New Delhi: The August 2024 report titled ‘Association of Tobacco Use and Cancer Incidence in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,’ published by JCO Global Oncology, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) journal, states that tobacco use is one of the leading factors contributing to cancer incidence and related deaths. India, ranking second in both tobacco production and consumption worldwide, faces an alarming toll of over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually. The report also highlights that current tobacco use stands at 32.8% in India, comprising 12.6% smokers and 24.7% smokeless tobacco users.
Dr Ravishankar Polisetty, Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA), shares insights into the Ayurvedic foods that can help in this process.
Before deciding to quit smoking, people must first understand the impact this toxic habit has on their bodies. The smoke itself is harmful to the lungs and the presence of nicotine in tobacco also makes a person addicted to smoking.
The first step is to remove nicotine from the body through detoxification. Ayurveda offers a powerful remedy for this, via Panchakarma. Regular Panchakarma, combined with Abhyanga, followed by purgation therapy -Virechana and Anuvasana, can have a significant positive impact on a regular smoker’s body. While Abhyanga loosens toxins and relaxes the body, Virechana eliminates these toxins. It is also an effective measure to administer Anuthaila into the nostrils to clear toxins like tar from the respiratory tract and calm the mind.
Certain herbs can be used based on an individual’s doshic constitution. For example, if there is an aggravation of Vata and Kapha in the brain, Ashwagandha can be used. On the other hand, if Pitta and Kapha are aggravated, Tulsi should be used. Chewing fresh Tulsi leaves helps reduce smoking cravings and also detoxifies the lungs. Other beneficial herbs include Vata, Mulethi, and Triphala. The differential nostril breathing exercises, based on advanced Poly Scientific Ayurvedic research, are highly effective in detoxifying the lungs and promoting mental balance.
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