Air pollution is one of the most significant risks to the health of India’s population. Specially, every winter, the problem exacerbates, more so in North India, over the entire Indo-Gangetic Plains.The presence of pollutants in the air, along with the change in weather conditions and wind direction, heightens the issue.
Significantly high pollution load due to burning of field stubble causes alarming air pollution levels. The change in the wind direction, now blowing from the north-west, and dip in the temperature do not allow the pollutants to disperse. Moreover, the winter fog also turns into deadly smog after mixing with the pollutants, particulate matter, and smoke.Delhi NCR has been most affected because of the sheer size and population. And other cities such as Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Patna, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jaipur etc also see AQI breaching the red zone.
Health Problems Due to Winter Air Pollution
As you breathe in the polluted air, a large number of pollutants enter your airways and make your respiratory tract prone to infections. Children and older people are most susceptible to respiratory problems by an increase in air pollution. Some of the health problems caused or exacerbated by air pollution in winter are:-
- Common cough and cold
- Nasal congestions
- Breathing problem
- Dust allergies
- Lung Cancer
- Chronic bronchitis
Natural Ways Beat the Pollution ChallengeHere are some natural ways to tackle or cure respiratory issues due to pollution:
Wear a mask outdoors-
This isn’t a cure for respiratory diseases, but it can indeed prevent them from happening in the first place. It also prevents the exacerbation of present conditions. Wearing a mask on the streets helps to block the entry of particulate matter and other pollutants into the airways.
A popular ancient home remedy popular in India is drinking turmeric milk for all kinds of inflammation and respiratory issues. Turmeric works as the best anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herbal medicine. Boil milk with ginger, clove, and a pinch of turmeric. Add honey and drink it warm.
Tulsi, Ginger and Mint Kadha-
Boil water or tea or green tea with tulsi leaves, ginger slices, mint leaves and add some honey and salt to taste for making a kadha or kashayam. This grandma’s recipe is age old and very effective. You can also add few drops of lime juice.
Tulsi and honey help relieve nasal and throat congestion, itchiness, and soreness and provide immediate relief in respiratory health issues.
Tulsi has significant anti viral and anti bacterial property and it prevents or slows the mucus formation in respiratory tracts. The Kadha surely boosts your immunity to fight infections.
Jala Neti -
This is an ancient procedure to clean the nasal passage and unblock the sinus. It is beneficial for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, and other respiratory tract infections.
Fill the neti pot with warm water mixed with sea salts, tilt your head sideways and pour the water through one nostril. While breathing slowly throughout the process, using your mouth, let the water come out from the other nostril.
Bibo could be handy beating the pollution effects in no time!
Bibo Shots Kadha Mix empowers you to make a kadha in seconds.
Just tear a Bibo Shots Sachet and mix with hot cup of water or
tea or milk and enjoy the great taste and a long lasting
impact. Boost your immunity through this grandmother’s elixir
containing tulsi, ginger, menthol, bhumi amla and vasa etc.
The Bibo Nasal Spray is not just another saline spray! It also contains Tulsi and Xylitol for additional benefits. It helps clear the congestion in the nasal passage while also fights the bacteria and viruses build up in upper respiratory tract. It is in a way similar to the manual cleaning of the nasal passage with Jala neti.
5 Ways to reverse the effects of Air Pollution
We may not always realize it but everyday we are exposed to pollution and numerous germs that takes a toll on our health, especially if living in a city. The emission from vehicles subjects us to come into contact with free radicals that alters our DNA and contributes to various ailments.Read more