PAID ACCESS | Published on : 24-Mar-2026 | Pages: 89-94 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook182024/89-94
Respiratory diseases are a significant public health issue worldwide. They greatly contribute to illness, death, and healthcare expenses. Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and tuberculosis, are especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. In these areas, environmental pollution, tobacco use, and limited healthcare access worsen disease outcomes. Traditional medicine is essential for primary healthcare in many rural and indigenous communities, particularly in India. Here, people widely use plant-based treatments to manage respiratory problems. This chapter provides an overview of medicinal plants traditionally used for respiratory conditions, integrating perspectives on global health, ethnomedicinal practices, and the relevance of plant therapies. It includes an account of 29 plant species used in Indian traditional systems. For each species, the chapter lists its botanical name, family, parts used, methods of preparation, and specific uses in respiratory care. Additionally, it examines the benefits of plant-based treatments compared to synthetic drugs, highlights the troubling decline of indigenous knowledge, and underscores the need for conservation efforts. The chapter highlights the important role of ethnobotany in respiratory healthcare and the potential of plant-based compounds as future treatments by integrating scientific research with cultural insights.
Respiratory diseases, Traditional medicine, Ethnomedicinal practices, Environmental pollution
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