Dangers of Air Pollution and Herbal Solutions
Introduction
At present, air pollution has become a global health crisis. Urbanization, industrialization and increasing number of vehicles have filled the atmosphere with toxic gases and micro particles and the remaining work has been completed by political ambitions, due to which war has been waged. As a result, poison has dissolved in the environment. This increases the possibility of respiratory diseases, allergies, skin diseases and even cancer.
Nature around us on this earth has given us medicinal plants that help us reduce the effects of air pollution. This is the main topic of this article: “Dangers of air pollution and herbal remedies to avoid it”.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution means the presence of harmful gases, dust, smoke, chemicals and fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) in the atmosphere, which pose a threat to human health and the environment.
Major pollutants
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Mainly from vehicles
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2): Mainly from batteries
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Mainly from industries
- Fine dust particles (PM2.5, PM10): Mainly from fires
- Ozone (O3): Mainly from domestic appliances
Main causes of air pollution
- Smoke emitted from vehicles
- Gases emitted from factories and industries
- Construction dust
- Burning of organic waste
- Use of chemical air fresheners and incense sticks in homes
- Stubble burning
Effects on Health
‘’Air pollution can affect almost every part of the body. According to WHO, 7 million people die every year in the world due to air pollution’’.
- Respiratory diseases (Asthma, Bronchitis)
- Heart disease (Heart Attack, Stroke)
- Eye irritation and vision problems
- Skin diseases and allergies
- Impeded mental development in children
- Serious diseases like cancer
Herbal Solutions : Natural Power of Protection
Now we talk about those herbal medicinal plants which are extremely helpful in reducing the effects of air pollution. These plants not only strengthen the body from within but also purify the environment.
- Holy Basil
Benefits:
Cleans the respiratory tract
Strengthens the immune system
Detoxes the body
How to use:
Chew 5-7 basil leaves every morning on an empty stomach
Drink basil tea twice a day
- Neem
Benefits:
Cleans blood
Removes toxins from lungs
Effective on skin and allergies
Uses:
Neem leaf juice
Neem tablets
- Giloy
Benefits:
Effective in viral infections caused by pollution
Increases the body’s immunity
Uses:
Giloy juice
Giloy tea
- Mulethi (Licorice Root)
Benefits:
Relief from sore throat and cough
Opens the respiratory tract
Uses:
Take Mulethi powder with honey
Use in herbal decoction
- Amla
Benefits:
Storehouse of vitamin C
Immune booster and antioxidant
Improves lung function
Uses:
Amla juice in the morning on an empty stomach
Main ingredient in Chyavanaprash
- Harad, Baheda, Amla (Triphala)
Benefits:
Detoxifies the body
Removes pollutants
Usage:
Take Triphala churna with warm water at night
Plants that purify the environment
- Snake Plant-Gives oxygen at night
- Aloe Vera-Removes formaldehyde
- Tulsi-Purifies the air
- Arica Palm-Balances humidity
- Spider Plant-Absorbs carbon monoxide
Conclusion
The threat of air pollution is increasing day by day, but nature also has a solution for it. Herbal remedies not only protect our health but also improve the environment. Medicinal plants like Tulsi, Neem, Giloy, Amla protect us from the ill effects of air pollution by strengthening the respiratory system.
We have to take concrete steps towards protection from air pollution by adopting a natural lifestyle and incorporating herbal solutions in our daily routine.