment of respiratory disorders not only improve digestion but also have other useful effects like antiallergic activity and immunostimulant activity. For example, Piper longum is a carminative agent that improves digestion, and has antianaphylactic and immunostimulant effects. A large number of herbs have been used to stimulate digestion, reduce the cough reflex, liquefy phlegm, and aid in the removal of phlegm through expectoration. Some of the conditions associated with respiratory tract problems have been classified as kasa (cough), swasa (dyspnea), and kasa swasa (bronchial asthma). The most popular home remedies for these conditions include spices, such as ginger, turmeric, black, and long pepper, and common plants, such as Adhatoda vasica, Solanum xanthocarpum, Solanum trilobatum, etc.
