Masks: CSIR-NBRI develops decongestant to protect from suffocation

New Delhi: Healthcare specialists have been strongly suggesting the usage of face masks as a stop-gap measure to curtail coronavirus contraction. However, wearing a mask for quite a while may cause breathing trouble and congestion in the respiratory system of human beings. To address this issue, researchers at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, have produced a herbal decongestant shower.

Dr Sharad Srivastava, senior principal scientist, CSIR-NBRI, who led the team of scientists for this study, said, “Herbal decongestant spray is a fine blend of four plant-based oils, but the names of these plants cannot be disclosed right now because of issues related to intellectual property. This product is developed based on the principles of Ayurveda and contains ingredients reported in traditional scriptures.”

The initial results of this NBRI’s herbal spray have been extremely impressive. People wearing masks for a long time are getting a lot of relief from this, say researchers. This can be a huge help for healthcare workers in the frontlines who are required to wear the masks for longs hours continuously on a daily basis.

Dr Srivastava added that the primary reason behind the problem is the accumulation of carbon dioxide and humidity in the inner cavity of the mask. When a person breathes in, this goes back to the lungs again. Repetition of this process over a period of time causes discomfort in breathing and result in congestion

This formulation helps in clearing the windpipe and congestion by removing the mucus or cough leading to ease of breathing. It also reduces stress due to excessive use of mask and decongestion. This spray has been prepared as per guidelines of the ministry of AYUSH (Ayurvedic, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).