Diwali, the festival of lights, is around the corner and we cannot be more excited. Diwali is undoubtedly one of the biggest festivals of India, when homes, offices, institutions, roads and whole neighbourhoods are decorated with fairy lights, candles and lamps. If you move towards rural India, you will find houses decorated with earthen lamps or mitti-ka-diyas. The festival is a time to revel in the company of friends and family, dress up in fancy traditional attire and savour the delicious delicacies prepared for the evening. It is an occasion to behold with childlike amazement, the colourful fireworks that dazzle the sky and turn it into a display of myriad hues. But, with this also comes a greater responsibility of protecting the environment and our health. We all know the precautions one must take while dealing with fire and crackers on Diwali, but the harm caused by smoke and fumes to our lungs also needs to be taken care of. The poor quality of air can take a massive toll on lungs, and hence should not be taken lightly.
(Also Read: Diwali 2020: Date, Time, Significance Of Deepavali Puja And Festive Recipes To Try)
The respiratory problems during and after Diwali 2020 can be managed with simple kitchen ingredients.
Ayurveda Expert, Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi, shared recipes of some Ayurvedic concoctions that we can prepare this Diwali to protect ourselves from the adverse effects of smoke and fumes.
1. Carrot and Beetroot juice
Carrot is one of the most healing foods, which provides the highest quality of nutrients, especially when taken in its juice form. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 and B6. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in carrots effectively protect our lungs from infections and free-radical attacks. Moreover, carrot juice helps in de-clogging mucus from the ear, nose and throat, easing nasal congestion that happens because of excess of pollution and smoke in the air we breathe. While beetroot helps treat the uneasiness and irritation; thanks to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
All you have to do is to take fresh carrots and beetroot and juice them. Add black pepper and rock salt to it. Drink this concoction during this season to combat respiratory problems.
Carrot juice helps in de-clogging mucus from the ear, nose and throat, easing nasal congestion that happens because of excess of pollution and smoke in the air we breathe.
2. Ginger and Honey paste
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger will help clear our lungs naturally. It also helps in detoxifying and promotes the elimination of pollutants from the lungs. It helps in relieving congestion, unclogging air-passages and improving circulation to the lungs, further boosting lung health. Honey is packed with vitamins C, D, E K and B complex. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is also rich in a bevy of antioxidants that make it ideal to fight respiratory infections.
Take 2 tsp ginger juice and mix 1 tsp honey in it. Add black pepper to it. Mix it well. Consume this paste regularly to fight all lung-related problems. This is even good for the ones who are suffering from asthma.
This home remedy is one of the most famous treatments that have been passed down through generations. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties; thanks to the curcumin compound present in it. This compound helps relieve inflammation of the airways and tightness of chest associated with asthma.
Take one cup of milk and warm it on a low fame. Now add a half tsp turmeric powder to it and mix it well. You will have yellow-golden colour milk now. Drink this every day to fight any lung-related problems.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties; thanks to the curcumin compound present in it.