Help breathing (swasahara)

Swasahara are herbs that relieve and prevent breathing difficulties by opening the airways, reducing congestion, and supporting the proper movement of prana vata in the lungs. They typically exhibit katu (pungent) or tikta (bitter) rasa, laghu (light) and ruksha (dry) guna, and generally ushna virya (warming potency), which help dissolve mucus and improve respiratory flow.

Examples include cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), ephedra (Ephedra sinica), known for its broncho dilating and decongestant effects, and vasaka (Adhatoda vasaka), a renowned expectorant that soothes inflammation and supports clear, unobstructed breathing.