
As pollution levels rise across major cities, the very air we breathe has become a health hazard. The increasing Air Quality Index (AQI) in urban areas serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat air pollution poses to our well-being. Pollutants from vehicles and industries are taking a toll on our lungs, contributing to a surge in respiratory issues and other related health problems. In light of this growing concern, taking proactive steps to protect our lung health is essential.
One effective way to do so is by incorporating certain herbal brews into your daily routine. Fitness coach Luke Coutinho has shared recipes for five healthy beverages that can help protect the lungs from pollution-induced damage.
In a post shared on Instagram, he writes, "With air pollution hitting extreme levels across Indian cities, many people write to me asking how to protect their lungs naturally. Over the years, I've seen that simple remedies can show great results when implemented consistently, and these brews work beautifully when paired with other important nutrition and lifestyle habits."
Boil 1 tbsp methi seeds in 500 ml water. Reduce the water to 300 ml before taking it off the stove. Sip 2 glasses of the warm beverage daily. It helps loosen mucus while supporting a natural cleanse.
Add 10 g fresh tulsi leaves (or 1 tbsp dried) and 2 green cardamom pods to 500 ml water. Boil and sip warm. Luke recommends drinking 2 glasses per day. It soothes a cough and strengthens immunity.
Boil 1 tbsp saunf seeds in 500 ml water for 2 minutes. This drink helps clear the airways and eases bloating.
Add 1 tbsp methi seeds, 10 g fresh tulsi leaves (or 1 tbsp dried), 2 elaichi pods, and 1–2 tsp saunf to 1 litre of water. Boil until it reduces by half. Strain and sip warm. This concoction supports lung health and helps clear mucus.
Boil 10 g tulsi, 5 black peppercorns, 8 crushed garlic cloves, a 2-inch piece of mashed ginger, 2 tbsp saunf and 2 tbsp methi seeds in 1 litre of water for 5 minutes. Simmer, strain and sip warm for fever relief. It helps clear phlegm and supports overall lung health.
Start with what feels gentle, stay consistent and listen to your body. These remedies may help you breathe easier during heavy smog seasons.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
World No. 3 Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the India Open 2026 due to hazardous air pollution in New Delhi, marking his third consecutive absence from the event.
In the video, Evans, known as "Aussie Bhai" on Instagram, was seen removing the filter from his air purifier.
The PM2.5 assessment for 2025 ranks Byrnihat (Assam), Delhi, and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) as India's top three most polluted cities with annual concentrations of 100 g/m, 96 g/m, and 93 g/m, respectively.
A study by Jawaharlal Nehru University finds that Delhi's polluted winter air carries high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs far above safe limits, posing public health risks, especially for vulnerable groups and those with chronic
The Commission for Air Quality Management or CAQM, was strongly reprimanded by the Supreme Court today, which said the pollution body was not taking the issues raised by the court seriously.
................................ Advertisement ................................
Blog | Well Done, Delhi. You've Turned Lung Sacrifice Into A Badge Of HonourSaikat Kumar Bose
Monday November 10, 2025Till some years back, Delhiites would ask angry questions to those in power about the capitals annual tryst with toxic air. This has changed. Those in the driving seat dont see the need to answer now.
Opinion | Why Indians Have Just Given Up On Air Pollution CrisisTanushree Ganguly
Friday December 20, 2024While some may argue that people in Delhi are now more aware of air pollution than they were a decade back, my rebuttal would be that awareness does not mean that people are concerned.
Opinion | You Must Outrage Over Filthy Air More Than Once A YearJyoti Pande Lavakare
Tuesday December 10, 2024Delhi welcomed us with monsoon rains and mangos. We were home. Fast forward a couple of years, in the winter of 2012, I found myself in denial about something other parents, mostly expats, were calling toxic air.
Opinion | Delhi's Air Pollution Situation Is Like A Bad MarriageNishtha Gautam
Friday November 22, 2024On a good day, such as today, the AQI reading in Delhi is 407. We are jubilant at the sickly sunshine trickling through the slightly dissipated smog. At least its not 1600.
दिवाली... पराली... सियासी जुगाली!Ashwini kumar
Monday November 18, 2024दिल्ली-एनसीआर में प्रदूषण का समाधान तो आज तक मिला नहीं. हर साल चिंतित होकर हम-आप सांसों की तकलीफ के साथ-साथ दिल और ब्लड प्रेशर के मरीज भी क्यों बनें?

