With the Air Quality Index at its worst this year, SUNDAY PIONEER brings a list of things that one can do to detox lungs and breathe easy

Pollution is once again on a hike, with Delhiites gasping for fresh air. Breathing in the Capital is nothing less than consuming a bottle of poison. To combat this villain and fight toxicity, Dr Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda tells you tips that can work wonders.

While living in such conditons, one’s immunity has be strong so that the conditions doesn’t affect him much. This cannot be built overnight. There are certain foods that help to boost immunity and should be taken all around the year and especially when the pollution is on a real-time hike.

• Take nine to 10 raisins, seven almonds, five dates, three-four cashew nuts along with three chestnuts and soak them  in water overnight. The next morning, peel off the almonds and consume the mixture.

For those who are not fond of eating nuts, they can make a paste of the ingredients. Boil the paste in a cup of milk for a couple of minutes and drink it. To make the drink sweeter, one can add a tablespoon of honey.

• Chyawanprash. It is a good tonic for lungs and regular use of chyawanprash boosts the body’s immunity to fight against diseases and toxicity.
• Take saunth, black pepper and long pepper (tipli). Grind them to make a powder. Consume half tablespoon of this churna along with honey twice a day. This recipe in ayurveda is called trikatu churna and it makes the lungs strong.
• Mulethi. Diabetics can use it as an alternative of jaggery. It will help keep your throat clean.
• Turmeric. It is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to fight pollution. Mix turmeric powder in lukewarm or hot milk and drink it.
• Neem. Take five to six neem leaves. Wash them properly and soak them in lukewarm water for half an hour so that dirt is removed. Eat them regularly as it will help to remove all the pollutants and toxins fro the body.

For those who don’t want to eat gur as it is, Dr Chauhan lists alternate ways that can solve their woes.

• Take a cup of water add three-four tulsi leaves, two black pepper, two cloves, a pinch of cinnamon powder and a slice of finely chopped ginger. Boil them. Add a little bit of jaggery into the liquid. Your drink is ready.

Cover up

N95 air masks: N95 masks are basic anti-pollution masks that filter 95 per cent of the pollutants. This mask filters the particle pollutants including PM2.5 and other oil-based pollutants. While purchasing this grade of the mask, make sure to ensure that it has a separate passage for air to move out while exhaling. This design will help to prevent moisture and excessive fogging near the nose-bridge and eyes.

N99 and N100 masks: N99 and N100 masks get designed with a special technique that filters PM2.5 like fine pollutant particles with 99-99.97 per cent accuracy. 

P95 and R95 masks: These masks are preferably used in industrial spaces for filtering high pollutants. The P-rated masks are resistant to oil-based pollutants and the R-rated masks will be unable to filter oil-based contaminants.

Cambridge masks: These have three layers for filtering the air. The primary filter restricts the pollutants; the second layer filters the microbes with its microbe particulate filters and the third layer is a military-grade carbon filter. This mask filters the PM of 0.3 to 2.5 and dust of PM 10 as well as protects from viruses and bacteria.

Totobobo masks: This is a high-tech anti-pollution mask designed for combating the growing epidemic of air pollution.

Respro masks: These masks efficiently filter the particulate matter —PM10. These masks are favourable for athletes or sportspersons.

The writer is Satkam Divya

Do it yourself

Use activated charcoal

We have heard of activated charcoal being used in face wash and toothpaste. But, not many people know that it also act as a great air purifier. Activated charcoal also goes by the name of active carbon. The best part is that there is no odor and it is highly absorbent. You can think of it as a filter. People like to keep the charcoal in the bathroom as it controls humidity and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh as well.

Taking steam is beneficial

We can try our best to control the pollution inside the house. But, when we step outside there is not much we can do except cover our faces. Not many people know that taking steam is helpful if you are surrounded by pollution. In the evening, try taking steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil daily before going to sleep. This will not only help to relax and clear the airway but also assists your body to get rid of harmful substances.

Essential oils

When you are thinking of the measures to make your home pollution-free, essential oils are rarely on the list. However, they can be of more use than you can think of. A study conducted at Weber State University found that Thieves oils have a surprising kill rate of 99.96 per cent against airborne bacteria. It is the perfect ayurvedic blend of cinnamon, pine needle, thyme, lemon, eucalyptus, grapefruit and other essentials oils. These essential oils help to keep the air pure and clean inside your home.

You can put a few drops of the essential oil in a diffuser to clean the indoor air quality. If your allergies are acting up after stepping outside, put a few drops of the oil on a hot towel and inhale it to feel better instantly. You could also use eucalyptus oil to rub on your forehead, neck, and chest. It will soothe you from within.

The writer is Satkam Divya

Nature shows the way

Money plant removes chemical toxins

Contrary to its name, this plant does not grow money. But, some people put this in their house as a superstition for prosperity and for money to flow into the household. Hence, there is no science backing that claim. Instead money plant does help remove chemical toxins from the air. It also releases fresh air into the system. In a way, a money plant does save money as it helps you stay healthy and not fall sick. Add money plant at the entrance of your home or near the windows.

Boston Fern works great at improving air quality

This plant is very effective in removing formaldehyde, toluene and xylene from the atmosphere. This is one of the best plant choices for city life. If you are trying to protect the indoor air from smog or want to protect people with respiratory problems or allergies, then Boston Fern is the way to go.

Snake plants removes nitrogen dioxide

Interestingly, the other name for this plant is mother-in-law's tongue. It is really useful in filtering nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde. It is a great addition toyour bedroom as it doesn’t need much sunlight. It is comparatively easy to maintain as well.

Gur-chana can help

Gur chana, as the name suggests is derived from jaggery and chickpeas. It is made from sugarcane juice till the solidification is done completely. Jaggery is an energy-giving source, as it contains  high amount of iron. Iron-rich food improves the hemoglobin level in the blood, which in turn increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This helps in getting from the harmful effects of pollution. Similarly, chana is one of the most popular and healthy snacks. It is rich in protein, fiber, minerals, folate, and fatty acids that promote good health in numerous ways. Thus gur combined with chana doubles the health benefits and boosts immunity and provides instant energy.

Gur chana acts as a cleansing agent, you may not normally connect sweeteners with cleansing the body, but it is one of the well-proven benefits of it. It is very effective for various body parts, as it cleans the harmful substances from respiratory tracts, lungs, food pipe, stomach, and intestines. 

Several studies and reports have proved that consuming a bit of gur chana every day can help combat carbon pollution in the air.  Pollution is on the rise and becoming worse with time, and at this rate, all those prone to breathing disorders like asthma, bronchitis, allergy, chronic wheezing, and other respiratory diseases are only going to have it tougher. You can opt for Sattviko Gur Chana.

The writer is Dr (Prof) M Wali, former physician to the President of India

Golden Pothos reduces carbon dioxide

With Diwali approaching nearer, the pollution level is bound to shoot up. Prepare in advance by protecting the air inside your house. For this cause, Golden Pothos would be a great addition to your house. It is very good at purifying the air and can survive in humid conditions as well. Golden Pothos does a great job of reducing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Aloe Vera removes benzene

Aloe Vera is mostly popular for skin-related problems. But, it has many other benefits that could surprise you. Aloe Vera plants are a perfect fit for a room with carpets. It helps get rid of formaldehyde and benzene. This plant loves to be in the sunlight and needs little water. You could also use the extracts to heal skin irritation, acne and much more.

The writer is Satkam Divya, CEO, KlinicApp