Asthma in Children: An Ayurvedic Approach to Easier Breathing

Asthma in Children: An Ayurvedic Approach to Easier Breathing

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions among New Zealand children, affecting roughly one in seven. During Spring, when pollen counts rise and wind carries dust and allergens, many young lungs struggle. Night-time coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can leave a child exhausted, affecting sleep, learning, concentration and most of all their happiness.

While Western medicine offers inhalers to relieve acute symptoms, Ayurveda looks deeper to why the airways are over-reactive in the first place. Asthma is seen as a disturbance of Kapha (mucus and congestion) and Vata (the air and movement principle), sometimes mixed with Ama, sticky metabolic waste that clogs the channels of breath. Treatment focuses on clearing these blockages, calming Vata’s spasms, and strengthening lung vitality.

Healing through Food

A Kapha balancing diet is key with predominantly warm, freshly cooked meals that are easy to digest. Avoid cold or iced drinks, refined sugar, deep-fried foods, and heavy dairy, especially at night. If phlegm is a problem, keep dairy minimal and reintroduce only once symptoms ease. Favour light vegetable soups, soft grains like red rice or quinoa, and lightly spiced stews. Helpful kitchen allies include dry ginger, turmeric, cumin, and ajwain, which kindle digestion and clear the chest.
At bedtime, if no active wheeze or reflux, a cup of warm water with a pinch of turmeric and cardamom can soothe the throat and settle coughs.

Lifestyle & Environment

Reducing allergen exposure is essential. Use dust-mite covers, hot-wash bedding weekly, and keep bedrooms dry and well-ventilated. Avoid smoke and synthetic air fresheners. Outdoor play is encouraged, gentle movement expands the lungs, but keep the chest warm on cooler days.

Yoga and breath work can be a fun and empowering part of a child’s healing routine. Simple diaphragmatic breathing, placing hands on the belly and taking slow, even breaths to a count of four in and four out, helps expand the lungs and calm anxiety around breathlessness. Gentle pranayama such as Nadi Shodana (alternate nostril breathing) without breath holds for just a few minutes each day supports balance in the nervous system and steady airflow through both nostrils. A few child friendly postures such as cat-cow, cobra, bridge, supported fish, and child’s pose, keep the chest open, strengthen the respiratory muscles and bring a sense of calm confidence to young practitioners.

A regular sleep schedule supports recovery, elevate the head slightly during coughing spells. Nasal care with a few drops of Anu Taila oil, an ayurvedic nasal oil, can help clear the sinuses and prevent night congestion.

Herbal Support & Daily Tonics

For daily maintenance, Chyawanprash, an Amla fruit based medicated jam with a high content of vitamin C and antioxidants, nourishes immunity and lungs. Sitopaladi powder and licorice soothe irritation, while tulsi tea with ginger and lemon taken through the day clears phlegm. A pinch of turmeric with pepper in food supports airway resilience.
Before bed, a chest rub with Bala-Ashwagandha oil over the sternum and back can ease tightness and promote restful sleep.

A message from a parent:

“Sarita, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for helping my daughter with her Asthma treatment. She was really struggling with coughing after her asthma attack, and even her reliever pump wasn’t helping much. Then we found Ayurveda and decided to give it a go. We believe in ayurvedic treatment, and you were absolutely wonderful explaining everything in detail to my 10-year-old. Since starting the treatment, her cough settled completely within two weeks. She’s been doing her breathing exercises regularly and taking the Ayurveda medicine exactly as you guided. Now she’s enjoying school without coughing at all. Thanks again, Sarita – we really appreciate all your help!” Lokesh Patel, father of Ziya (10)

If your child suffers from Asthma, consider an ayurvedic consultation to uncover and address the root cause.

At Ayurveda New Zealand we offer a special children’s rate (under 15 years) and would love to help your child breathe, sleep, and thrive again.

To book your appointment, visit www.ayurvedanz.co.nz (Sarita Solvig Blankenburg)