Last verified: April 2026

Respiratory Conditions — Kasa, Shwasa, Pratishyaya

कास · श्वास · प्रतिश्याय — Cough · Dyspnoea · Rhinitis/Sinusitis

Respiratory conditions in classical Ayurveda are primarily Kapha-Vata disorders — Kapha accumulates in the upper channels (Pranavaha Srotas), Vata becomes erratic in its movement through these obstructed channels, and the combination produces the characteristic respiratory symptom cluster. Charaka Samhita documents five types of Kasa and five types of Shwasa, each requiring different treatment.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical Ayurvedic texts record. This is not medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a qualified practitioner (BAMS or MD Ayurveda). Full disclaimer →

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 18.4

Kasasya mulam Kaphasthana sanchaya — The root of cough is the accumulation of Kapha in the Kapha sites (chest, stomach, head). When Vata is then aggravated and cannot move freely through these Kapha-obstructed channels, the classical cough reflex is produced.

Kasa — the five classical types

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 18 documents five types: Vataja Kasa — dry, non-productive, painful cough; associated with throat dryness, hoarseness; worse at night. Pittaja Kasa — productive with yellow or blood-tinged sputum; burning in the chest; associated with fever. Kaphaja Kasa — productive with white, thick sputum; heaviness in the chest; worse in the morning and after cold foods. Kshayaja Kasa (depletion-origin) — documented for wasting conditions including Rajayakshma; persistent, weakening cough. Kshataja Kasa (trauma-origin) — documented for injury to the chest.

Shwasa — five types of dyspnoea

Ashtanga Hridayam documents five types ranging from Maha Shwasa (severe, life-threatening dyspnoea with Vata fully obstructing the Pranavaha Srotas) to Tamaka Shwasa (the classical condition most closely resembling asthma — Kapha obstructing the Pranavaha channels, often triggered by cold air, cold foods, and emotional triggers). Tamaka Shwasa is specifically documented as a night-worsening condition triggered by cold exposure — consistent with nocturnal asthma patterns documented in modern pulmonology.

Primary classical herbs — respiratory conditions

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) — Kaphahara, bronchodilatory, anti-infective; documented for Kasa and Pratishyaya. Pippali — the primary classical Kasa herb; documented in Charaka Samhita for both acute and Kshayaja types. Yastimadhu (licorice) — Kasahara, Shothahara; documented for soothing the respiratory mucosa. Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) — the most potent classical bronchodilatory herb; Vasicine is the primary active compound studied in modern pharmacology.

Primary classical formulations

Sitopaladi Churna (Pippali + Vamshalochana + Cardamom + Cinnamon + Sugar) — documented in Sharangadhara Samhita for Kasa and Shwasa across all Dosha types. Agastya Haritaki Avaleha — documented in Ashtanga Hridayam for chronic respiratory conditions and Kshayaja Kasa. Talisadi Churna — classical Kapha-type respiratory Churna. Kanakasava — Datura-based fermented preparation for severe Shwasa; requires specialist prescription only.

Seasonal relevance

Respiratory conditions are most frequent in Vasanta (spring — Kapha liquefies and overflows into Pranavaha Srotas), Varsha (monsoon — Vata aggravation), and Shishira (late winter — cold wind). Classical seasonal regimen (Ritucharya) documents preventive measures for each of these windows.