9 Ayurvedic Hacks to Protect Yourself Against Pollution

Deadly air pollution is not a problem restricted to Delhi only, but it is a national problem that is killing 1.2 million Indians every year, according to a Greenpeace India report published earlier in January.

The biggest health impact of air pollution is due to the exposure to particulate matter– very fine dust floating in the air. These dust particles are so small that they can get into lungs, causing a series of health problems.

Source: The Hindustan Times

According to some government data, Delhi witnessed one of the worst cases of smog in the last 17 years.

Considering the impact of pollution on our overall health, it is necessary to increase the awareness about different ways of controlling health hazards. We have brought some ‘ancient’ measures to beat the impact of pollution.

Neem

An anti-pollutant herb, neem absorbs pollutants and detoxifies the body. Boil some neem leaves in water and use this water to gargle and wash your face and hair. It will clean your skin. Consuming 3-4 neem leaves twice a week will also improve your blood circulation, and purify the breathing system.

Tulsi

Every Indian household has a Tulsi plant in their courtyard. However, if you have not got one yet, you should get it for your family. You can drink Tulsi concoction every day to prevent the pollutants messing up with the respiratory tract of your body.

Turmeric

In the traditional system of medicine, turmeric has been used to relieve everything from liver problems to depression. Curcumin, the compound in turmeric, which is responsible for its bright hue, is a whole host of the health benefits attributed to the spice. Consume half a teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey on an empty stomach every morning to remove toxins and detoxify your system.

Ghee

Add two drops of ghee in your nostrils before going to bed to prevent the pollutants entering your respiratory system. You can also consume ghee every day to nullify the harmful effects of heavy metals like lead, mercury, etc.; on your liver and kidneys.

Pippali

It is one such super herb that is known for purifying the lungs. Take a 1/4th teaspoon of ginger, 1/4th teaspoon of turmeric and 1/8th teaspoon of pippali powder. Add 1 tbsp. of honey. Consume it with warm water. Do this for one week. This concoction shouldn’t be given to infants.

Triphala

Pollution creates an imbalance in Tridosha. It is the job of Tridosha to help in the creation of various types of tissues and remove any unnecessary waste product from the human body. In addition, it influences all sensory functions, movements, and other activities in the body. However, pollution disrupts the normal functioning of Tridosha and therefore, to rebalance it, consume 1 tbsp of Triphala (a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation of three fruits) with 1 tbsp of honey before going to bed.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate contains a unique and powerful antioxidant called punicalagin, which purifies the blood and protects the cardiovascular system from the effect of pollution.

Steam

Steam works by making secretions looser and easier to cough up. The simplest method involves pouring some warm or boiling water into a bowl. Then cover your head with a towel and lean into the water vapour rising from the bowl. You can also use a vaporizer in the same way.

Steam provides moist air, which soothes the breathing airway as well as loosens congestion and removes irritants from the throat and lungs. However, aromatherapy steam works magic in the treatment of a dry cough. Add 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil and take the steam for 5 minutes twice a day.

Eat Home Cooked Food

Eat simple home cooked food instead of eating out. Use herbs like cayenne pepper, carom seeds, ginger, etc.; while cooking. Add some basil in your regular cup of tea.

Go for a Health Insurance Policy

While the above measures would play an imperative role in securing your health, it is necessary to go for a comprehensive health insurance policy which will help you in case you fall ill due to high pollution level or bad weather conditions. Without any health cover, you may end up spending a substantial part of your savings on your medical treatment.

However, if you have a health or mediclaim insurance policy, you don’t need to worry about medical costs. In case you get hospitalised or visit a doctor, your health insurance policy will take care of your medical expenses. Further, you can buy a family floater plan to cover all your family members under a single plan.

Going forward, you can opt for a super top-up plan to keep a check on the rising medical expenses. This policy will kick in once you cross the deductible limit. Also, it is an apt plan for those who want to expand their coverage at affordable rates.

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children: Native American Proverb

Since you can’t stop breathing or sit in cocooned air-purified homes and waiting for the government to come up with another exciting idea to combat pollution  (Delhi’s government is planning to install air purifiers at traffic intersections, seriously!), it is time to take some immediate steps. Take a cue from the above list and get started!